The Ford Barn

48fordnut · 06-08-2017, 10:47 AM

I'm new to flat heads and have a question. Which is the preferred eng ft cover a 2 bolt or 3. and why? I'm talking about where the dist bolts to the timing cover.
thanks,
jim

mountstimothy0 · 06-08-2017, 10:58 AM

I have 2 46-48 engines and they have one of each I prefer the crab distributor

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120A using Tapatalk

48fordnut · 06-08-2017, 11:34 AM

Is the crab dist 2 or 3 hole? I'm putting a eng together out of parts and wanted to know the difference.
Thanks for the reply,
jim

undun · 06-08-2017, 11:37 AM

Go with the 2-bolt if planning on a Pertronix ignitor, because they don't offer the conversion for 37-41 3-bolt distributor.

rotorwrench · 06-08-2017, 11:53 AM

The two bolt crab is the easier one to work with and there were aftermarket distributors that fit the two bolt as well. The 21A advance mechanism in the crabs from 1942 through 1948 is a good unit to have. The divers helmet distributors are a bit more complex to deal with but can be set up with the later advance unit.

BUBBAS IGNITION · 06-08-2017, 11:57 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Its really a matter of look, they both work very well....

http://www.bubbasignition.com/crab-42-48.html

http://www.bubbasignition.com/helmet--32-41-1.html

Also camsahft needs to match cover for proper drive........

48fordnut · 06-08-2017, 01:21 PM

Thanks all. Bubba your page is quite good. Thanks.

flatjack9 · 06-08-2017, 05:11 PM

There are distributor adapters so you can go from 3 to 2 bolt or vice-versa.

GB SISSON · 06-08-2017, 10:40 PM

In other words, if I switch to a 2 bolt cover I still need an adapter because my cam is wrong? Currently have a 221 24 stud with a 3 bolt cover and an adapter running a crab.

48fordnut · 06-16-2017, 03:15 AM

Got it. Have a crab coming to me.

06-08-2017, 10:47 AM	#1
48fordnut Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: warner robins ga 31088 Posts: 494	v/8 eng builder question I'm new to flat heads and have a question. Which is the preferred eng ft cover a 2 bolt or 3. and why? I'm talking about where the dist bolts to the timing cover. thanks, jim

06-08-2017, 10:58 AM	#2
mountstimothy0 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 148	Re: v/8 eng builder question I have 2 46-48 engines and they have one of each I prefer the crab distributor Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120A using Tapatalk

06-08-2017, 11:34 AM	#3
48fordnut Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: warner robins ga 31088 Posts: 494	Re: v/8 eng builder question Is the crab dist 2 or 3 hole? I'm putting a eng together out of parts and wanted to know the difference. Thanks for the reply, jim

06-08-2017, 11:37 AM	#4
undun Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 1	Re: v/8 eng builder question Go with the 2-bolt if planning on a Pertronix ignitor, because they don't offer the conversion for 37-41 3-bolt distributor.

06-08-2017, 11:53 AM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: v/8 eng builder question The two bolt crab is the easier one to work with and there were aftermarket distributors that fit the two bolt as well. The 21A advance mechanism in the crabs from 1942 through 1948 is a good unit to have. The divers helmet distributors are a bit more complex to deal with but can be set up with the later advance unit.

06-08-2017, 11:57 AM	#6
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: v/8 eng builder question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Its really a matter of look, they both work very well.... http://www.bubbasignition.com/crab-42-48.html http://www.bubbasignition.com/helmet--32-41-1.html Also camsahft needs to match cover for proper drive........ __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

06-08-2017, 01:21 PM	#7
48fordnut Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: warner robins ga 31088 Posts: 494	Re: v/8 eng builder question Thanks all. Bubba your page is quite good. Thanks.

06-08-2017, 05:11 PM	#8
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,527	Re: v/8 eng builder question There are distributor adapters so you can go from 3 to 2 bolt or vice-versa.

06-08-2017, 10:40 PM	#9
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,943	Re: v/8 eng builder question In other words, if I switch to a 2 bolt cover I still need an adapter because my cam is wrong? Currently have a 221 24 stud with a 3 bolt cover and an adapter running a crab. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

06-16-2017, 03:15 AM	#10
48fordnut Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: warner robins ga 31088 Posts: 494	Re: v/8 eng builder question Got it. Have a crab coming to me.