59 engine what distributor should I run

[tetanus]

I have a 59 engine I’m putting in my 40. What ford distributors are the best to run I have the 46-48 style and the 37-41? Style and have the 2 bolt and 3 bolt cover. Thanks

[KiWinUS]

2 bolt crab. Both are great distributors.

[Mart]

I tend to go for the later 2 bolt type but use the crab type cap. I use an "ignition amplifier" kit and do away with the condenser.

The length of the nose on the cam will dictate whether the distributor will bolt on directly or an adaptor will be needed.

[47topless]

Originally Posted by Mart

I tend to go for the later 2 bolt type but use the crab type cap. I use an "ignition amplifier" kit and do away with the condenser.

The length of the nose on the cam will dictate whether the distributor will bolt on directly or an adaptor will be needed.

Instant Carma, I am having Charlie NY do my distributor and he suggested the same thing with my two bolt I will need to discuss the "ignition amplifier" idea with him. Thanks.

[Mart]

Ignore the ignition amplifier bit. It's a kit I use that Charlie might not be familiar with. Just go with a condenser.

[47topless]

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Originally Posted by Mart

Ignore the ignition amplifier bit. It's a kit I use that Charlie might not be familiar with. Just go with a condenser.

Gottit! Thanks
Someone on this forum was offering his own builds so I'll try to get one from him.

[tetanus]

I will need adapter for the 46-48 style. That doesn’t concern me. I just don’t know if the 37-41 is inferior to the later one or harder to work on. I did not know I could put a crab cap on the 46-48 style. Mart I’m curious about that amplifier you mentioned. Thanks everyone for your input.

[KiWinUS]

Go with the 3 bolt earlier style. Also a great distributor.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by tetanus

I will need adapter for the 46-48 style. That doesn’t concern me. I just don’t know if the 37-41 is inferior to the later one or harder to work on. I did not know I could put a crab cap on the 46-48 style. Mart I’m curious about that amplifier you mentioned. Thanks everyone for your input.

The helmet is as good as the crab, and is waterproof, while the crab is not.
The 11A advance disc (11A stamped on the tang) is superior to the 68.

The adapter button can be conveniently installed on the helmet distributor so it doesn't fall off while installing the distributor: Drill thru the tang & button, and install a taper pin. Make the tang hole a little larger to allow self centering.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

The helmet is as good as the crab, and is waterproof, while the crab is not.
The 11A advance disc (11A stamped on the tang) is superior to the 68.

The helmet actually is slightly better than the "crab" in that it is less prone to high voltage leaking in the caps due to wider spacing of the electrodes.

[alchemy]

But the crab cap is WAY easier to work on, and install the plug wires.

[flatjack9]

I had a problem with my Mallory electronic crab. Because it was electronic I opened up the plug gaps to around .034 - .040. Cap would last maybe a year. Dropped the plug gaps back to .025 and have about 10 years on this cap.