Stromberg Distributor Question

[19Fordy]

Am trying to gather some feedback on this Stromberg electronic distributor.
Does anyone have any experience as the the quality and reliability of this item?
Sure is pricey. Thanks, JIM
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sbc-11a-12?rrec=true

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Am trying to gather some feedback on this Stromberg electronic distributor.
Does anyone have any experience as the the quality and reliability of this item?
Sure is pricey. Thanks, JIM
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sbc-11a-12?rrec=true

$410.00 at Summit Racing

[tubman]

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...highlight=fire

[19Fordy]

tubman: THANK YOU very much for the excellent feedback on the Stromberg units.

petehoovie: Thank you for posting the big photo. Really helps.

JIM

[aussie merc]

they seem to be a love/hate item some love them others hate them it appears that a lot of problems relate to installation and other associated items [ie electrics condition ] the install direction need to be followed to the letter as they are not forgiving [what electronics are] but at least spares are readily available

[Ol' Ron]

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My concern here is tuning. Without a vacuum signal, How can the ignition timing be controlled for loading conditions of the engine. Did I miss something
Gramps

[flatjack9]

No, you are right.

[19Fordy]

Ron and flatjack: (in purple)
Here is what the tech. info. in the Stromberg add says. Does it make sense in relation to your valid question re: tuning the Stromberg E-Fire Electronic Distributors

They make it sound like you just "dial it in" on the distributor using their timing adjuster on the side of the distributor. Does that make any sense?
Here's the add:

Stromberg E-Fire electronic distributors actually look like they rightfully belong on your traditional flathead motor. They feature a simple, built-in electronic ignition. No points, no condenser, no black or red box, no maintenance--no worries. These crab-style units bolt on like a stocker with a black cap, and they're easy to properly install with just two wires to your regular coil. Order a Stromberg E-Fire electronic distributor for your Ford flathead and bolt it on—it works straight out of the box!

Features and specs:

* 2- or 3-bolt mounting options available to match your application
* Available in your choice of 6 V positive or 12 V negative ground
* Designed as short as possible with hot rod builders in mind, so you can use the stock fan
* Timing adjuster is on the side, so you don't have to turn the whole body
* Static timing, advance rate and max total advance specifically tuned to suit the flathead V8
* Old-school performance tag with a unique ID number
* For use with a points-style 1.5 ohms coil only

[Pech33]

I have a 6 volt that has about 2 miles on it. It is now in a box. I could not get rid of a miss as the rpm increased. Talked to the guys at Millwood and they suggested to adjust the carburetor, I did, no luck. Sent my old helmet to Skip Haney, runs like a top. I was thinking today that I would get in touch with Stromberg and send it back to see if they get the miss while it is on their machine. It could have a defective module, I have no idea. The general problem with electronic distributors is (I hear) when they quit, they quit, no limping home. When I was inquiring of the "Barn" about the Strombergs, I got garbage cans posted in replies. Not very helpful. Some people have no problems with them. Others . . .

[flatmotor40]

I have 1 on mine and no troubles.Had a Mallory and had trouble after a few years.So I went with the Stromberg.

[alchemy]

I like the Mallory in mine. The Mallory that Ford built in 1942. Yes, that's right. The best distributor was built way back in 1942 with a Mallory design.

[Bored&Stroked]

I have a Vertex Magneto in mine . . . points last forever, doesn't need a battery, spark increases as RPM does, has a good advance curve (just no vacuum advance).

Also, it shocks the crap out of me and makes my fillings glow when I'm negligent and get my elbow close to the good ole' Rajay plug wire ends (when adjusting carbs) . . . this wakes me up such that I can pay better attention when driving.

[Ol' Ron]

the best distributor you can use in the Fathead today is the SBC converted by Charley NY with the adjustable advance curve, and vacuum advance. How you use it however, will determine how well your engine runs and the fuel econmy.
Gramps

[deuce lover]

Feedback: After seeing this initial thread I mentioned this dist to a friend(here in France) with a bone stock 21 stud in a '35 Cabriolet here. He ordered one Fri 10/14 (from UK) along with the recommended 1.5 ohm coil and the new Stromberg sp wire set.He had previously converted everything to 12V neg ground and used an alt in place of the generator.He plugged the vacuum advance on the intake . He received it Mon 10/17 and finished the installation today and is very very pleased with the results.Here is a pic of engine compartment before removing and rerouting the heater hoses .He added Sharp heads as good orig ones he could not find here.

[19Fordy]

Excellent. Glad it worked well. Car looks great.
If possible please post photos and explain how you installed your overflow tank/bottle.
Thanks, JIM in FL

[deuce lover]

Jim, He did it so know nothing about it. He is to far away for me to go look at it. Sorry.

[Krylon32]

I have one of Charlies Distributors on my 8BA and a pair of new Strombergs from Baxter's and it runs like a champ. Of course that's on a test stand

[wagoon]

I purchased one of the early E-fires before they added the small clip to keep the wires away from the rotor. It ran great, but then the wires rubbed and it shorted everything out.

I reached out to them and they stood by their product. I was able to send it back in and they rebuilt it and returned it free of charge. I haven't put back in the car yet as the stock distributor is working well. Will probably put back in over the winter.

Reaching out to Charlie from NY now for 8ba distributor for another car. He seems to be the man to speak to. Thanks for all the info.

[Henry Hopper]

I fitted one to my 59a in my 32 roadster... ran perfect, just make sure you use the right coil, he leads etc.standard leads will not work properly.

[hueyhoolihan]

ya, i know, it's been a while, but...

the question i have, is where and how do i mount the external coil it will be needing?