1968 Mustang 302 V8

[troutmalt]

I am curious if I am getting full advance?

The distributor has a Pertronic Ignitor II ignition module which has no effect on the advance.
But there is no vacuum advance pot on the distributor. Did the previous owner remove it?

Was there one originally?

If so how can just the existing centrifical weights advance me from
the stock static setting of 6 degree to full advance of @ 36 degrees if
the vacuum advance is missing?

 

[scicala]

You should still get the full advance at higher RPM. Just won't get the optimum advance when cruising at light loads when the RPM is lower and there is more manifold vacuum.
A little less fuel economy.

Sal

 

[miker98038]

I’m not family with the distributor on those engines, but is it an aftermarket with no provision for vac advance, or did someone pull the pot off and either lock the plate down or not?

 

[troutmalt]

Thanks Mike - your post presents a few questions.

That is a good question. I do not know the history of this distributor.
I may have to look this weekend and see if I can tell if there ever was a vacuum pot on it.

But what is "locking down the plate"? How and why to do it?
How can I tell if it was done?

 

[fordor41]

I installed a perTroniX ignition in our '41 with a '81 302 and just left the vac advance in place. Don't remember any instructions to do otherwise.

 

[rotorwrench]

Several companies manufacture distributors such as Mallory and MSD. Full centrifugal advance types will work for performance applications if set up properly but as was mentioned, they throw mileage out the window with no load control. An original 68 Mustang will have a vacuum advance built in. A person should find the OEM part number if looking for an original. There are likely some out there.

 

[cadillac512]

Thanks Mike - your post presents a few questions.

That is a good question. I do not know the history of this distributor.
I may have to look this weekend and see if I can tell if there ever was a vacuum pot on it.

But what is "locking down the plate"? How and why to do it?
How can I tell if it was done?

The only thing that keeps the plate the points or Pertronix unit bolt to from moving is the link on the vacuum can. Something would have to be fashioned to keep the plate stationary if the vac can is missing.

 

[miker98038]

Thank you rotor and Caddy. Sometimes I forget not everyone had a mis spent youth in the 60’s.

The Big boys with race cars didn’t have vacuum cans, why should I? 20 cents a gallon, who cared.

 

[KULTULZ]

Need pictures with and without the cap installed.

Look for FORD STAMPING ID or aftermarket markings.

 

[troutmalt]

This is my first time here. Thanks guys - you are terrific!

 

[KULTULZ]

I am curious if I am getting full advance?

The distributor has a Pertronic Ignitor II ignition module which has no effect on the advance. But there is no vacuum advance pot on the distributor. Did the previous owner remove it?

Was there one originally?

If so how can just the existing centrifical weights advance me from the stock static setting of 6 degree to full advance of @ 36 degrees if the vacuum advance is missing?

The MECHANICAL CURVE can be adjusted on a DIST MACHINE (speed shop) or with a timing light, timing tape and tachometer.

A VACUUM ADVANCE CURVE can also be adjusted in the same manner(s).

Here is a tutorial - https://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2000/03/timing/

 

[KULTULZ]

FORD did offer a SBF DUAL POINT MECHANICAL ONLY DIST in the sixties (289HP).

The VACUUM ADVANCE can also be defeated for all-out race.

Below is a 1960 352CI 360HP early model HP DIST shown with the VACUUM ADVANCE defeated (factory). Later FE HP bowls came without a VACUUM ADVANCE feature - closed bowl.

 

[KULTULZ]

FORD did offer a SBF DUAL POINT MECHANICAL ONLY DIST in the sixties (289CI - 271HP).

LOCKING OUT refers to stopping the advance plate before it hits full advance (usually 36 degrees) to avoid detonation (say stopping @ 34 degrees).

It is usually race car stuff only (or a HOT STREET SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL ... )

 

[KULTULZ]

*****



... chirp ... chirp ... chirp ...​

... last time ...

 

[5851a]

Look at the Distibutor casting and post the number for Kultulz to decipher. Casting is different between with or without or molested.

 

[scicala]

FORD did offer a SBF DUAL POINT MECHANICAL ONLY DIST in the sixties (289HP).

The VACUUM ADVANCE can also be defeated for all-out race.

Below is a 1960 352CI 360HP early model HP DIST shown with the VACUUM ADVANCE defeated (factory). Later FE HP bowls came without a VACUUM ADVANCE feature - closed bowl.

Great info,

Now I know the 1960 352/360 HP also had no vacuum advance.
Did it also have dual points like the 289 HiPo ?

Sal

 

[KULTULZ]

Now I know the 1960 352/360 HP also had no vacuum advance.

Did it also have dual points like the 289 HiPo ?

Yes, dual points. That one is an early design. Later production went to closed bowl.

EDIT -

The above is stamped C0AF-J.

Below are shots of a C0AF-K which went to closed bowl -

 

[KULTULZ]

- POST DELETED -​

Tired of ARGUING ...

 

[scicala]

Yes, dual points. That one is an early design. Later production went to closed bowl.

EDIT -

The above is stamped C0AF-J.

Below are shots of a C0AF-K which went to closed bowl -

Thanks again, Sal

 

[KULTULZ]

Thanks again, Sal

You Got It!