Distributor gear swap

[Belgian Belly]

Hey Folks,

We’re messing with a french flatty.
Considering swapping the distributor to a 2bolt crab style.
Does anyone know if that distributor gear comes off easily revealing the slotted end to take the crab style lightning whirler?
Or is that en fixed solid to the cam?

Thx for inputs!

Grts from Belgium!
Frank and Arnd

 

[KiWinUS]

All one piece. Cam change is required.

 

[dean333]

You don’t have to change the gear or the cam to change to a crab distributor. Except on French flatheads as I now have learned.

 

[glennpm]

The crab distributor engages to a slot in the front of the cam.
The French and 8BAs have a gear on the end of the camshaft that is not removable.
You would need to change to the earlier cam type with the offset slot.


Good information here:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300284


8BA here:
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/49-53-ford-8ba-flathead-v-8.1081323/#post-12256506


Glenn

 

[KiWinUS]

You don’t have to change the gear or the cam to change to a crab distributor.

Really!!!! Do tell how you are going to achieve this???

 

[KiWinUS]

Hey Folks,

We’re messing with a french flatty.
Considering swapping the distributor to a 2bolt crab style.
Does anyone know if that distributor gear comes off easily revealing the slotted end to take the crab style lightning whirler?
Or is that en fixed solid to the cam?

Thx for inputs!

Grts from Belgium!
Frank and Arnd

You will also need to change the 8BA timing gear set as the thrust is opposite to what the crab distributor needs.