Modernized distributor on flathead

[mrtexas]

When did the flathead v8 get the modernized style distributor, 49 I believe? What engines do they fit? Can a later timing gear cover needed for the later style distributor fit earlier v8s?

[Ronnie]

Yup

[ford38v8]

The truck got the new distributor in '48, passenger cars in '49.
I'm certainly no expert on the conversion, but I believe it would require the new camshaft as well as the timing gear cover.

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by mrtexas

When did the flathead v8 get the modernized style distributor, 49 I believe? What engines do they fit? Can a later timing gear cover needed for the later style distributor fit earlier v8s?

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The '48 Ford pickups with the 8 RT had the modern distributor.
My 59AB Flathead had the later style cam shaft, front cover, and modern dist. installed in it.











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[columbiA]

I think you have to change the timing gears as well as the helix is cut the opposite way to reverse the thrust on the cam shaft.

[ken ct]

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Theres nothing wrong with the crab type or helmet ones if rebuilt correctly.Why go through all the parts changing and expence to gain nothing??? ken ct.

[thirt4]

For me, I don't want to ever have to reach behind the fan blade on a crab or helmet type distributor i.e. to plug a wire back on, etc. while it is running. With the distributor on the top, the chances of getting hit with a fan blade are greatly reduced in my estimation.

[ford38v8]

Hmmm... What wire could be off while the engine was still running? OK, on a crab yes, but not on a helmet. No reason to stick your hand down there while its running anyway unless you're looking for a quick manicure.

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

Thay make an adapter to bolt to front of the 59 cam so you can run 8BA front cover and dist. No need to change the gears. I think Speedway has those adapters. Walt

[Ol' Ron]

This is of coare a good way to reduce the performance of your engine at a moderate expense. Eliminating the centrifcal advance does wonders in reducing low torque and the all vacuum modernized distributor onlu works with a stock engine with the proper carb. However all this can be solved by installing a converted SBC distributor.

[JWL]

Yes, the conversion can be made. It will require the front cover, an adapter to provide a place for the distributor drive gear, the gear, and some method for clamping the distribtor, a set of timing marks on the front pulley and a coordinated pointer.

You will also have to do something about waterpump belt clearance. Changing to truck style pumps and bottom pulley is one option. Since the stock 8BA style distributor is less desirable than your original distribtor there is a good chance all the modifications will not result in happiness.

[19Fordy]

mrtexas, Be sure and read all this info so that you match the correct distributer with the correct cover. This tells all about it.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...=timing+covers

[ken ct]

Why not just shut the engine off and then put the plug wire back on.ken ct. Rocket science at its best!!!!

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by ken ct

Theres nothing wrong with the crab type or helmet ones if rebuilt correctly.Why go through all the parts changing and expence to gain nothing??? ken ct.

Put me down with Ken here as well. Get the helmet or crab redone and thats the end of it . Spend your spare change and dollars on something that will really help , like fuzzy dice or curb feelers etc. Maybe a woody woodpecker decal or two....i

[Mike51Merc]

Originally Posted by thirt4

For me, I don't want to ever have to reach behind the fan blade on a crab or helmet type distributor i.e. to plug a wire back on, etc. while it is running. With the distributor on the top, the chances of getting hit with a fan blade are greatly reduced in my estimation.

You may be able to avoid the fan blade, but that high voltage is still gonna get ya!

[Cecil/WV]

Originally Posted by Mike51Merc

You may be able to avoid the fan blade, but that high voltage is still gonna get ya!

And when the voltage gets you, the fan gets you!!

[GreenMonster48]

Originally Posted by Cecil/WV

And when the voltage gets you, the fan gets you!!

And sometimes, maybe last week, you get the voltage, hit the fan, then give yourself a bloody nose from freaking out and pulling your hand back fast...

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by GreenMonster48

And sometimes, maybe last week, you get the voltage, hit the fan, then give yourself a bloody nose from freaking out and pulling your hand back fast...

ITS NOT THE ELECTRICAL SHOCK THAT HURTS YOU , ITS THE BACK OF YOUR NECK HITTING THE HOOD LATCH THAT CAUSES ALL THE DAMAGE..