I have a 54 Mercury with the 256 engine and have used adapters and a 1 inch spacer to install a newer style Holly 4 barrel carb, and I was wondering if the 1957 distributor would work in this block so I can have both centrifugal and vacuum advance. I know about the oil pump and hex drive change needed as well as the drive gear swap. I bought a 61 292 distributor but the housing dimensions are larger than the block  opening. Has anyone else used the 57 distributor in this block or will I have to remachine the 61 housing to fit.
Thanks in advance, Bill

It will but make sure to use the same drive gear that the Mercury has. Probably 13 tooth, not 14.



Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

I haven't owned a 256 or 239, but that discussion comes up a lot. The gear and pump drive are correct, as you and pegleg said. If the body won't fit in the block, I'd double check to see you've really got a y block dist. Someone here will know for sure.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I've got a 57 and up distributor in my 239. It fits. Sounds like you don't have the right distributor.

  Dennis in Lititz PA

Thank you all for the information, and yes the distributor I purchased was the wrong one. I found a good used 57 distributor and will let you know how it works out when it gets here. Rock auto parts has gotten all other parts I ordered correct, so I didn't suspect this to be wrong, I thought it might be me. Thanks again, Bill