Hey need some input again

Went to napa today to get new cap and rotor and they told me my cap is off a 56 or previous distributor but the rotor was 57 was there a half year in production maybe or is it a older distributer was wrong rotor or somethng else ? Im in process of getting it running and previous owner is clueless maybe you guys know something napa dont any input helps i know for sure a57 cap is to large is there a way to id dist. Without pulling it just to refresh its a 57 f100 with 272 i thought motor was original but now second guessing it

Several years ago I ordered a replacement 1957 Distributor from Napa. When it came in, it was a 1956. Napa claimed their parts lists showed an early 1957 was the same as a 1956, however, the store was in western Canada, so ??..

Paul

Theres only 2 different Ford caps from 55-74.The 57-74 is bigger diameter.If your cap is smaller than you have a 55-56 style distributor.Are the advance springs visible when the cap is off?(visible ABOVE breaker plate).

  

Its definitely smaller diameter about an1/8 dont know enough to locate advance springs why would napa dude say its a 57 rotor? Maybe he got confused i will try to post a pic in a few days but it sounds like i have a 56 dist. Whats the best least expensive way to upgrade dist. For better performance . Every thing i read says get a 57 up distributor with pertronix

As Mark says, the 55-56 Distributor has advance springs above the plate, the 57 & up does not,..you can't miss them!

Paul

Ok got change to get better look at my dist. It has springs on top and matched other photos of the 56, thanks guys So now what ? run it or start looking into an 57 or newer dist.

Order a 1964 F100 with 292 distributor.Last year for Y block in N.America.You can ad Pertronix by buying a kit.Get at least the Pertronix 2 upgrade.You need a cap and rotor also.There lots of posts regarding this swap.Do a search with the "search box" in the upper right corner of this page.Carcone # 30-2808. Check around your suppliers.There is price difference depending on who you buy from even though they are all from the same rebuilder.

  

If your budget cannot handle the pertronix, try this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACCEL-2020-Points-Eliminator-Kit-Ford-Single-Point-Distributor-/190768156757?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6aab1055&vxp=mtr

I have run this kit from ACCEL in several Y block distributors and it has always been right on the money. The instructions and installation are a breeze.

What folks are saying about getting a 1964 F100 distributor is simply this.... most guys behind the parts counter have no idea about what year fits what on a Y block engine. Tell them "64 Ford" and it will be in their computer. The distributors from 57 to 64 on any Y block are virtually the same... you get mechanical and vacuum advance. It doesn't sound like you are after a lot of performance, so don't worry about advance spring rates, etc.

let us know how it turns out.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Carcone 30-2808 is a parts # used by all Parts Suppliers.There seems to be only one rebuilder selling these.Its the same # I purchased here in Canada.As far as that Accell Points replacement I bought one and then changed to Pertronix.If you get a distributor they are very "tuneable" for about $5.00 and a little time spent working on them.

  

For what it's worth, I just put a Mallory electronic ignition on my 56, best money I ever spent!