Big Block Replacement Distributor

[AlexSPO1653]

I have a 460 385 Big Block in my Superformance Mk3. It is fitted with an Accel #59207 Distributor,parts for which I learn from Holley/MSD/Accel are no longer available. I therefore need to start looking for a replacement. What are people's experience with current breeds of distributor and which specific models would you recommend for my 460.
Cheers Alex.

[Tom Wells]

Alex,

Bummer.

As to options, here are the relevant MSD distributors: https://www.msdperformance.com/produ...ributors/ford/
I use the 8580 because I have the MSD electronic ignition box (model 6AL) installed.

Here is another that seems perfectly good: 429/460 HEI Distributors - 460 Ford Forum

If you use that one, here's a clue or two about installation: FORDMUSCLE webmagazine: Performance Distributors - Davis Unified Ignition D.U.I. for Ford 460

And yet another possibility: http://="http://www.reincarnation-au...s_index.html"]
This same outfit sells the Duraspark distributors rebuilt.

Things to watch out for are:

- make sure the new distributor has the correct material for its drive gear: Cast iron for a flat tappet cam, steel for a roller cam. If the material is wrong you will have lots of rebuild work to do on your engine! (don't ask me how I know this) If the engine sees little or no running time, you can use a bronze distributor hear, otherwise stick to the above choices.

- make sure the outside diameter of the distributor is not going to make it hit a part of the intake manifold, or the water outlet.

- check the height above the block. Some of these are tall and can hit the hood or air cleaner.

Tom

[cycleguy55]

I run an MSD 8477 (https://www.msdperformance.com/produ...ord/parts/8477) with vacuum advance advance, hooked up to an MSD 6A box (no limiter). It's also available as #84771 with a steel gear (https://www.msdperformance.com/produ...rd/parts/84771) for those running roller cams.

The Accel 59207 is still available, but the online listing (https://www.holley.com/products/igni...ts/parts/59207) shows that number is for a SBF - are you sure you have the correct number? Could it possibly be 52202? (https://www.holley.com/products/igni...ts/parts/52202) It's still available, BTW, but I'd recommend the MSD 8477 (or 84771) distributor anyway.

[jacobsed]

I have com cam 34-772-9. Any suggestions on what gear material to use with it?

[blykins]

A -9 is a billet core camshaft. It will need a steel distributor gear.

[jacobsed]

Thank you for the quick reply. Before I saw your reply I actually called comp cams and they said only to use a bronze or polymer distributor gear for cam P/N 34-772-9. I'm inclined to follow their direction but am curious where your info came from? Thanks again!

[blykins]

Well, I have a little experience with Fords....

Comp Cams doesn't make/sell a steel distributor gear so they are probably a little reluctant to push something they don't sell.

The short and skinny of it is that a bronze gear or polymer gear just don't last long for street duty. A steel gear will last indefinitely if it's installed correctly and I use nothing but steel gears in all of my engines with billet steel cam cores.

You can put a bronze gear on it, but just keep a constant eye on it, because it will wear.

[jacobsed]

Yeah, Comp Cams told me it is a wear item and to check it every 2500 miles or so by taking the cap off the distributor to check for play in the shaft.

If I go with a steel gear is there anything new or different to setup?

I have an MSD 8577. My engine is a 385 series stroked to 514.

What gear would you recommend? Link perhaps?

Solid roller cam.

34-772-9 - Xtreme Energy

[blykins]

Use a crane 52971 gear.

[jacobsed]

Cool, and anything special I need to do for installation on my billet MSD?

[jacobsed]

I'm also running a Melling high volume oil pump M84DHY.

I read a comment that the crane gear comes with a warning not to use with a high volume oil pump? Is that accurate?

[blykins]

Don't be concerned about the high volume pump. Most of my engines get them.

As for installation, there is a dimension that you have to hold, it will be in the instruction booklet for your distributor. Do not be concerned about lining up the hole in the gear with the hole in the shaft. Chances are that it will not be in the correct spot when you do that. Turn the hole in the gear 90 degrees to the hole in the shaft, press it on until the dimension is correct, then drill a new hole in the shaft and press in the roll pin.

[jacobsed]

All good stuff, thanks.

My next question is when I read the tech on the gear it has this warning

"The use of these gears on camshafts that have been
previously run with other types or materials of gears, or the
unnecessary use of high volume/high pressure oil pumps,
can be severely detrimental to the life of the camshaft gear."

I've already run a bronze gear. Can I still change to the Crane gear?

[blykins]

Yes, you can.

[jacobsed]

The MSD 8577 instructions download oesn't seem to have the dimensions you're referring to.

[jacobsed]

Also is the Crane gear a press on?

[blykins]

All ford gears are press fit.

With the end play taken out you should get 3.995-4.005" from the flange to the end face of the gear. You can measure what you have to confirm that.

[jacobsed]

Great, thanks for the all the help.

Any suggestions to do the gear change in my shade tree mechanic garage?

[jacobsed]

And does the crane gear come with a roll pin?

[jacobsed]

Got the job done! Got the Crane gear locally from a speed shop and a friend who works in a machine shop installed it for me. I installed it back in the car today, reset my timing and all is good.

Thank you again for your help Blykins. I look forward to not messing around with that bronze gear anymore.