Distributor Replacement

[Bwh0310]

Looking to do one of two things here and could use some knowledge from the experts out there.

1. Can I just replace the bottom of the distributor? If so -
a. What is the bottom piece called?
b. What are the specifics of the part for a my 1977 302?
c. If I replaced the whole piece what is a solid replacement
recommendation that wont break the bank? I see them from $80 to $400.

2. Any information or knowledge I need for replacement would be much appreciated.

Thanks for the help!

 

[jckkys]

The major component is the aluminum housing. There is also an upper and lower shaft.
I can't be more specific without some idea of what you need. You won't find a better distributor. I suggest getting a Crane vacuum advance/recurve kit. The instructions will give you the proper terminology so we can know what your talking about.

 

[gnpenning]

Can I ask why?? Are you having a specific problem and how have you tested it?

If you are looking to upgrade you won't find a better option than the original with a couple of mods already suggested.

 

[SteveL]

If you do have to replace it spend the extra couple bucks for a decent one. The cheap knock offs like pro comp are known to have problems. In the broncos I run the Davis Heinz's but they're pricey. On other vehicles I've had good luck with the summit brand direct replacement.

 

[Rustytruck]

this is a person I have worked with and knows what he is doing. He has been stalled do to severe hand injury. I would give him a call. he is expensive but he can rebuild your distributor and set a proper curve and test it. been in business for a very long time. he used to sell his stuff at the long beach auto swapmeet where I met him some 30 years ago.

https://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/services/basic-pricing-information

 

[Bwh0310]

Thanks everyone. I am looking to replace the lower piece because the clip is broken. There are not any performance issues at this point.

 

[75MIKE]

Distributor Cap Adapter


https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/...76/distributor-cap-adapter-13352/5a0009a22cfa

 

[Seventee]

Are you talking about the lower blue plastic part (cap adapter), or the metal distributor body?

The cap adapter can be purchased separately.

 

[73azbronco]

call the local ford dealer they have it probably cheaper

 

[bmc69]

Are you talking about the lower blue plastic part (cap adapter), or the metal distributor body?

The cap adapter can be purchased separately.

What Jon said..from the pic it looks like all you need is the cap adapter...dirt cheap at any parts store and 3 minutes to replace.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Thanks everyone. I am looking to replace the lower piece because the clip is broken. There are not any performance issues at this point.

Why not just locate a replacement clip? That same clip has been used since the beginning of time.
The ones I've seen are held in with a roll pin or cotter pin.

 

[Bwh0310]

lol. The plastic on the bottom part where the clip would secure is broken. Locating a replacement clip won't do me any good. I just need to replace the lower blue/white piece. Thanks for the help! I have what I need now. Headed to O'Reilly's now.

 

[blubuckaroo]

lol. The plastic on the bottom part where the clip would secure is broken. Locating a replacement clip won't do me any good. I just need to replace the lower blue/white piece. Thanks for the help! I have what I need now. Headed to O'Reilly's now.

Oh, you're asking about the Duraspark cap adapter. Go to a good auto parts store. NAPA should have it.
That's one of the parts on my '77 that's still original.;D

 

[Broncobowsher]

The blue part, the cap adaptor. All you need. Dirt cheap. Nothing special about it. Any brand will do. What's your favorite parts store? let us know and someone will look up the part number to make it even easier.

Note that this adaptor was used on nearly every V8 in the Ford line from the mid/late 70's until they went to EFI. Not just the 302, any of the V8s.

 

[jckkys]

Until he mentioned a clip, I had no idea what he was talking about.