Ford Flathead DUI (distributor)

Maybe I'm not an expert here but I think HEI is a bit of a waste on a low comp flathead. Again you're better off talking to Jim.
 
That is very pricey as I see it. Get a hold of Bubba and buy one of his Chevy conversions with the electronic unit in it and be done and have much more room too. am a big proponent of HEI to upgrade a GM car, but not for a Flathead Ford or any other non GM where a factory electronic unit can easily adapted. Bubba's Chevy dist set up for an *BA will make life easy. AND save you enough to buy the wife a nice dinner out!
 
I personally never cared for the looks of them, not even on a GM engine. Are they a 12 volt neg ground only?
 
They have a vacuum can but I wonder if they tune it for a flathead V8 to work off manifold pressure or not. They don't mention anything about that. The HEI is a great ignition system but it is way too big for a compact flatty and is not aesthetically appealing.
 
The interesting part of ignition systems is: Mo Matter how much Juice you supply to the engine, It determines how much it will use. At 8:1 CR that's about 8 KVA, with .035" plug gap. But they do look Cool. Richard called them the "Frankenstein distributor."
 
Another option is to use a Mopar electronic distributor machined to fit and trigger a separate HEI module. This can also be done by installing the Mopar reluctor in the distributor of your choice; including the crab. See my site for some more details.
 
My understanding is the Loadamatic distributor was used from 1949 thru 1953 on the flatheads. Then thru 1956 on the Y Blocks. I wonder if a 1957 Ford distributor with full mechanical & vacuum advance could be used/adapted in place of the Chevy type used or other DUI? Maybe the later mounting style is different?
Just wondering
Jim
 
Y block distributor rotates the opposite way I believe. The GM stuff works good as rotation, obviously and it's longer business end that's fatter to, so it machines down nice without sleeves and extension nonsense.
Martin.
 
It seems like the Y block distributor was a lot like the 8BA version. They may be kind of long too since they were on the back. The little Chrysler ones were good & compact but had all the goods. The Chevy ones were a bit bigger but not by much. I think they both look good on a flathead.
 
No experience - but my guess is that it will work just fine (as long as you ensure that it will work with your water pumps and fan/belt configuration). It is important that it has an advance curve and system that is designed for a flathead and your particular induction system - hopefully it is 'tuneable' in these areas and they know how to help you set it up (both mechanical and vacuum advance setups).

Yes - to many it is 'big and ugly' . . . but you have your own eyes and that is an aesthetic/personal opinion anyway.

Most of us 'traditionalists' would not run it - mainly because it does not have a 'vintage' look in our eyes. Same deal with a GM alternator adapted to the stock generator position. Many of these 'upgrades' are supplied from good manufacturers who produce quality products . . . so I have no negative comments about them (other than looks that don't match my tastes).

If you like the capabilities of a DUI ignition, it fits your engine and you can afford it - I say go for it. Report back to us all how well it works . . . always more to learn.

Take care,

B&S
 
Ol' Ron said:
But they do look Cool. Richard called them the "Frankenstein distributor."
Click to expand...
That was because I used parts of two "bodies" to make the stem long enough to clear the water elbow. I removed the HEI module and used it strictly as a magnetic trigger for my Crane CDI ignition. I also removed the on-board coil so I could use the coil I wanted to use. I have some pictures somewhere if anyone's interested.
 
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