Just for the record, for some reason ford carried over the 55-56 distributor and carbs in the 57 trucks, they must have needed to use up old stock so that is the correct distributor, however somebody must have changed carb and intake at some period

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?

Just ordered new 57 distributor should come in few days update during install problem need help doing that

The 57 distributor is much more sensitive to engine load(vacuum)and rpm.Ford changed to this style distributor in 57 at the same time they introduced the 4150 style Holley carb.If you change to the later style distributor you will notice a big difference in the way it runs.

  

The '56 and older distributor uses only a vacuum signal to operate. The proper vacuum signal will no be provided by a newer carburetor. You may get down the road with the mismatch but you will be much happier with the proper distributor. The newer distributor uses mechanical and vacuum. Even if you had the older carb, the newer distributor is an improvement.


Lawrenceville, GA

So whats the deal with a 56 distributor and a holley 2300? Not doubting it but looking for more knowledge . Is it not compatible at all or not desirable wish i would have known before i rebuilt the carb and put new cap and rotor last week.

You need to change distributors to use that carb.The only carb that will work with the 56 distributor is the 55-56 carb.The Pertronix is different for the 56 and 57 distibutor.Stay away from the Prtronix 1(original).If you leave the key "on" but not runnning while you work on the car ,the Pertonix will bake itself in a few minutes.Pertronix 2 fixed that problem.Pertronix 3 is a step up in performance and price.I have the Pertonix 2 and 57 disributor as well as the "flamethrower" coil to go with the Pertronix.You do away with the resistor with this setup as long as the coil you use has sufficient resistance built in.If you are trying to stretch your budget get the later distributor first and use as is with the points.You can always upgrade later.

  

Then you absolutely want the '57 up distributor.


Lawrenceville, GA

As far carb its a holley 2300 off a 60 merc

'57 up will be the best choice. Go ahead and get that. Do you know which carburetor you have?



In regards to the Pertronix, what you need will depend on which one you choose. Check out their site. http://www.pertronix.com/. And most importantly, follow the instructions included with it! Most questions I see about them can be answered by simply reading and following the instructions.


Lawrenceville, GA

So electronic ignition sys seams to be the way to go my only question now is pertronix in the 56 dist. Or find 57 up dist and then pertronix? I have a handful of other bugs to work out so i have time to put together some cash for newer style dist. if need be. And just to double check pertronix requires kit, cap, rotor and? How about coil or plugs/ wires?