56FairlaneAZ - As Charlie and Mark have said, you will be a lot happier with the later distributor - say '58-'64 - as the mechanical and vacuum advance systems are compatable with a lot of different (and more modern) carburetors. The dizzy you have is dependent on a "venturi vacuum" signal and the Holley 4160 doesn't provide porting for that signal. 

AutoZone in Tucson says Cardone P/N 30-2808 is a rebuilt for a '64 292 F-100 truck - $57.99 and $15.00 for the core = $72.99. A cap and rotor to suit is P/N F2160G = $20.00 more. At least a 100 bucks.......unless you know someone with a later part they can sell you for a decent price.

Before you install it - it would be useful to take a look at the mechanical advance mechanism (you would have to remove the vacuum can and point plate temporarily) as the parts that are installed and how they are oriented will determine the total (distributor) advance the unit is set up for. Let us know what you've got  - and we can give you some advice about that. 

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

That part# for the distributor seems to be the same wherever you end up buying it from.I guess they are the only ones still rebuilding those distributors.Same part# I purchased up here in Canada.

  

A PCV system? It's a crankcase vent tube and a filter. The PCV systems didn't come out till the '60.

Many of us have retrofitted our outfits with PCV - the suction port is on my carb and probably on your Holley 600 as well. By plugging up (covering) the road draft port on the LH side of the block - and (in my case) using the road draft tube port on the back of the valley cover - the PCV valves can be fitted to the earlier motors. If you are not using the carb PCV port - and don't want to - just make sure its tightly capped at the carb.

Using one has the advantage of helping control oil leaks by applying slight vacuum to the engine internals, and it helps keep water from condensing in the crankcase - and staying there. 

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Easy to retrofit.Get a valley pan for a T-Bird which has an opening at the back for a road draft tube.T-Birds have clearance issues if the draft tube is at the side of the block like yours and mine.You just ned a grommet and PCV valve and a piece of gas resistant hose to plumb it into the existing port on the carb.Plug the hole in the side of the block and make sure the oil fill cap is not plugged up.You will lose the  "gassy" smell in the garage when its parked.As well you dont have the smoke from the draft tube when you take off.

  

Thanks everyone for the help. I'll start shopping for a new distributor. Got a couple of catalogs that cover those years.

Just call a couple of your local parts places.You will also need a cap and rotor for 57-74 Ford V-8.All the same in those years.I think Autozone might be one of the less expensive sources for the distributor.One of the advantages of the later distributors is you can buy lighter advance springs for about $4.00 from Mr.Gasket and rework the advance curve.You can also add electronic ignition and do away with the points.

  

Did you fix the idling problem yet?


Lawrenceville, GA

Not Fixed yet. this little thing called work got in my way! http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Skins/Classic/Images/MessageIcons/Crazy.gif But will get to it soon. but did some research and Autozone is by far the cheapest. Thanks for the help!

Prioritize! Call in sick for a couple of days!