I want to bring back this question, if I may. I'm about to 'try' and install the Speedway Pro Billet Aluminum Distributor 1942-48 Ford Flat Head, an upgrade from the Mallory, optical unit that has issues, and I've never changed one out before. There was a mention in a previous post about just this topic that mentioned it was easy. Is it as easy as lining up the slot on the back of the distributor to the slot on the cam or is there more to it? I've been unable to find any you tubes or the like to ***ist. thanks a whole bunch. d.duke
Don't know the answer to your question but, you may want to lose the pic of the modern suspension parts. We don't play that here
When you take the cap off the one that is on it, look at the rotor and pick a reference point on the engine that it is pointing at. Maybe even bump the engine over so the rotor is pointing in a specific direction or it is lined up with a specific reference spot. It's up to you but some times it is easier to leave the wires plugged into the old cap and move the whole cap and wires up out of the way and after the distributor and cap are in place move the wires one at a time. Put the new unit back with the same orientation as the one you took off. I'm thinking that the slot and tang on the distibutor are slighly offset to insure correct alignmemnt but can't confirm that. That actually holds true for any engine unless your auto shop teacher comes along and cranks the engine over when you have the distributor out. Then it is bring it up on compression, line up the timing marks and stab the distributor.
The tang on a flathead distributor is slightly offset to one side. It is supposed to prevent putting it on backwards, but ham fisted (basically the opposite of HAMB fisted) installers have gotten them wrong and found their housings cracked on first rotation of the engine. Since all Speedway products are wonderful and perfectly produced, I'm sure the tang is offset just like it needs to be. Take note as you look at it. Then, when you pull the old one off, make note which way the cam slot is offset and install the new distributor in a corresponding manner. It's almost foolproof.
It is actually pretty easy to change out the dizzy. As previously mentioned by Alchemy from Iowa,the camshaft has a female “slot” that runs the width of the face. The distributor has a male”tang” that is offset(meaning not centered). Note where the slot is positioned(shorter distance one one side only). Rotate the tang on the dizzy to match the female slot on the camshaft and insert the dizzy. You know you are correct if the body of the dizzy is flush and nothing protrudes or keeps the dizzy from”finding a matched”fit flush with the timing cover.You may have to advance(opposite normal rotation of dizzy) or retard the dizzy(same direction as dizzy turns normally) to get the flat to run properly.Flatheads only run24–26 degrees of total advance(hot rod chev runs 34-38degrees)so don’t get overly ambitious with the advance. Flatheads Forever!!!
Thanks, I was hoping it was going to go like that. the new one is 3/4' longer so my plan was to leave the plug wire on and install and route the new ones, one at a time. much appreciated.
Line up the number one plug on the cap with the rotor. Pull the old one, stab the new one. Fire it up, then twist until it runs right. EASY PEEZY
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