The Ford Barn - View Single Post - looking for info on Lucas Flathead distributors

Mart · 12-03-2010, 11:08 AM

I can add a little bit of info.
I have used a Pilot dizzy, nicely made, dual point with an 8 lobe cam. I have also used a commercial dizzy, 4 lobes, the points have very wide heels, but give excellent 15/30 deg open/closed ratio.
They use different caps.
The pilot has a advance vacuum brake the commercial type does not.
They use the same rotor arm, which is the notoriously weak point on them. They break down and fail under heavy load.
The mags are much longer, and share some parts (points etc) with the commercial type distributor. They pack quite a punch, but were intended for stationary engines running at constant speed, hence no advance mechanism.

My personal experience is that they are nicely made, but due to the rotor arm weakness and price of caps, the Ford Crab is a much better choice.
Mart.

12-03-2010, 11:08 AM	#12
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 9,240	Re: looking for info on Lucas Flathead distributors I can add a little bit of info. I have used a Pilot dizzy, nicely made, dual point with an 8 lobe cam. I have also used a commercial dizzy, 4 lobes, the points have very wide heels, but give excellent 15/30 deg open/closed ratio. They use different caps. The pilot has a advance vacuum brake the commercial type does not. They use the same rotor arm, which is the notoriously weak point on them. They break down and fail under heavy load. The mags are much longer, and share some parts (points etc) with the commercial type distributor. They pack quite a punch, but were intended for stationary engines running at constant speed, hence no advance mechanism. My personal experience is that they are nicely made, but due to the rotor arm weakness and price of caps, the Ford Crab is a much better choice. Mart.