New to flat heads. I have a question. Which is the preferred ft cover for the dist mt 2,or 3 hole, and why?
The '42-48 distributors (two flavors), using 2 bolt mount, are the easiest to service and rebuild, easiest to R&R for tuneup and timing. You can with correct parts choice build a functionally identical 3 bolt but opposite to above... harder to work on, clumsy to remove. 2 bolts are simple, functional, and its easier to get good plastic.
Bruce that's the definitive answer I was looking for. As a older acft mech the fewer nuts and bolts in tight places makes for a more harmonius out come.
The cool thing is that you can remove a '42-8 distributor in a minute by removing two bolts and a wire, swing it out from its cap, and work on it while comfortable inside your house. You can R&R it without disturbing the timing, and if you do take it apart you can time it inside and pop it back on the engine in another two minutes. Que lujo!
It's been over 50 years for me but don't you need a cam "****on" if you use the 2 bolt cover on a later block or is it the other way around?
The new cams going into flatheads nowadays are inset farther into the face of the block. Even 59a's. Odds are a spacer "****on" will be needed for the distributor to reach the cam inset.
Thanks for that info. Sure getting a lot of good info. I built a 59 ab in 55 as the first eng I rebuilt. Sold it before it was run. There are lots of small details that I hope will come back to me. I plan to run a elect fuel pump so I can gain some room without cutting the f/w.
The short cam, 21A type, has been so labeled by the grinders forever. Basic cam was released in '42 and matches 2 hole cover and distributor, ****on was released to cover interchanges. Eventually the 21A became the only service cam for Fords, with ****on to cover the earlies. ****on was first popularized around the time of second Alamein, when Canada started shipping out 1942 service engines for the thousands Ford trucks and Bren gun carriers serving in the North African fighting... ****on would be needed for late cam used with 3 bolt front stuff, and of course there are several easy but confusing kludges available for any wonky combo of cover, distributor, and cam that a rodder might come up with.
Bruce you are a wealth of knowledge. Now for me to put it to use. I will be using a 2 bolt dist and cover. Might even use the stock cam after looking at prices and Johnson lifters. This is all good to remember, and have in notes.
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