Flathead distributor
 

I'm running a 59A in a 40 Ford. A couple years ago I got persuaded to try the Stromburg E fire electronic dist. The first one from Summit was bad. Sent back and Stromburg sent a replacement. Seemed to work okay but now running like crap. Idles okay but off idle pops and bucks and sometimes hard to start. I have always noticed that prior to this it started as soon as you let the starter button go. Usually not starting when cranking. But as soon as button released. I'm getting a good 6.4 volt to the coil. I am really considering putting a point dist. back in. I am running the 3 bolt early timing cover. Which is the better distributor? the early 3 bolt 37-41 or the later 42-48? It seems like the 2 bolt dist. is simpler. I see speedway sells the adaptor to run the later on the early motor. And installing the button to reach the dist.

Re: Flathead distributor
 

The 3 bolt helmet distributor is a very good unit.

Re: Flathead distributor
 

Both the helmut and the crab are better than the aftermarket junk when overhauled and set up proper. I am a crab kind of guy, they are easier to get on and off.

Re: Flathead distributor
 

In your application the crab distributor IMHO. One cap, simple rotor, spark plug wires
easy to install, technically best curve. All guts available @ NAPA.
Charlie ny

Re: Flathead distributor
 

Post 2,3,4 are exactly right above. I’m fortunate to have my own ford stroboscope to do my own and well done and set up properly on the stroboscope they perform excellent. I’ll put in a plug for skip Haney as I know he has one and does them for folks as one of his primary services .

Re: Flathead distributor
 

I see some of the 42-48 distributors have the 2 piece caps with a one wire snap and some have the one piece finger cap with the 2 snaps I know there are 21A's and there are 59A's. Figuring the 59A is 46-48. What years had the one piece finger cap? I am leaning toward looking for the style with the one piece cap but wondering which distributor has the best curve? I'm more use to the later 8BA flatheads.