Appreciate the help.  Going to yank the engine this weekend and get it on a stand.  Heads have been off the engine before as they are painted blue while rest of engine is the original red.  Guessing some work was done while in storage.  Compressions is even accross all cylinders at 115 to 120.  Will no more soon.

New dizzys are available from Mallory WITH a tach drive for the BIrd with advance curve for the 57.   Expensive ($500-$6oo) BUT available.   If money is an issue, go with the new one from Napa and change to an electric tach.   Small ones are available and can be mounted in the dash in place of the original if that is important to you.   Good luck.   J

But I don't think they have the Bird distributors with tach drive.

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

There are no springs or weights on the top of the plate on 57 and later distributors. NAPA and other parts stores have rebuilt ones for less than $100.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

rexbd:

The '55 distributor "bowl" will be about 1" deep, the '57 and later will be more like 1 3/4".  The diameter is different where the cap fits, the early one is about 3 1/2", the later is about 3 5/8".

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

If you have the later distributor, there will be weights and springs under the points plate.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Forgot about the distributor issue!#%$^.  What is the easiet way to tell if it is a 57 distributor?  Almost have the engine out of the car so will get a much better look at everything.  Thanks for the help.  Learning more everyday!

rexbd:

If your Bird still has the '55 distributor, it will not really run properly with the later carb.  The vacuum signal is wrong, and the '55 distributor has no mechanical advance.

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Hello; My 55 has a 57 manifold, Holley 1850 and 55 FOM and I used the 55 linkage. Just bolted up. Whats the issue? Pete

I am assuming that the 55 linkage is the same as a 56 (which I have). If so, it seems that you should be able to mount the 55 linkage on the 57 manifold (I am not aware of any differences in the mounting surface for the linkage between the 55 and 57 manifolds). Then run a new rod to the carb. I hope it is as easy as that. Try to find a 57 Bird to see how everything mounts on the 57. Maybe some one on this panel has a 57 Bird who would shoot you a pic.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ