Model A Distributor with Centrifugal Advance

S

Sheldon Paulger

Junior Member
Is there a 4 cyl distributor with centrifugal advance available at auto wreckers that would fit a Model A (with minimum modifications)?

Thks
Sheldon
 
Not that I am aware of. Most distributors since the 50s and probably before have a gear on the bottom end of the shaft in the place a shaft retainer would be on the Model A. Also a lot of these distributors are longer than the Model A too - they have the length of both shafts built into the housing.

If you want centrifugal advance, go find a Mallory or B distributor.
 
In the current market these days I have found that VW and MG distributors can be modified to work
After the machine work is done the advance curve will need attention

John
 
I had heard early datsuns can be altered but the advance curve is wrong. Model B curve is correct but have design issues. FSI uses hall effect adaptive dwell.Period Mallory distributors for model A, Y 11 series are out there in dual or single point setups.
 
Prewar English small Fords had a distributor which is a straight drop in . They are fairly common at swap meets here You have to check the rotation as this small engine went to a chain drive camshaft there is an arrow on the rotor to indicate rotation .They should be about in the Antipodies (have I spelt that right ???)My son has one in his pickup and it works a treat . I cant recall what the advance is I must check .

John in sunny cool morning Suffolk County England .
 
The correct spark advance is 1 degree per 100 rpm,peak at 24 to 26 degrees max.Besides drivability mechanical advance eliminates detonation or spark knock, a cause of bearing failure.High compression reduces the tolerance for improper timing.The increase in engine efficiency is noticeable.
 
Jack Shaft said:
Period Mallory distributors for model A, Y 11 series are out there in dual or single point setups.
Click to expand...

This is a straight away drop in, however, Mallory has been bought out several times and the 4 cylinder distributor parts are extremely hard to find.

John
 
aermotor said:
This is a straight away drop in, however, Mallory has been bought out several times and the 4 cylinder distributor parts are extremely hard to find.

John
Click to expand...

B points and condenser hard to find as well,along with a few internals.The B distributor has a design flaw,the breaker plate shaft/drive shaft get no lubrication and is small in diameter..you can get oil to it through modification.The FSI electronic distributor,either zipper A style or the stand alone industrial body style uses a hall effect style pickup and has adaptive dwell,spot on coil soak everytime.The biggest problem with the pertronix/FSI pickups is the need for clear voltage signal,tying it in with an old sketchy harness and grounds leads to failure.
 
jetrod said:
I use the nu-rex advance on my 2 A's-- they are a great upgrade and easy to install.
Click to expand...

Me too. And as a side benefit it is fun to watch 'Ace Mechanics' in the group try to explain why I have so much "play" in my distributor drive. :rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
The advance built into these distributors is set for a standard engine with a standard head. We know that as compression rises, less advance is needed.
Does anybody have an idea on how much less advance is needed for a 5.5:1 head? Same question for other after market heads that are available all the way up to about 8 or 9 to 1.
 
Jack Shaft said:
B points and condenser hard to find as well,along with a few internals.The B distributor has a design flaw,the breaker plate shaft/drive shaft get no lubrication and is small in diameter..you can get oil to it through modification.The FSI electronic distributor,either zipper A style or the stand alone industrial body style uses a hall effect style pickup and has adaptive dwell,spot on coil soak everytime.The biggest problem with the pertronix/FSI pickups is the need for clear voltage signal,tying it in with an old sketchy harness and grounds leads to failure.
Click to expand...
I solved the condenser problem by using a high quality Model A condenser from Brattons. I elongated the hole in the tab and added a pig tail. It went right in (see photo). I bought several sets of NOS points a few years ago and haven't checked their availability recently. If I was looking for points (or other Model B parts) I would start with Renner's Corner, (734) 428-8424.

Charlie Stephens
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5690.jpg
    IMG_5690.jpg
    93.9 KB · Views: 75
  • IMG_8204.jpg
    IMG_8204.jpg
    52 KB · Views: 84
nomadpsd said:
Just buy a FSI Zipper. Has centrifugal advance made for the Model A.
Click to expand...

FYI. The fsi Zipper does not work with HC heads. I tried it and had to send it back. FSI admitted that it will not work.

I suggested that they say that in there advertising it is not intended for HC heads, but that went to deaf ears.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top