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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Changing front dist to side dist on 48 Ford

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Discussion Topic: Changing front dist to side dist on 48 Ford

Steve's 48 Ford

12-22-2010 @ 2:56 PM

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I'm going to change to a side mount dist. on my 48 Ford, what do I need?? I understand someone makes a new timing cover and gear to attach to my 48 Cam. Also what water pumps do I need? How do belts line up and can you get a front pulley with timing marks on it?? I know this is a lot of questions but don't know where to start. I', just sick of breaking my back working on front dist. Thanks for any help.

tudorbilll

12-22-2010 @ 5:31 PM

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Get your dizz set up on a machine it will last 5 years-- 10,000 mi, mine do.Bill

42guy

12-22-2010 @ 7:07 PM

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Send it to Skip in Florida. It will last many miles of carefree driving.

Stroker

12-23-2010 @ 7:32 AM

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Your water pumps and belt won't be a issue. What will be an issue is the lack of a provision for clamping the distributor. If you use a stock 49-53 distributor, you will have to find a 49-53 Holley with a venturi vacuum port. If you are running multiple carbs, or a 4-bbl, your only option would be a Mallory or similar after-market dist. that includes a centrifugal advance.

As the others have said, a quality rebuild of your existing front mount unit would be a lot cheaper and better in the long run.

supereal

12-23-2010 @ 8:06 AM

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In addition to Dan's info, you will need to swap camshafts, as the "posthole" distributor requires a gear on the front of the shaft to drive the distributor. The stock "pancake" distributor is an exceptionally durable unit, and properly set up, will usually be trouble free for many years. I agree that the position, as well as the double cap arrangement, is awkward at best, but hardly worth the time, effort, and money to change.

oldford2

12-23-2010 @ 9:49 AM

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Steve,
If you are trying to work on the dizzy while in place such as replace/set points and timing then it is indeed back breaking. And, the results are sure to be poor. It takes only about 15 or 20 minutes to remove the fan, generator and belts to give easy access to remove the 2 bolts holding the dizzy. Then, unless you have a machine to set and test it, you should send it to Skip for a proper setup. The 2 piece cap IS a bear if you have to thread the wires into the cap properly. Unless you drive alot in heavy weather, you should change to the crab cap which is not quite as weatherproof as the 2 cap. Follow the good advice of the other replies and save yourself time, money and frustration. Pick up a spare dizzy and have it set up and it is an easy (1 hour) changeover.
John

This message was edited by oldford2 on 12-23-10 @ 9:51 AM

37RAGTOPMAN

12-23-2010 @ 2:55 PM

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trying to install points in the dist in the car is not the way to go,
remove it is what the FORD dealers. did,
they had a exchange program.
the mechanics simply removed the dist and reinstalled it with a rebuilt unit,
some dealers on down time would rebuild them and put on the shelf till one was called for,
a repair manual might be handy and save you some back aches,
removing the dist is not a big deal, if you take your time and line up the offset drive.to reinstall the dist,
sending the one on the car to SKIP, will be good for years, do the caps and wiring ,if everything is done right, and easy starting and runing like the FORD V8 was famous for.
trying to convert the engine is a lot of work and it is not writtern in stone you will not have any problems.
it might be easier to rebuild a 49-53 MERCURY ENGINE,is is about 125 hp with the 4 inch crank and 255 cubic inches,
I have one if interested,
this is my 3 cents worth,37 RAGTOPMAN

sturgis 39

12-28-2010 @ 3:53 AM

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SPEEDWAY MOTORS FROM LINCOLN NEBRASKA SELLS THE COVER,GEAR AND CLAMP FOR COMPLETING THIS MODIFICATION. THEY ALSO SELL A MAGNETO FOR FLAT HEADS AND A FAKE MAGNETO. YOU MIGHT HAVE TO CHANGE THE WATER PUMPS SO THE FAN BELT DOES NOT RUB ON THE DISTRIBUTOR SHAFT HOUSING.

LET US KNOW HOW YOU PROCEED AND WHAT PROBLEMS YOU HAVE.

THANKS

IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, DUCT TAPE OR JB WELD - IT CAN NOT BE FIXED

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