The Ford Barn

CA Victoria · 09-27-2014, 10:41 PM

I have two covers for my 49-53 8RT flathead. The original is aluminum and has a lower support for the distributor shaft the other is cast steel and does not have the support. I understand the steel was used on the Mercury?
Is one any better than the other to use?

Gary Tosel · 09-27-2014, 10:46 PM

The steel cover without the lower support also is to be used with the steel distributor. Aluminum cover goes with the aluminum distributor with the lower end support. I do not know which type distributor is better.

Ol' Ron · 09-28-2014, 08:22 AM

I personally like the cast iron cover, especially when using a converted SBC distributor. while on the subject of front covers, they determine the end play in the camshaft. I usually don't use the front cover gasket and always use the early timing gears as they keep the cam thrust against the block. Not sure if all this is the right thing to do, but it just makes sense to me and has worked well in the past.

CA Victoria · 09-28-2014, 01:56 PM

Ron,
While on the subject of SBC distributors, I bought a mallory to convert to fit my flathead. The steel cover was purchased to modify for the conversion. Any words of wisdom for my first time attempt?

rotorwrench · 09-28-2014, 06:17 PM

They were both used on 8BAs. Mercury 8CM were mostly aluminum types. They are like an apple and an orange. Different but work all the same.

Ol' Ron · 09-28-2014, 09:48 PM

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Well I'm not sure what kind of Mallory you have. If it's a new one, I don't like it as it doesn't have a Vacuum advance and the advance curve is hard to set up. I'f It;s an early one with Vacuum, then have it rebuilt by Bubba and set up. they work very well.

09-27-2014, 10:41 PM	#1
CA Victoria Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,115	49-53 Timing Gear Cover I have two covers for my 49-53 8RT flathead. The original is aluminum and has a lower support for the distributor shaft the other is cast steel and does not have the support. I understand the steel was used on the Mercury? Is one any better than the other to use? __________________ Tim Downtown, Ca

09-27-2014, 10:46 PM	#2
Gary Tosel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,143	Re: 49-53 Timing Gear Cover The steel cover without the lower support also is to be used with the steel distributor. Aluminum cover goes with the aluminum distributor with the lower end support. I do not know which type distributor is better.

09-28-2014, 08:22 AM	#3
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,876	Re: 49-53 Timing Gear Cover I personally like the cast iron cover, especially when using a converted SBC distributor. while on the subject of front covers, they determine the end play in the camshaft. I usually don't use the front cover gasket and always use the early timing gears as they keep the cam thrust against the block. Not sure if all this is the right thing to do, but it just makes sense to me and has worked well in the past.

09-28-2014, 01:56 PM	#4
CA Victoria Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,115	Re: 49-53 Timing Gear Cover Ron, While on the subject of SBC distributors, I bought a mallory to convert to fit my flathead. The steel cover was purchased to modify for the conversion. Any words of wisdom for my first time attempt? __________________ Tim Downtown, Ca

09-28-2014, 06:17 PM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,457	Re: 49-53 Timing Gear Cover They were both used on 8BAs. Mercury 8CM were mostly aluminum types. They are like an apple and an orange. Different but work all the same.

09-28-2014, 09:48 PM	#6
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,876	Re: 49-53 Timing Gear Cover Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Well I'm not sure what kind of Mallory you have. If it's a new one, I don't like it as it doesn't have a Vacuum advance and the advance curve is hard to set up. I'f It;s an early one with Vacuum, then have it rebuilt by Bubba and set up. they work very well.