Ford Flathead DUI (distributor)

[ArcLighter]

Anyone had any experience with one of these:

https://performancedistributors.com/...flathead-ford/

[cmbrucew]

Will the belts clear the distributer?
Bruce

[Talkwrench]

Maybe I'm not an expert here but I think HEI is a bit of a waste on a low comp flathead. Again you're better off talking to Jim.

[deucemac]

That is very pricey as I see it. Get a hold of Bubba and buy one of his Chevy conversions with the electronic unit in it and be done and have much more room too. am a big proponent of HEI to upgrade a GM car, but not for a Flathead Ford or any other non GM where a factory electronic unit can easily adapted. Bubba's Chevy dist set up for an *BA will make life easy. AND save you enough to buy the wife a nice dinner out!

[ArcLighter]

Will have to check this with the mfg. - right here in Memphis.

Originally Posted by cmbrucew

Will the belts clear the distributer?
Bruce

[Diavolo]

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I got a Bubbas. That thing even looks ugly. For the price, I would prefer what I got from Bubba anyway.

[5851a]

I personally never cared for the looks of them, not even on a GM engine. Are they a 12 volt neg ground only?

[rotorwrench]

They have a vacuum can but I wonder if they tune it for a flathead V8 to work off manifold pressure or not. They don't mention anything about that. The HEI is a great ignition system but it is way too big for a compact flatty and is not aesthetically appealing.

[Ol' Ron]

The interesting part of ignition systems is: Mo Matter how much Juice you supply to the engine, It determines how much it will use. At 8:1 CR that's about 8 KVA, with .035" plug gap. But they do look Cool. Richard called them the "Frankenstein distributor."

[BillM]

Another option is to use a Mopar electronic distributor machined to fit and trigger a separate HEI module. This can also be done by installing the Mopar reluctor in the distributor of your choice; including the crab. See my site for some more details.

[Kahuna]

My understanding is the Loadamatic distributor was used from 1949 thru 1953 on the flatheads. Then thru 1956 on the Y Blocks. I wonder if a 1957 Ford distributor with full mechanical & vacuum advance could be used/adapted in place of the Chevy type used or other DUI? Maybe the later mounting style is different?
Just wondering
Jim

[scooder]

Y block distributor rotates the opposite way I believe. The GM stuff works good as rotation, obviously and it's longer business end that's fatter to, so it machines down nice without sleeves and extension nonsense.
Martin.

[rotorwrench]

It seems like the Y block distributor was a lot like the 8BA version. They may be kind of long too since they were on the back. The little Chrysler ones were good & compact but had all the goods. The Chevy ones were a bit bigger but not by much. I think they both look good on a flathead.

[Bored&Stroked]

No experience - but my guess is that it will work just fine (as long as you ensure that it will work with your water pumps and fan/belt configuration). It is important that it has an advance curve and system that is designed for a flathead and your particular induction system - hopefully it is 'tuneable' in these areas and they know how to help you set it up (both mechanical and vacuum advance setups).

Yes - to many it is 'big and ugly' . . . but you have your own eyes and that is an aesthetic/personal opinion anyway.

Most of us 'traditionalists' would not run it - mainly because it does not have a 'vintage' look in our eyes. Same deal with a GM alternator adapted to the stock generator position. Many of these 'upgrades' are supplied from good manufacturers who produce quality products . . . so I have no negative comments about them (other than looks that don't match my tastes).

If you like the capabilities of a DUI ignition, it fits your engine and you can afford it - I say go for it. Report back to us all how well it works . . . always more to learn.

Take care,

B&S

[Richard in Florida]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

But they do look Cool. Richard called them the "Frankenstein distributor."

That was because I used parts of two "bodies" to make the stem long enough to clear the water elbow. I removed the HEI module and used it strictly as a magnetic trigger for my Crane CDI ignition. I also removed the on-board coil so I could use the coil I wanted to use. I have some pictures somewhere if anyone's interested.