Distributor for French 4,2l flathead

[miwi]

Hi,

I‘m currently working on a 4.2l (255 cui) french flathead. I have to install a new 12 V distributor instead of the water protected 24v distributor. I have a few questions, maybe some can answer them.
1. I want to install a new distributor. I using on my 3.9l French one of Bubbas electronic distributors. I never had problems with it. I‘m think of one of Bubba‘s electronic distributors also on the 4.2 l. I know that Bubba is out of business, but didn‘t another company is now selling Ex Bubba distributors? Or what other alternative would you recommend.
2. When I’m searching for front engine covers in the web i only find those for a 239 flatty without the bolt hole. The french one has a bolt coming through the cover like on the 255 flatty. Do you know if there are 255 front cover for sale or can I use the 239 front cover.


Thanks for your help

[51 MERC-CT]

To my knowledge none of the timing covers, whether it be for a 239 Ford or 255 Mercury engine have what appears to be an external camshaft end play adjustment or input for a tachometer.

[tubman]

See post #6 in this thread on the H.A.M.B. : https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...#post-12256506

[V8COOPMAN]

.

This is likely the cover that "miwi" is referring to. DD

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by miwi

Hi,

I‘m currently working on a 4.2l (255 cui) french flathead. I have to install a new 12 V distributor instead of the water protected 24v distributor. I have a few questions, maybe some can answer them.
1. I want to install a new distributor. I using on my 3.9l French one of Bubbas electronic distributors. I never had problems with it. I‘m think of one of Bubba‘s electronic distributors also on the 4.2 l. I know that Bubba is out of business, but didn‘t another company is now selling Ex Bubba distributors? Or what other alternative would you recommend.
2. When I’m searching for front engine covers in the web i only find those for a 239 flatty without the bolt hole. The french one has a bolt coming through the cover like on the 255 flatty. Do you know if there are 255 front cover for sale or can I use the 239 front cover.


Thanks for your help

Having had experience with the French block having used one in my race car up to 180 MPH. What you can simply do is use any of the Ford front covers from the 1949 to 1953 V-8 engines. With the Ford front cover you can now use any type of distributer made for the application or any conversions also being offered. The only modification you may need to do is a way to provide a clamp to hold the distributer in place so its adjustable for proper timing settings. What i do is simply weld a block to the top outer surface of the front cover which has a threaded hole for a stud or bolt. i then make a clamp to hold the distributer in place.
Ronnieroadster

[Charlie ny]

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For what it is worth I'm able to convert many after market Chevy distributors to 8BA.
All distributors from my shop have a full size clamping pad, same as the Load a Matic.
All machine & setup work is done by me. I am curious....is the gear on the French
distributors the same as the Load a Matic ?
Jim Linder and I e mail and PM on a semi regular basis and I freely admit he is my
council on ignition challenges I face from time to time.
Charlie ny

[miwi]

Thanks for your information about the Front timing cover. I'll have a spare one from my old cracked 8BA that I'll try to use.

[miwi]

Originally Posted by Charlie ny

For what it is worth I'm able to convert many after market Chevy distributors to 8BA.
All distributors from my shop have a full size clamping pad, same as the Load a Matic.
All machine & setup work is done by me. I am curious....is the gear on the French
distributors the same as the Load a Matic ?
Jim Linder and I e mail and PM on a semi regular basis and I freely admit he is my
council on ignition challenges I face from time to time.
Charlie ny

I'm not sure but if the gear is the same but If you would use the timing cover of a french 239 engine the shaft length is different to the Load-A-Matic.
Bubba had sent me one specially for the french timing cover for my 239

[vincent]

I have a french flatty as well in the 34 Tudor. I used the lower gear of the french distributor and coupled it to the distributor that I intend to use. Had to modify the dizzy shaft and housing a bit to make it fit the french engine. Will take a pic if you need more details.