what distributor????
 

I HAVE A 1956 Fairlane with a Tbird 312 CI V8 and it came to me with an Edelbrock 4bbl. Its very anemic and I was told I needed to use a 1957 distributor. Why and should I? Thanks from balmy northern Maine.

Re: what distributor????
 

"57-"64....Y Block dist., any should work,,advance/vaccum characteristics are the reasons. Others can explain better,,,

Re: what distributor????
 

('54, '55 and) '56 distributors advance the ignition timing based on vacuum, only.
The vacuum pressure needed by a '56 dual timing advance canister is one-year-only, not the same as earlier or later.
Without a '56 teapot carburetor and its matching vacuum port, an existing '56 distributor cannot advance the timing properly. It can/will run sluggish and may tend to overheat.

The '57 + distributors have mechanical timing advance in addition to the vacuum function.
A '57 or newer carburetor like you have has a vacuum fitting with a pressure level that matches a '57 or newer distributor.

https://www.ctci.org/gilsgarage/Vacu...Mechanisms.php

https://www.ctci.org/gilsgarage/57distributor.php
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Re: what distributor????
 

Thank you. I'll see if I can find a 57 dizzy out there somewhere. Jim in frozen Orrington, Maine.

Re: what distributor????
 

I'm assuming the engine has the '56 small bolt pattern ECZ-A intake manifold with an adapter/spacer to mount the Edelbrock 4bbl carb.

Almost any '57 thru '64 y-block dist should work.
There are some internal differences in distributor construction: '57-'59 and then '60+, mostly the mounting of the pivot plate for the points and the shape of the arm from the advance diaphragm.
A '57+ dist will have a notch to index the rotor and uses a different cap & rotor than the earlier ones.

Lateral play in the shaft bushings and a bad diaphragm in the vacuum canister are two things to check for in a used dist.

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Re: what distributor????
 

Modern day auto parts stores should be able to get you a distributor for a 1964 F100 with a 292. For all practical purposes these are the same off the shelf from any supplier. The 57’s are difficult to find and you really won’t notice any differences.

Ted Eaton has some excellent articles on his website that explain carb mods should you ever go with a mid 50s carburetor

Re: what distributor????
 

What HRR said... Times 2

http://www.eatonbalancing.com/2000/03/24/quick-index-for-eaton-balancing-articles/


This could be due to other problems including the carb / dist mismatch.
How long have you had the car? Have you checked the points, timing, intake manifold vacuum, done a compression test, adjusted the valves... ?
If the car is new to you, have you confirmed what engine is in it?

http://ford-y-block.com/Block%20identification.htm

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Re: what distributor????
 

Check the timing, Y- Blocks like more timing than is listed in the manuals. I have between 10-12 on the crank and 34 total

Re: what distributor????
 

There’s been some complaints lately that some “y block distributors” aren’t. They’re a little short. Look close before installing.

Re: what distributor????
 

I was gonna mention that - recently complaints have surfaced. Y Block cores must be getting scarce again. 30-2808 is the Cardone #, but they are apparently using something else for cores on their rebuilds? Not sure what is going on. Dimension between mounting boss and gear is critical.

Re: what distributor????
 

I bought one of the Cardone Distributors a couple of years ago. it was a little short, and I did not like the way the oil pump drive shaft engaged. It was a little short and did not sit deep enough. I ended up not using it , because I did not want to take the chance of an oil pump failure due to a cheap dist. that would ruin a new engine. I am going to end up using an MSD. the eng. has not yet been installed in my avatar.