?? about distributor? 1970 302

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Feb 8, 2002 | 05:57 PM

mudslinger_82

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From: Cleveland USA

?? about distributor? 1970 302

Apr 15, 2002 | 05:03 PM

rob3435

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?? about distributor? 1970 302

First of all I want to thank all those that helped with the head gasket. I got the motor completely put together and broke in the cam. She's a real strong motor, she can pretty much burn up the tires all the way to 3 grand in 1st... (tubbed 1983 mustang).

Anyways heres the next problem. She will run up to 4000 rmp where she will loose all crank shaft acceleration and just stay at 4000, I can hold her there so its not a gas problem. I also can place in 2nd where the power band and acceleration comes back. I'm currently running the stock 1970 points distributor. I've noticed there is a 25-30 degree play in the rotar. I'm thinking the distributor is pretty much shot? (what do you think?) For a replacement i'm looking at either the mallory unlight, or cheap altertive. Would using a later distributor and ignition box work better.

Rob

Apr 15, 2002 | 05:29 PM

fordzrule

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From: Ozark Arkansas

?? about distributor? 1970 302

i would definatly go with electronic ignition. they are much better than points.

Apr 16, 2002 | 06:53 AM

airharley

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From: Escondido, CA

?? about distributor? 1970 302

There are serveral options out there to choose from. Two of them are points replacement systems. Pertonics and Crane both have good sytems. I run the Crane in mine but others have the Pertonics. The good thing about the Pertonics is that you don't have an external box to mount. It's all under the distibutor cap. The Crane has a infared light and slotted disc under the cap but has a brain box that you mount on the firewall/fender. Look at this link to see more. http://www.cranecams.com/ignition/xr700.htm Both systems run roughly $100. But you can keep your existing distributor.

Apr 16, 2002 | 08:17 AM

rob3435

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?? about distributor? 1970 302

But since the existing rotor has so much play isn't the shaft on the distrubtor pretty much shot? I was orginally thinking about the conversion kit for the unlight but since there is play in the rotor that idea won't work right?

Thanks

Rob

Apr 16, 2002 | 10:19 AM

airharley

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From: Escondido, CA

?? about distributor? 1970 302

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Apr-02 AT 11:23 AM (EST)]Why not rebuild the distibutor you have now? The rebuilds for them aren't very much compared to a brand new one. I bought one for mine and it cost me less then $20 and took only 45 minutes to do. One other question, does the rotor spring back to the original position or stay put? If it stays put should replace the gear on the bottom of the distibutor. They do wear out and people often assume the whole unit is bad. If it springs back you are moving the mechanical advance.

One more thing dawned on me. What kind of heads do you have on your 302? If they are aftermarket fine, but if they are the stock heads with no porting that could be a limiting factor. Just a shot in the dark.

Apr 16, 2002 | 10:32 AM

rob3435

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?? about distributor? 1970 302

It dosen't spring back. I was originaly thinking it was the vacuum advance, but with the vaccuum lines hooked up it happens at 2500 rpm, with none hooked its at 4000.

Last year during the drag race season this would happen at 5500 too.

Heads are c9te, w/ complete valve job and good porting job on exhaust side. Other info: edelbrock performer 289 manifold, 650 cfm 4160 holley, summit long tube headers.

Rob

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Apr 27, 2002 | 07:34 AM

cseay1

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From: Bealeton Virginia

?? about distributor? 1970 302

a single point distributor even in perfect working order isnt much good above 3500 rpm -- even a dual point (which is better) isnt even on the same level with a high output capacitive discharge electronic setup -- the ford duraspark electronic ign (74-80s) isnt bad for a cruiser -- but if your motor has power and you like to spin it up nothing can beat an MSD box. I'm running and MSD 6A box with an MSD billet distribitor -- it is misfire free to 6000 rpm (and im sure it would be beyond but 6 is my motors limit) -- the billet distributor has a ford style electronic pickup and GM hei style mechanical advance - it comes with enough advance weights and bushings to program about 30 different advance combinations into the distributor to fine tune it to your motor/chassis/gear combination. If your motors set up to spin high i would use the 6AL box -- it has a rev limiter. If you are on a budget -- I would find a good duraspark distributor, put the accell advance spring & vacuum diaphram on it, and wire it to an MSD box.

Chris Seay
Bealeton VA
'49 F-1 ('87 5.0 HO roller cam)
'49 F-1 ('73 302)
'68 F-1 ('73 302)