In order to pickup some needed room at the front of my engine bay I'm considering changing over from the '37-'41 style distributor (helmet) on my 59A to a 8BA style. I'm wondering what parts I will need to pickup and if it makes sense. I may even go with a Chev. or Mopar dist. Sorry if this has already been discussed I just haven't found the info. I need. Thanks for all replys. csw
You need the late model timing gear cover with the distributor shaft housing in it. I believe there is a distributor drive gear adapter to go on the front of the ealy model cam-otherwise it's a cam change. You need to screw a piece of 5/16" thick aluminum flat to the block just ahead of the R.H. cylinder head (replicates the pad on the late model head.) to provide for a hold down. If you modify either the Chevy or the Mopar to fit, you'll have to use a set screw orsome other clamp arrangement to hold the dist.
Also, I don't think your fanbelt will clear...late pumps with uppermost hole plugged, new pulleys and gen mount.
I got a chevy distr. in my flatty...works great and parts are easy to find. I did have to send it away to an ignition expert and have the timing curve changed on it. He lightend up the springs and such and gave me all the specs for tunining. I threw it in and adjusted and runs like a champ. dakota kid
As Bruce says I too think fan belt clearance issues will actually give you less room. Adapting a pullley to extend out past the 8ba distributor will take up more room than a front mount dizzy
If you want space up front, you don't want an 8BA! The dimensions I can give you are here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35029&highlight=dimensional+stuff&showall=1 I don't have much late flathead stuff, but the forward spacing of the first pulley sheave puts you out of the running for a short nose. You want early pumps and 21A distributor.
We use the Merc cover with a couple of set screws installed in the top flange to hold the distributor. I have used several Chevy distributors from GMC BUBBA and they work great. I also manufacture the conversion gear for the front of the 59 AB cam.
I just converted the other way. I have a cam, lifters, custom polished timing cover with dist. lock and mallorey distributer that you need. E-mail Saratoga228@aol.com for pict and any other information. Bob
Check link below. http://web.restel.com/hianders/coupe.html I had Ron H. do the conversion. His conversion puts the main part of the dist. higher than some of the others. It also depends on where your alt. or gen. is located. I had to grind a little relief in the stem of the distributor to get the proper belt clearance. If you don't want to do the grinding, use a set of double sheave water pumps and crafkshaft pulley and run the belt in the outside set of pulleys.
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