Ford Racing 351w 385hp distributor cap

tonyd · #1 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 05:27 AM

Does anyone have a distributor cap for a 2005 351 385hp crate engine, my cap is missing the underside nipple that pushes down on the rotor for some reason, hense the car not running well. I dont know what distributor it come with.
The cap I currently have is a ugly brown color, they may have changed colors, rumor has it they are hard to come by.
I dont really want to but a new distributor at $350 plus when I could get a cap for $20. I f I change to a MSD distributor I have to change the gear and everything.
Let me know.
Cheers Tonyd

Bill Wells · #2 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 06:40 AM

you might have an ACCEL distributor . my 392 stroker crate came with an ACCEL and the cap was an ugly brown( dark tan ) color . I switched to MSD , which ford now makes standard on their current 392 strokers.

any cobraphiles in your area who might be able to help you identify what you have and then you can contact a supplier/dealer/mfr ? Bill.

tonyd · #3 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 07:14 AM

I think you are right about the ACCEL, I called summit and told them what I had , they said they had one in stock but it is red and black which sounds like MSD to me and not ACCEL.
I s it a big deal to switch out the Whole distributor to MSD and are there any benefits?
Tonyd

Goober · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 07:40 AM

The ugly brown cap is Accel part no 120404. Summit keeps them. I have a good used one if you are in a bind.
Mark

tonyd · #5 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 10:23 AM

I will call summit, if they have nothing I will email you.
Cheers Tonyd

Nor Cal Al · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 10:45 AM

I have the 392 from Ford Racing and their tech support said mine was an Accel

tonyd · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 01:29 PM

the problem is that there are 50 different accel ditributors, they told me to give them the # off the plate and of course mine has nothing on it.I will call accel tomorrow and see if they can confirm a model #.
cheers Tonyd

Goober · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 02:33 PM

If it's a Ford crate motor, it probably has a Duraspark distributor. Some have installed magnetic pickups and the Accel part number I gave you earlier is for the Duraspark. Shoot me a picture of your cap and I will tell you
Mark

Nor Cal Al · #9 (**permalink**) 05-08-2006, 08:43 AM

Why don't you try Ford Racing tech support?

tonyd · #10 (**permalink**) 05-08-2006, 02:29 PM

I finally got through to accell, they told me it was what Mark had said it was an accell 120404 , summit do not stock them, but have ordered me one and should arrive this week.Ford tech support are bloody useless, tried them they cant even tell me what they put on there cars, there customer service is failing.This item is under warranty but trying to get a warranty is more expensive than the the $43 new cap.As you can see a little pissed off with the 50 ph calls and run around on such a simple piece.
Thanks Mark for your knowledge on this part, still cant understand why they think that the tan/brown color is nice to look at.Go Figure!
Thanks all.

tonyd · #11 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 05:03 PM

update: I installed the new cap today started the car and it fired straight up, then about 1 min went by, gave it some gas and it was all over the place, no acceleration.......then acceleration, the car was rough like timing was out.The timing is good.I took the distributor cap off and the nipple had started to dissolve again, its either getting to much juice or surges of power.]Any suggestions, trying to get ready for Carlile car show on the 19th.
Backdraft are not in my good books right now. The engine only has 1700 miles on it and this is not the first problem I have had.
Help

Tonyd