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.

[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?