I'm looking at a '71 Mustang Mach 1 with a 351C-4V in it. It hasn't been taken care of in 12 years by the owner, and the test drive revealed the engine is running like sh . . . well, crummy. It has a distributor that I've never heard of - the Mallory Double Life. Checking around, it might be an old dual-point unit, but was hoping this forum might have some folks who could clue me in. Other than the obvious tune-up, would this engine benefit from a more modern distributor (with vacuum advance, breakerless, etc)?

 

yes, better everything. Less maintenence, higher firing voltages, better mileage. A stock duraspark blue grommet would be a simple and very cheap upgrade. I don't recall which distributors swap in, but a search in the 335 series forum or the ignition should help you out. About the only place that system is better is out in the middle of the desert or out in the ocean where you can fix it with only a screwdriver and an emery board! GL

 

Ask the experts here but in my opinion your 351C would be better with a modern full control distributor.

 

yup. 99% the dizzy is causing the engine to run the way it does.

 

Well, I figure if the car eventually belongs to me it will run when I'm through with it. Going to do a compression check on it, then I'll try to deal. My wife ain't too thrilled with the car - look honey, hot rods don't have air conditioning.

 

Look for a nice billet Procomp HEI unit on Ebay for < $100.00.

 

out of curiosity i found a couple "double life" dizzies on the E. it's a dual point alright, and a relic! it'd look pretty cool in an engine on a stand or as a conversation piece but i wouldn't choose it for reliability or performance in this day and age!

 

the unlight dizziy and hyfire ig. has never missed one +is the diel in rev limiter also alot cheaper than MSG

 

grclark351 - thanks for confirming the 'relic' status. It looks like the 'Stang is going to have to occupy somebody else's front yard. Wife and I don't seem to be on the same page for this one.

 

uh-oh. will there ever be one that you are "on the same page"? maybe if it's "cute"?

 

Geez, don't get me started there. "It's the wrong color" was the first thing out of her mouth.