Distributor Identification Help
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 487
Likes: 7
From: Cameron, NC
Distributor Identification Help
I'm getting very near to starting a 302 that I bought as a junk heap and rebuilt. This is the distributor that was on it. The engine came out of a F150, a 1979, I THINK. I am starting to think I am missing some major components to get this engine to fire. Can you all tell me what I have and what I need to get this to work? I've purchased a new coil that's just like the old one and a new wire loom, but can't figure out how timing advance works and more...
Last edited by DougofMontana; Jan 31, 2016 at 05:16 PM. Reason: Changed "starter" to read "distributor" oops
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 4,735
From: Burbank, WA
Based on what I see there, you've got a dist from a 1993 fully computer controlled engine, and it's is not designed to work as a stand-alone unit. There's nothing you can add short of a complete factory fuel injection and all it's assorted computer, wiring and sensors that need to work together to make that dist work for you.
You've got some options, depending on your desires. The easiest one would be to get a MSD ready to run dist, and plug and play. Lots of adjustments there to dial in your timing advance for max performance.
You can go cheap and get a reman points dist from the local parts store for a pre '73 302, and put a Pertronix electronic module in it, or stick with points, but you're stuck with whatever timing curve they left in it for you and it's a crap shoot how well it works, unless you know someone with a distributor machine to tune it for you.
You can use a 76-85 302 dist for Duraspark II, but you'll need the module and wiring to accompany it.
Or, there's any number of other aftermarket ignition systems you can try, new or used, and your mileage may vary. Take your pick. Hope this helps.
You've got some options, depending on your desires. The easiest one would be to get a MSD ready to run dist, and plug and play. Lots of adjustments there to dial in your timing advance for max performance.
You can go cheap and get a reman points dist from the local parts store for a pre '73 302, and put a Pertronix electronic module in it, or stick with points, but you're stuck with whatever timing curve they left in it for you and it's a crap shoot how well it works, unless you know someone with a distributor machine to tune it for you.
You can use a 76-85 302 dist for Duraspark II, but you'll need the module and wiring to accompany it.
Or, there's any number of other aftermarket ignition systems you can try, new or used, and your mileage may vary. Take your pick. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 487
Likes: 7
From: Cameron, NC
Whew, that''s a lot to digest, Wayne. I appreciate the info. I guess the best route is to make sure I find the right numbers on the block to determine exactly what I have? From there I guess I can figure out what dist will fit. Thank you again!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 4,735
From: Burbank, WA
If you have a 302, only a 302 dist will work. 351's are all different. Numbers on the block won't matter. The main thing to know is what cam you have; roller or flat tappet. It will make a difference on which type of dist gear you need, steel (roller) or iron (flat tappet).
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 487
Likes: 7
From: Cameron, NC
Wayne, I had always thought that a "roller" cam used roller tappets? (ones with wheels that roll on the cam lobes) This one definately has flat tappets. (the tappets just glide over the cam lobes)
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 4,735
From: Burbank, WA
Chances are the gear on that newfangled dizzy isn't compatible with your flat tappet cam, and you just dodged a bullet.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 487
Likes: 7
From: Cameron, NC
HMMM, this was the distributor that was in the engine when I picked it up, and it sure didn't look like anything had been changed out on the engine in a LONG time. At any rate, I'll work on getting what I need. Thanks again for the info!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
It's possible to determine the distributor advance curve and swap out springs and all that, without the the need for a distributor machine. It's kind of a pita on the engine but not that bad. The correct distributor and proper advance curve tailored to application is the difference between night and day, so it needs to be checked and adjusted if required one way or another.
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