Early V8 Distributors
 

If one was to build a stock 1936 LB engine with domed pistons and cast iron 68 series heads would bolting on an early 40 series distributor be a step backwards?
The advance curves appear similar yet the 68 or 78 series distributors have a better design advance weight mechanism. Also the rotor is smaller diameter on the later distributor.
Anyone have “ real world” experience with this? This is going into a 32 Fordor. Thanks!

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Make sure that the advance weights are marked 40B, not 40A nor just 40.

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Personally if you plan to drive it a lot, hands down the BEST setup is a early housing and rotor with 11A internals. All of my cars have this setup including my 32 and if setup up properly this is the best you can have; better points and much better advance curve and limit. Once installed on the car nobody would know it’s not a stock distributor

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Thanks Michael, I will be in touch. That will be the best way. I will require all of the 11A bits.

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

If this not a stock build another option would be using a 2 bolt front cover and '42 - '48 distributor and a crab cap. Same great 11A curve fewer parts and very compact......this is just a thought....
Charlie ny

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Charlie, yes I have that on the 3W, but this one I want to look original. Ted

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Why not just use a '41 helmet distributor that already has the 11A internals. Would not look 100% correct because of the coil, but 90% of the people who look at your car would never know the difference....unless your car is being judged at an EFV-8 Club meet where Michael, DavidG, or Charlie ny happen to be the judges, lol ;);):D

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Well, I think you know the answer that! None of us care about the 90+%. It matters to us and the few that know the difference and appreciate the effort to create what we have. Ted

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

"Why not just use a '41 helmet distributor that already has the 11A internals."

"... but this one I want to look original."

Sounds like he already answered that in the post just before yours.

Ted, it's an easy swap. I have one on the bench now.

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Where does one find the 11A stamping when checking parts?

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

On the back side of the distributor near the tang that engages the cam shaft.

In reply to Tim's question. I forgot to add the quote.

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Thanks, Seth. Makes sense

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Actually Hoop, he didn't say that just before my post. He implied/replied to Charlie that he already has a "crab" style '42-'48 distributor on his 3w.

motordr/Ted: definitely build your fordor the way you want it to look. DavidG, Michael D, and Charlie ny have all given you great advice. Michael has built many of these early helmet distributors with the 11A internals for guys that I know, and travel with at times, and they are all reporting how well their cars are running.....that's about as real world as it gets.
I'm also getting ready to reassemble a '36 LB for a '35 coupe, and plan to do the distributor exactly like Michael is doing them. Good luck with your '32 fordor project.

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

This is what you are looking for:

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Now to get the parts. Required: 11A-12175 shaft assy, 11A-:12176 weights & cam assy, 11A-121185 Distributor cam and retard disc, preferably NOS. Ted

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

You'll also need the 68-12151 breaker plate.
The easiest way to acquire all is buy a nice 11A core and tranfer the parts over to yours. We sell the weights and index plate NOS, but we do not have a large enough supply of the breaker plates or shafts to sell outright.

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

I have some NOS breaker plates, so no problem there. Does the early rotor fit the 11A shaft OK?

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

Yes there is minimal difference between the 68 and 11a shaft and the rotor fits fine. In fact I have before, bent the weight springs around and used a 11a index plate on the 68 shaft and weights and been able to get it to perform identical to a 11a on the machine.

You can use the later rotor as well but if you do, you have to use the later inner caps. Also in the 32-36 distributor if you use the original rear cast iron housing you have to remove the grease shield inside when converting to later guys (easy with a screwdriver to do) or just use the later iron housing

Mac Van Pelt or Fred Wilner likely has the shafts. We are down to around 70 of them so I need to hang onto them for customer rebuilds

Re: Early V8 Distributors
 

I sure appreciate all the tips Michael. If my local source doesn’t pan out I will give Fred a call. Anyone want to trade their NOS 11A shaft for an NOS B shaft?