stock dist with jr. isky cam

[nbrskn]

can a stock distributor be used with a JR Isky Cam ?

[RalphM]

How many carbs are you running?

[Seth Swoboda]

What distributor? Front mount or top mount load-a-matic?

[nbrskn]

1950 merc motor . Top mount dist . 8BA intake 1 carb 60 over bore

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

If it uses a 1949-1953 Loadamatic the answer is no! Wont work very well..

If is use a three bolt helmet or a two bolt crab distributor the answer is "sure" best ever made . Automatic advance rates , dual point and set up correctly will rev up and run very well.. Early had 16 degrees and late have 22 degrees........

[nbrskn]

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What is a loadomatic. what makes it different from a regular dist?

[tubman]

Originally Posted by nbrskn

What is a loadomatic. what makes it different from a regular dist?

During these years ('1949-1956?), Ford used a unique vacuum set up to advance the timing. They called their system "Loadamatic". While most vacuum advance systems use either manifold or ported vacuum, the Ford system uses venturi vacuum. The distributor also has no provision for mechanical advance. The system runs very well in a stock engine when all of the components are in good condition, but if you change anything, the distributor advance won't work properly, and the car will run badly. I ran the stock engine in my '51 for 30 years this way, and was very happy with it. It's like anything else; if it's in good condition and used the way it was designed, it's fine. Your new cam probably messes up that design, how much I don't know; you'll just have to try it.

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by tubman

During these years ('1949-1956?), Ford used a unique vacuum set up to advance the timing. They called their system "Loadamatic". While most vacuum advance systems use either manifold or ported vacuum, the Ford system uses venturi vacuum. The distributor also has no provision for mechanical advance. The system runs very well in a stock engine when all of the components are in good condition, but if you change anything, the distributor advance won't work properly, and the car will run badly. I ran the stock engine in my '51 for 30 years this way, and was very happy with it. It's like anything else; if it's in good condition and used the way it was designed, it's fine. Your new cam probably messes up that design, how much I don't know; you'll just have to try it.

I agree i would try the loadamatic , may work very well.
However if it doesnt it will be very retarded and over heat.

[tubman]

He says he is running an 8BA intake. If it has an 8BA type carb, it might run tolerably well (to the extent that the Isky cam changes the amount and timing of vacuum), but it probably won't be ideal. Plus, it is seriously under-carbed. I have a Rochester small base 2GC on my '51 Merc engine with a Mallory dual-point, and it is hands down, the best running flathead I have had over the last 60 years (and I've had a few). Bottom line, he can probably get by with it, but it is far from the best solution.

[flatheadmurre]

I assume it´s a 400Jr we´re talking about and that seems like a little more cam then that setup would benefit from...specially if it´s in a heavy car that needs torq.
You don´t care about anything but power...get a mallory distributor they look nice !
You wan´t good mileage...convert a vacuum advance distributor...the chevy´s work great but not eyecandy imho...

[tubman]

Murre, I got 19 mpg with the Mallory mechanical advance only and the 2GC coming back from Paynesville. Most of that is Interstate Highway and I was running at the speed limit, which was 65 (2800 RPM). I don't think that's too bad with a non-overdrive car. I have to believe it would have been in the mid 20's with an overdrive.

[JT FORD]

I ran a 3/4 race Isky cam in my '51 ford, stock bore, two 94's, dual point with Mallory coil, alum. heads. Stock loadamatic and the car ran great! Put 50,000 miles on it.

[JSeery]

Ok, what is a stock loadomatic dual point?

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Ok, what is a stock loadomatic dual point?

Seems like I remember there being dual point conversion kits for these load-O-Matics back in the '50's or '60's.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

Seems like I remember there being dual point conversion kits for these load-O-Matics back in the '50's or '60's.

Yep! The first piece of "Speed Equipment" I ever bought back in 1958 for my first '51 Ford. Made by Mallory. It came with the brass "trash can" condenser so there was actually something to show your friends when you opened the hood.

[JT FORD]

Originally Posted by tubman

Yep! The first piece of "Speed Equipment" I ever bought back in 1958 for my first '51 Ford. Made by Mallory. It came with the brass "trash can" condenser so there was actually something to show your friends when you opened the hood.

You can buy them often on e-pay. Its just a new plate with two set of points. The big condenser was mounted on the motor outside the dist. They worked just fine, better than one set. I have seen this age old argument on forums for years that the loadamatic wouldn't work with a cam and dual carbs. Most of the arguments were made by people that has never done it before, just read other opinions.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by tubman

Yep! The first piece of "Speed Equipment" I ever bought back in 1958 for my first '51 Ford. Made by Mallory. It came with the brass "trash can" condenser so there was actually something to show your friends when you opened the hood.

Thanks for the input, never heard of one, but then was never interested in one! I have ran a lot of Mallory full mechanical dual points and had good success with them.

[rotorwrench]

That takes it out of the "stock" range for sure. I'd question the benefits of a dual point set up in a Load-O-Matic on an 8BA type engine. Which carb would run the vacuum advance? The Holley Load-O-Matic's used spring tension to hold the advance against the vacuum can pull and they were very limited on the available advance. A modified Chevy or Chrysler distributor would give a person both centrifugal advance and vacuum advance. A person needs an adjustable vacuum can to run it on manifold vacuum with two 94s or two 97s. When they are dialed in, they can't be easily beaten for overall street performance. The Load-O-Matic is barely acceptable for a stone stock 8BA type engine.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

That takes it out of the "stock" range for sure. I'd question the benefits of a dual point set up in a Load-O-Matic on an 8BA type engine. Which carb would run the vacuum advance? The Holley Load-O-Matic's used spring tension to hold the advance against the vacuum can pull and they were very limited on the available advance. A modified Chevy or Chrysler distributor would give a person both centrifugal advance and vacuum advance. A person needs an adjustable vacuum can to run it on manifold vacuum with two 94s or two 97s. When they are dialed in, they can't be easily beaten for overall street performance. The Load-O-Matic is barely acceptable for a stone stock 8BA type engine.

I take exception to this statement. You must never have had one that was 100%.

[rotorwrench]

The only advance you got was by venturi vacuum and depending on the spring tension it worked OK but for how long. If you need more advance or want any sensitivity it's just not going to do much. Every person I've ever seen try to use one with dual carbs ends up changing it to something else. The engine overheats at the drop of a hat.

If you've had good luck with it then that's great but most folks that I've known didn't. Even the old crab was a better distributor. At least it had a centrifugal advance with a vacuum operated retard.