I see a red flag here.  A '54 timing cover would make me suspicious, could someone have put a '54 engine in the car?  If so, it will have a vacuum only distributor.  Is a 2100 Holley a 3 bolt carb?  That would not be '57 issue.  What are the block and head casting numbers?  A '54 engine would be only 239 cubic inches, and would be down on power compared to a 272 or 292.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I agree that a 54 timing cover could mean a 54 engine with load o matic. What kind of carb does it have? If its a load o matic distributor it will need something like a Holley 94 to match it.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

First of all you have 54 in your signature, you don't say what you have for a car, if it is a 54 you may not have what you were told for an engine and it may be original. is it 12 volt or 6, need more specifics. does it have the springs exposed on the top of the advance plate? What are the engine block numbers?

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

Hi,

The car is a 1954 Mercury Monterrey, was  converted to 12V by previous owner. EDB-E 6015 is marked near distributer and where the generator was located.I cheded these numbers against the database at John Mummerts site which led me to believe the block is a 1957 292????

I just found out about the two types of distributers but haven't had a opportunity to determine which type is currently installed. I haven't had a chance to get the casting numbers off the heads yet either.Thanks for all the inputs.

Mario

If you pop the cap off the distributor for a look - this is the older Load-O-Matic unit....the two visible springs are a quick clue - has "straight" points set.

And below this is the later (after '57) where there is a pivoting point plate and mechanical advance hidden below..... has curved point set - no springs showing.

There is an obvious difference in how the spark rotor fits on the top of the rotor shaft as well.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Hi,

 Thanks for the photos I appreciate it.

Mario

Hi Steve,

 Just took a look and I have the later model 2nd photo distributer.

Mario

I hate to be the chief quiz-master but does the base of the distributor look like this?....Autolite

Or does it have a "three-lobed" stem below the advance housing like this one?........ Motorcraft

 

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Hi,

 I'm sure you have a good reason for asking, as soon as I find out I'll get back to you.

Thanks

The two different models of distributor (Autolite and Motorcraft) - have two different mechanical advance mechanisms under the point plates. If you want to heat the ignition up a bit - maybe change the ignition advance curve - it will take a little different approach for each type.  

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona