Non Model A & B Distributors

LeroyM

LeroyM

Senior Member
Hey guys,

Who's running a non Model A & B distributor in their hopped up motors? What fairly modern distributor makes a good swap for theses old motors? I've heard before that a 70's Datsun distributor will work with some machining done to it but I have no idea which model the distributor came from.

I have used a old 50's Mallory before with good results but parts for them are hard to come by. Are the new Mallory's as good as the old ones?

Any thoughts or help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
I just stuck a NOS Delco Remy on eBay (shameless plug) that may fit with some machine work. No idea what it was originally designed for.
 
I use Roto-Faze distributors with Jacobs computer ignitions.
Both have websites.
 

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I run a delco HEI out of a oldsmobile v-8 that I modified on my lathe , took an afternoon , looked at distributor caps till I found 4cyl that fit ,this distributor is self contained , coil and all. 1 wire hook-up. I did this because I didn't have a model A distributor , and wanted to get it running , has centrifical advance and vaccume advance hooked up , so far it has ran great..........
JIMI
 
YOJIMI,

Do you know what year the oldsmobile was that the distributor came out of and what 4cyl cap you ended up using?
 
I'm planning to use a Ford Escort distributor. Note the key word "planning". I have not even acquired one yet but it's a four cylinder with a fairly large diameter cap and it is designed to turn counter clockwise (as do most/all Fords).
 
I'm running a modern dual point Mallory w/centrifigal advance. Points, condenser, cap, rotor still readily available at summit racing. I also run a 5.9 Brumfield Head w/ no other mods. Works great - trouble free.
 
i have run an early datsun 70 s in my ovh am now running a single point mallory mallory. both performed great. the datsun requires some lathe and mill work and you only use the primary set of points. dual points in a 4banger driver is not necessary in my opinion. fs ignitions make a nice reliable ignition check it out. scotty
 
After reading a article in Secrets Magazine, the official journal of the Secrets Of Speed Society (S.O.S.S.) and author Gary Anderson ( thanks Gary), of Michigan. volume 19 issue 2 we have machined up a dozen or so of these new Mallorys for the Model Ts and Model As ( Different lower ends and different curves for sure ).

(by the way if you dont get this magazine you really need to !!! Order at cy4fn@aol.com )

The Model A uses the Mallory with a slight amount of machining work by ctting some off the bottom, machining a drive tang and making a new bushing. The springs are changed to get the curve moving a little quicker than usual ..
Some pics:

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Polished or "vintage" blasted????

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Unit is held in with bolt or may use machined clamp by threading the pin hole.
Curve is very adjustable but most have used a 20 degree advance at 3000 rpm for the A's and 20 degrees at 2000 for the Model Ts'...
 
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We have been pleased with the Zipper from FS Ignitions. It is an electronic replacement. We did an article on it in Vol 3 Issue 1 of the Model A Times.
 

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I am using an FSI (First Street Ignitions) distributor (not the Zipper). My engine is stock other than the distributor and single downdraft setup w/ a Yapp Scalded Dog intake and Stromberg 97 (reman. - English) carburetor. I love the changes.
 
Good looking unit Bubba.
I have to chuckle and giggle at the UL label though.
Yes, I know it is a piece of electrical equipment but that just tickles
my funny bone.
I have dealt with UL many times over the years when I was in the electrical equipment manufacturing business so I know what it takes to get a UL label on a piece of equipment....
I wonder if the CSA label is hiding behind the spring clamp.
Again, good job.
 
I know this is an old post BUT?
Maybe I am missing something here; but how is the Modified Mallory going to get oil to the shaft! Should an Oiler be added also? Like on an Stock A model or even the Mallory from earlier? Any one using one of these? Any more photos?
I remember reading about the modification somewhere but have not been able to find it lately! I really like the looks of this one...
Just wondering?
 
I should do some research, but I'm led to believe that most modern distributors run the wrong way for the Ford and a Honda one is the one to go for?
A friend runs a modern distributor on his A and I'll have to check with him about it
Keith
 
I run a (original model) Mini distributor on my Miller OHV engine. Has the subject of the automatic advance come up? If you use anything modern, you may have a distributor that is designed to advance the timing at much higher revs than is required for a Model A.
On my Mini distributor, I had a hard time inceasing the size of the advance bob weights, and installing weak springs to get the advance early enough. And then I had to limit the amount of advance too. Just wondering if this has been considered?
 
I use a modified dual point Mallory for a chev V8. In my home built over head. This engine is now in my 30 pickup.
 

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i'm using the datsun you speak of, the one with a tach drive. they have a ball bearing instead of a bushing. these are dual point units but they have too much advance for a flathead, mine are on ohv conversions. they need a little machine work to fit the head, and a new drive shaft.
 
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