distributor

W

WestCoast

Well-known member
for you guys still fighting with the helmet dist, Speed Way makes a cam gear cover that lets you run a 49 dist on the earlier engines
 
I would think the 49 and later distributor would be a lot harder to deal with than the front mount unless you were going to the chevy converted distributor. You would have to use the carb that matched the distributor for the stock set up and you would have to establish a timing mark. With all of that I would still think it is a poorer distributor than the dual point front mounts.
 
I think anyone entertaining this kind of change would also be the type to go to an updated distributor rather than a "Load-a-matic". I'm sure Speedway would be glad to sell you a matched set (with a Chevy advance curve, of course). What do they use for a drive gear? I would think they would have to offer it as a complete system.

(Edit : This intrigued me, so I went to the Speedway site and can't find it; do you have a link or maybe a part number?)
 
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That 8BA adapter for the front of the 59ab cam is no big deal, I made one for a 58ab 276 in my 40, just bolt on an 8ba front cover, make a place for the set screw to lock the dist, I used an old 8ba style malory 2 part cap dist on mine. I think there is a pic it in Speedway cat, I havevn't got time to look to look. Walt
 
I can not understand why anyone would have to "fight" the helmet distributors--I believe they are wonderful and work best on the early flatheads--Also easy to have a spare set up and ready to go--Just unbolt the one and install the other--No messing with a timing light either--
 
Yes this is an old idea. I know some one makes this adapter and an 8BA front cover fits perfectly and a converted chevy dist will gove you the best timing curve for both power and economy. Plus you can use it with any kind of carburetor you can dream up.
 
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