Lets Talk about Bangers; Distributors; Pros and Cons

Im in a middle of putting parts together for a Model A banger motor.

Lately, I have been tossing around what to run for a distributor.

Been looking at catalogs, online prints and Ebay for ideas.

What is a good/reliable performance way to go?

Im looking at the following: What are the pro's and con's of each.

- Model B Distributor - Quick and easy swap
- Old Mallory Flattop Dual Point distributor - run too hot? Too much spark?
- Modified Model A distributor from Sac. Vintage Ford Catalog. - New and probably good?

I dont want to run the "adjustable timing" from the column. A simple but effective Mechanical Advance Unit.

My build thus far is consisting of: Dual Intake w/ 97's, 5.5 High Comp. Head, Model B Cam, T-5 to Quickchange Rear.

What are your thoughts or suggestions to something not listed?

Thanks

 

i would say the b dist is the best lobuc way to go. think you need the b timing cover for it too. ive got an old mallory singlepoint that works well on mine, .but replacement parts are very hard to comeby. i also have a single f-1 6cyl carb instead of duals. my personal preference but i think it runs better for a mild banger.

 

I seen some 009 bosch units in some bangers guys said they worked awsome

 

You should aim for a distributer that gives you around 20 degrees of advance on the crank. That could be any 4 cylinder dissy, ofcourse you would have to rework it, an easy dissy to modifie is early cast iron Bosh units, just make shure that it turns the right way.
Then you should adjust the timing so that at full advance, the timing would be between 30-32 degrees BTDC, the same as 10-12 degrees static timing.
Full advance should be obtained around 2200- 2400rpm, Youll need to experiment with it. A stock B engine turns out 2800rpm, but with the higher compression and better breathing, you'll be able to spin it higher. I would stick with a single 97, two is a bit much I think.

Some may argue that that is way too much static advance, but I
I run a Sincilla magneto on my B engine, and it has only 16 degrees of advance, so I have to run 14 degrees static advance to reach 30 degrees of full advance. I use the car every day in the summer time and it doesent ping or get hot. The engine has 6,4 c/r a single 81 and a stock B cam.

Kedde.

 

For a mild state of tune like yours, I don't think you could go too wrong with a Mallory. Sacramento sell them for A & B's and it'll work good straight out of the box - though the condensor they fit is poor, so you'd want to swap that out for a NAPA replacement early on.
I've ran one for three years with just the condensor needing a swap.

 

Another possibility is a Roto-Faze distributor.
I had one on mine with a Jacobs computer ignition.
They will turn 10K and put out so much spark, you almost don't need gas.
Fully adjustable and centrifugal advance of any ammount.
I would go with more cam than a B, like a 77B or 1007B.
More compression wouldn't hurt either.
Pete

"Been in the cam business 52 years"

 

CHOPPED50-- I got a Mallory i was going to use but i changed my mind on the direction of my project. I bought it on here and havent used it. PM me if ya want it...

 

FS Ignitions - no personal experience with the product though. Just heard lots of good stuff and they were very helpful on the phone.

 

is this reference to the single point distributors sold out of the catalog or the dual point (60's) flattop distributor.

As for running the B Distributor, I dont think you have to change the timing cover, unless you run a "B" cam?

As for the dual 97's...in previous threads I mentioned down jetting the carbs to the motor but I was told it wasnt necessary. Is this now different?

 

The roto-phaze is the shit! $350 or more I believe. I agree it is a beautiful piece of engineering.

 

Roto-phaze...what are these about? What are the pluses to running this unit?

 

I thought about a Roto-Faze but it was just out of my price range at the time, I think they're twice the pice fo the Mallory?
Yeah, I use the single point dizzy listed in Sacramento's catalogue, not bad at all.

 

I have a B distributor with a Petronix electrontic module inside that looks stock. Also have a Remund distributor with the Petronix on another car. Mickey Remund was Micky Thompson's engine builder and got involved with Model A and flathead ignitions using the Petronix module. FS Ignitions purchased the A stuff from Mickey a year or so ago.

Petronix used to be called the Per-Lux Ignitor and has been around for 35+ years. Original units were designed for stationary engines, refrigiration units, pumps and stuff than ran 24/7.