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Old 11-11-2019, 06:39 PM   #3
dmsfrr
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,610
Default Re: Best distributor for '56 T Bird 312 ?

Depending on which "later" distributor you have, getting it rebuilt or sending it in as a core to the outfit Kultulz posted the link to, there aren't many Made in the USA choices.

Mallory used to make a couple pretty nice Y-block distributors, including one with tach drive, but it's been discontinued for about 5+ yrs.
https://www.amazon.com/Mallory-USA-3...ct_top?ie=UTF8
The original Mallory ignition parts company doesn't even exist anymore.

Both of my project Birds use an oem '57 distributor so the '57-'59 version is the one I'm familiar with. Although the oem '59 to '64 Y-block distributors could work just as well for you.
There are still a few independent shops around that can rebuild (& recurve as needed) the one you have.

Caution: an exchange distributor from an auto parts store supplier may get you an incorrect distributor with a main shaft that is too short, which can fail quickly.

Other than the newer carb and dist, does your 312 have any performance upgrades, or is it stock?
Which intake manifold is on it? ECZ-A ('56) or ECZ-B ('57 style)
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 57 dist, shaft length.jpg (56.9 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg 55 56 flat dist rotor index.jpg (58.8 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg 57 dist rotor index.jpg (54.6 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg 59+ dist pivot plate, curved adv arm.jpg (61.6 KB, 6 views)
File Type: jpg ECZ-A bare intake.jpg (78.6 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg ecz-b '57 casting number c.jpg (57.8 KB, 9 views)

Last edited by dmsfrr; 11-12-2019 at 01:36 AM. Reason: add 2 more photos
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