Hi,

 I have a 1957 292, I'm bringng it back to life , keeping it stock just had the carb rebuilt (2100) and replaced the fuel pump. would like some input on replacing the stock distributer (options).  Looking for better performance, mileage.

Thanks

Mario

The dist. itself should be fine, put a Pertronix unit in it, better starting, more precise timeing.

Others will be along shortly, I'm sure  

Hi,

Thanks for the input, sound like you were expecting rebuttals to your posting :-).

There are always rebuttals and varying opinions.  That's what makes things so interesting.  Great minds at work.

I've used pertronix in several cars and have had excellent results. I'm a big fan. I don't like the look of a billet distributor, or HEI style stuff. Especially in a car with an exposed engine.



I also like the original pertronix more than the new ones with the built in dwell adjustments.

Turning fuel into noise since 1971

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primer gray with gold inlay

If you primary interest is in bringing her back to life, a stock 57 distributor is fine. 56 and earlier distributors were a poor design in my opinion, but lots of them ran lotsa miles.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

First insure that the engine does indeed have a ’57 and up distributor.  With engine and parts swaps being prevalent back in their day, you want to make sure you don’t have a ’56 and earlier Load-O-Matic distributor being used on a ’57 and up engine.  Curved points in the ’57 and up distributor and straight points in the ’56 and earlier distributors.

 

If the distributor is the original ’57 distributor, then it likely needs a good checkout simply due to its age.  The ball bearing advance plates in those distributors have a tendency to stick or freeze in place making the vacuum advance inoperable.  While checking out the distributor, insure that the mechanical advance springs under the breaker plate are intact and that the mechanical advance portion of the distributor works freely.  And last but not least, insure that the vacuum advance chamber itself holds a vacuum.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks all for your inputs. I agree I have to confirm I have a 1957 distributer, so far I know have a 54 timing cover,fuel pump and water pump. I've owned this car for years and it ran great until the fuel pump failed and then it sat in my garage way too long. Currently replaced fuel pump,carb rebuilt, gas tank drained and refinished.

I figured while I was at it how about improving the distributer which led to this posting.

Thanks

Mario

I think Ted and others here are on the right track - see if what you have is the right part  - in good working order and go from there. New plug wires should be high on your list.

Here are a couple of links to articles by our Mustang cousins.....they might help you recondition the unit you have.

 http://www.mustangmonthly.com/techarticles/mump_0904_how_to_rebuild__autolite_motorcraft_distributors/index.html

http://www.mustangmonthly.com/techarticles/mump_0702_ford_mustang_distributor_rebuild/index.html

My earliest attempt at an upgrade years ago was a point switched "CD box" and it did both of the things you mentioned earlier - easier starting and better gas mileage. So long as the dizzy is in good shape - both advance systems working properly - its probably as big a bang for your buck as can be found.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

If your looking to get rid of the points I used this system from Accel which was half the price of the petronix unit. No problems with it, easy to install; looks stock from the outside. Just in case your on a budget like myself

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ACCEL-POINTS-ELIMINATOR-KIT-1957-1974-FORD-V-8-2020-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b68e1942QQitemZ170566490434QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

58 Ford Custom 300 - San Pedro, CA (So-Cal)