Whats the best way to upgrade the stock distributor on a 56 fairlane?pertronix? i want to to get more reliability.

Are you planning on using the original Loadomatic distributor or the later dual advance type?First thing I would do is upgrade to the 57+ type distributor.I have the Pertronix 2 with the later distributor.

  

Junk it and do as Mark said.. Try ignitor 3 Pertronix its not that much more if you hunt around..



"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

Pertronix 2 or 3.Just don't go with the original no matter how good the price.There's other options also but upgrading to the later distributor is a definite requirement.

  

Add the MSD distributor to the list of available options.

Here’s a link giving more details on the MSD distributors.

MSDY-Block Distributor

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Crane XR-1 has build-in rev limiter.


Hyvinkää, FI

If you are looking for a reasonably priced upgrade for a basically stock motor which will greatly improve driveability and dependability an exchange(rebuilt) distributor for a 64 F100 with 292 is readily available(order) from any Auto Parts Store.My chioce for ignition was a Pertronix 2 with Flamethrower coil.After that I upgraded to a ECZ-B intake with 390 cfm Holley with electric choke.If your Motor is in good condition these upgrades will make a big difference in the way it runs and that distributor can be "tuned" very inexpensively($5.00) with the addition of Mr.Gasket advance springs and a little time spent setting up the advance.Mine is rebuilt stock and the above mentioned changes have made it a pleasure to drive and much more dependable and low maintenance(no points condensor).

  

I recently bought a nos 57 dizzy from fleabay, will the 64 advance springs fit the 57? Do you have the Mr Gasket part no.?
Is there anything wrong with the Pertronox #1 other than it will burn out if ignition left on?

Thanks, Al.


South Australia

The Mr. Gasket # is 925D(2 light springs).You can taylor the advance curve using one light and one regular or 2 light ones.Depends on what you want to do.I used 2 light ones so the advance is all in by about 2600 RPM.No point in having the advance all in at 3600 RPM if you never get to that RPM.They are designed for the later style 64+ Ford distributors.Someone else on this site might know if they can be used on the early one.I am familiar with the 64 + style.The reason I suggest the 64 application is because its the last year the Y block was used in N.America and the vacuum advance in most cases can be adjusted using an Allen Key through the opening for the vacuum line.Most of the exchange ones seem to come with the adjustable vacuum advance.I will post the part# for the distributor later.I have the box for the one I bought and the # is universal from any parts store as there is only one supplier who builds these as far as I know.You also need to purchase the 57+ cap and rotor as the 55-56 style cap is smaller diameter and won't fit.Wires can be retained.The one you have has the roller bearing advance plate I believe.These were very good quality units especially if its NOS unused.The Pertonix 1 is fine as long as you don't leave the key on with it NOT running.Burns out before you remember to turn it off.If you are buying a Pertronix now the 2 or 3 is the way to go.Especially for the not so big difference in price from Pertronix 1.Pertronix 1 burns out you have to replace it.

  

The part # for 64 F100 with 292 Distributor is Cardone 30-2808.This is a rebuilt unit.Check around your local Auto Parts stores for a price.Don't forget to add in the core charge if additional.Also requires 57+ Distributor Cap and Rotor.There seems to be a big difference in some cases as far as price depending on where you shop.They are all supplied by the same rebuilder.