Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

SBF distributor questions.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 24, 2007 | 11:53 AM
  #1  
black58's Avatar
black58
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 576
Likes: 9
From: Rockford, IL
SBF distributor questions.

Hey guys, I have a 58 F100 with an 86 302 in it. I converted it to carb and bought an HEI distributor off eBay. The discription said it had a hardened gear and wouldn't work with earlier engines. The question I have is Is an 86 considered an early engine? Does anyone know if I can use one from a late seventies sbf. I have the distributor, ignition box and harness that connects the two. Although, I don't have the harness from the key to the box and would need a diagram. Thanks, John

FYI it's just like the one here
eBay item no 260108857196
 
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2007 | 12:19 PM
  #2  
bobbytnm's Avatar
bobbytnm
Roast em' if you got 'em
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,039
Likes: 10,035
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Club FTE Gold Member
I don't know the answer to your question but I thought I'd share a small tidbit of info with you. Be carefull with the SBF distributors, or more specifically with the drive gear. You'll need to make sure you have the drive gear for the 302/289 or smaller and not the 351W. The distributors are identical but the drive gears aren't. The oil pump drive on the 351W is a 5/16" hex, on the 302/289 its a 1/4" hex. The gear is interchangeable, all you have to do is drive the pin out, swap the gears and drive the pin back in.

I found this out years ago when I was swapping the distributor on my 1981 351W motor.

I might have a schematic for the module, I'll check this evening or you might try looking at this site;
http://www.oldcarmanual.com/

Good luck
Bobby
 
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2007 | 12:51 PM
  #3  
sparky's Avatar
sparky
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
Originally Posted by black58
Does anyone know if I can use one from a late seventies sbf. I have the distributor, ignition box and harness that connects the two. Although, I don't have the harness from the key to the box and would need a diagram.
If you have the harness that connects the module to the distributor you aren't missing much wiring....... there is a red and a white wire coming from the module......red goes to a 12 volt source that is "live' when the key is on/run the white wire goes to the "I" terminal on the starter relay.
 
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2007 | 07:40 PM
  #4  
1Digger's Avatar
1Digger
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 201
Likes: 3
From: Churchville, VA
See if a magnet sticks to your old distributor gear. If it does, it was steel and you most likely have a roller motor and your new dizzy will be fine. If not, probably bronze. I'm not sure if a steel gear will damage a non roller cam. Might try the small block forum.
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2007 | 07:34 AM
  #5  
FordRacing250's Avatar
FordRacing250
New User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
easiest way to tell.... is your engine a roller cam???? if so steel gear if needed... non roller needs cast gear.... i believe if the engine is out of a mustang it may be roller... they changed to roller in 85 or 86...
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ruger86
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Mar 24, 2021 05:49 PM
1bad67sbf
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
8
Mar 8, 2013 09:10 PM
1986FordF150I300
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
May 18, 2009 01:00 AM
black58
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
4
Apr 25, 2007 05:19 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:11 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE