Installing b distributor

stallerl

stallerl

Senior Member
Hello all. I have a B distributor that I want to use in my '29 Tudor, What all do I have to change to make it work besides the popout switch? What wiring has to be changed? I've read that the timing setting is different but I'll address that when I'm about to start the car, a few weeks from now. Any and all input, tips, direction will be appreciated. Thanks...:)
 
Make sure you dont have the shorter aftermarket spark wires. The B distributor is a little taller and they dont reach well. I had one fall of while driving. There really isnt much you have to change.
 
Thanks for the tip about the spark wires. Obviously the B dist doesn't have the connection for the pop out switch so I'll have to replace the ignition switch and supporting wiring. Anything else?
 
Not really. I have one in my A and did the complete swap in 15 minutes. If you feel like doing some work and saving a dollar you can remove the sheild from around the distributor wire and you wouldnt have to replace the switch. I already had one of the modern switches so it was no big deal.
 
You need to replace the front timing cover with one designed for a Model B (the pin is in a different location). Otherwise search the archives for various tricks to time the distributer.

Charlie Stephens
 
Why does everyone say that? You don't NEED to replace the front cover. Its not that hard to time it without the B cover.
 
jkeesey said:
Why does everyone say that? You don't NEED to replace the front cover. Its not that hard to time it without the B cover.
Click to expand...

Here are two posts from the past,

"The B distributor should be static timed at 19* BTDC (advanced), while the A is static timed at TDC. If he runs the B distributor with an A front cover he'll be 19* retarded, so he needs to either swap the cover to correctly index the timing pin or follow the outlined procedure in the link"



"The timing is different between A and B is because the stock B distributor only has 7 to 9* advance built in with the auto advance. So the timing has to be set 19* before top dead center to compensate for the short advance."

So to get the 19* one uses the B cover, at least that is what has been posted here.
 
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Mike or he can just turn his dist. Cam a little more. It took me all of 5 minutes to set mine, its not that hard. If you do everything by the book and can't hear the difference than spend the money and change the cover. If you can hear what and engine is supposed to sound like and perform like don't bother.
 
http://www.nurex.com/list_products.asp

I put a Model B disti on and did the timing with a timing light. Put a dot of white paint on the crank pulley with a corresponding reference pointer to show TDC. I also had the Precision Timing kit from NuRex to help with getting the disti cam to the sweet spot. Worked well for me.
 
Bill, I'm curious why you have it timed at 9* BTDC rather than the standard B static timing of 19* BTDC...did it just run better that way or did you have some knock with the HC head and 19*?
 
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