Ignition for 8BA

Smitty

Smitty

Well-known member
Hi All,
Could someone tell me about using an early SBC points distributor on a flathead 8BA. I am told this distributor will work well and is an easy adaption.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks, Steve
 
Do you have a lathe and know how to use it? If not, it is not "an easy adaption". They do work well, though.
 
I have a machinist friend who does work for me. Matter of turning down the casting to same size as original distributor? What about shaft length and the gear, also direction of rotation and the advance curves?
 
I have a Chevy distributor conversion that was done by Bubba when he was still making the conversions. It works great. Not sure about all the details of what's involved but if I was having to do it again now that Bubba has retired, I'd get in touch with Charlie NY here on the Barn and have him do it.
 
The conversion from sbc to 8BA is not rocket science but there's more steps than you
might imagine...my version of this distributor requires a really good lathe and a milling machine. The addition of a full size clamping pad and EASILY adjustable max mech adv
chews up an hour of shop time. Those simple items make the distributor extremely user
friendly.
Charlie ny
 
I used several converted Chevy distributors from Bubba with no problems. I have one from Charlie for my latest FH project.
 
Just so you know, flathead distributor drive gears are available from Speedway Motors, among others.

I agree with the others; let Charlie do it. I've had him do a GM SBC distributor as well as a SBC "flattop" Mallory. Both were well done.
 
Right now my price is $325 with additional vac advance can and $297 without the can.
Shipping and core charge included. Ready to install

Charlie ny
 
One additional thing the O/P should know. Converting an SBC distributor to use on a flathead involves modifying the dynamics of the distributor as well it's physical form. Flatheads need an advance curve quite different than that needed by an SBC. Charlie has that aspect down pat as well. You will be well served by getting one from him.
 
One thing about the Chevy distributor conversion tha Charley makes is: It's tuneable to your application. Used properly, you can have power and economy in one package. "
Can't beat that with a stick"
Gramps
 
Charlie ny said:
Right now my price is $325 with additional vac advance can and $297 without the can.
Shipping and core charge included. Ready to install

Charlie ny
Click to expand...
Is there any specific years of sbc distributors that you use for the modification? I can look for some cores at the swap meets.
 
You didn't ask for this unsolicited advice, but I'd consult with Charlie about your carb and fuel pump situation while you're at it if you decide to go that way.

I have never been disappointed.

In addition to other assemblies, he did a rear and trans for my Dad's prize so he's multi-talented in a very helpful way.
 
tubman said:
One additional thing the O/P should know. Converting an SBC distributor to use on a flathead involves modifying the dynamics of the distributor as well it's physical form. Flatheads need an advance curve quite different than that needed by an SBC. Charlie has that aspect down pat as well. You will be well served by getting one from him.
Click to expand...


What Tubman is saying the distributor needs to be placed in a distributor machine to adjust it properly, just modifying the housing isn't enough. Here's a bonus, you can buy a Chevy dizzy with a mechanical tach drive. Add a metal case tach cable and it looks period correct. Win-Win



To answer Cars2Cool's question on what years. Charlie was looking for 57 to mid 80's for cores.
 
Last edited:
cars2cool said:
Is there any specific years of sbc distributors that you use for the modification? I can look for some cores at the swap meets.
Click to expand...

Chevy distributors, for the purpose of our discussion here, are the same for small blocks and big blocks. GM ran that particular point-style distributor from 1955-1974, when they transitioned to the HEI distributor. They are virtually identical from 1965 or so all the way up to the transition.
I believe I recall the one I sent to Charlie for my 8BA was a 1974 truck distributor.
 
Steve, Charlie NY is a friend of mine. He is the go to guy for the Chevrolet conversion as well as being the go to guy for ford 94 type carburetors. His work is the best.
 
When I built mine I turned down the shaft to mount a Chrysler reluctor and used a matching pickup coil, essentially converting into a very tunable electronic distributor.
Coupled with a GM HEI brain and later model "E" coil and you have a bulletproof maintenance free ignition with readily available parts.
 
49 ford electronics.jpg
 
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