1952-59 Ford 223 ignition options

My car came with a 223 and a Weber 32/36 carb but still has the original load-o-matic distributor.

What are my options are for replacing the distributor with something that doesn't need the spark control valve. I would like to eventually replace the 223 with a y-block so the less intrusive and less expensive the better.

 

You might want to check this out but give Post # 6 a look for the most info. https://fordsix.com/threads/223-distributor-swap.71317/ Here's two more links https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?p=395805&posted=1#post395805 And https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-223-six-distributor-fix.684631/

 

Also since the above talks about modifying a 240/300 distributor this might be an interesting option as it is an electronic unit and the price is reasonable too: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaz-84-2680/make/ford

 

thanks for your help Jeff

 

Let us know what you come up with,it's not the first time the question has been asked. Maybe try to locate a Six cylinder core to work with.

 

Well I happen to have a 300ci from a 66 mustang back in IA so when we go back around spring break I'm going to grab the distributor off it and see if I can make something work.

 

How did someone shoehorn a 300 I6 into a Mustang? That's a big engine. You sure the Mustang doesn't have a 200? That's the I6 they usually came with.

 

Dammit you're right. Guess that probably won't work after all.

 

If you plan to replace the 223 sometime soon it may be easier to find a Holley 1904 or Autolite 1100 carb to run with the load-o-matic. If you don't care about having the glass bowl you can find rebuilt Holley 1904s for reasonable prices.

 

I'm working off memory but I think a 240/300 distributor will fit with minor mods. You'll need to enlarge the ID on the gear to fit the distributor shaft. Also the oil pump drive will need to be shortened a little. I'd also convert to Pertronix while your at it.