I have just recently rebuilt my 351w and I have been told that i need to recurve my distributor. My question is how is this done and would it help my performance. I guess what I'm asking is will it make more HP/TQ. any input is appreciated.

 

recurving your distributor means to custom tailor the rate at which the distributor creates mechanical (centrifugal) advance. For emissions purposes, your stock Ford distributor has a "slow" curve in it, meaning that you won't get full advance, or Total timing by somewhere around 4100 RPM. For most truck applications, you would make more torque, HP, and fuel economy by getting full advance by about 3300-3500 RPM. GM HEI distributors, as well as Mallory, MSD, and Accel aftermarket units are easy to adjust, but on a Duraspark unit, I'm (mostly) sure that the advance springs are actually under the magnetic pickups. Changing to a lighter, easier to stretch spring will let the mechanical advance come in sooner. This can easily be overdone though, and combined with vacuum advance without a stop bushing to prevent the vacuum advance from bumping the total timing beyond the total timing, you could have detonation. Get the correct advance springs for your distributor, or let a professional do this.

You will definately pick up some power in the mid-high RPM range. TK

'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing