Fox Trying to find the right distributor

keel · Jun 14, 2022

I recently got a roller 302 block out of a 1997 explorer, and I am converting it to a carbureted set up. I had a spare distributor lying around from a carb 351w that I thought I could use to do this, but I realized when I tried to install it that the shaft is too large to fit inside the 302, even though all the other dimensions appear to be nearly identical. Decided to do some more research before I start buying stuff.
So my question is, do all 302s share the same distributor shaft size? I want to be sure that if I order a vacuum advanced distributor for an older 302 that it will fit in the modern block.

96pushrod · Jun 14, 2022

351w and 302w distributors are not interchangeable.

limp · Jun 14, 2022

Roller cams require a steel, composite or brass gear, do NOT use an iron gear..
What ignition electronics are you using?? What is and what year is your car??

96pushrod · Jun 15, 2022

If you order a distributor for a sbf with any sort of vacuum advance, there is a 99% chance the gear will not be compatible with the roller cam.

Older, pre-efi distributors have a smaller shaft the gear presses on, so you’ll have to measure it to make sure you get the right gear to replace. If you do replace it, make absolute sure you set it to the proper height, if you’ll destroy the gears on the distributor, and the cam

limp · Jun 15, 2022

96pushrod said:
If you order a distributor for a sbf with any sort of vacuum advance, there is a 99% chance the gear will not be compatible with the roller cam.

Older, pre-efi distributors have a smaller shaft the gear presses on, so you’ll have to measure it to make sure you get the right gear to replace. If you do replace it, make absolute sure you set it to the proper height, if you’ll destroy the gears on the distributor, and the cam

Installing an explorer roller cam engine in my 83 using the existing Duraspark ignition.
I purchased a bolt in distributor from LMR that is a Duraspark unit with a steel gear specifically for a roller cam...... I believe LMR has a few options for newer electronics too.....

96pushrod · Jun 15, 2022

limp said:
Installing an explorer roller cam engine in my 83 using the existing Duraspark ignition.
I purchased a bolt in distributor from LMR that is a Duraspark unit with a steel gear specifically for a roller cam...... I believe LMR has a few options for newer electronics too.....

I’m more referring to the ones you might get from a parts store, or your standard pre 83 distributor you might order from rock auto.

limp · Jun 15, 2022

96pushrod said:
I’m more referring to the ones you might get from a parts store, or your standard pre 83 distributor you might order from rock auto.

Yes correct, thats why I gave the LMR option.....

mikestang63 · Jun 16, 2022

go to rock auto and order the cardone unit for your year. The last one I bought was a reman Ford unit.

manicmechanic007 · Jun 16, 2022

Gears used to be available over the counter at Ford parts
Used to break them once in a while replacing stators
I never even knew there was a difference
No wonder parts was always asking so many %$#@ing questions
Should be able to get 5 gears at the junkyard for 15 bucks

revhead347 · Jun 16, 2022

Just fyi. I used one of those funky Summit distributors that convert it to a one wire Chevy style distributor. The one from the 80s with the coil in the cap. It's basically an entire ignition system for under $200, and it worked great. You absolutely can't beat how simple it makes things.

Kurt

General karthief · Jun 16, 2022

DUI distributor
Davis Unified Ignition

Performance Distributors

performancedistributors.com

They are ugly as all get out but rock solid performers

90sickfox · Jun 17, 2022

revhead347 said:
Just fyi. I used one of those funky Summit distributors that convert it to a one wire Chevy style distributor. The one from the 80s with the coil in the cap. It's basically an entire ignition system for under $200, and it worked great. You absolutely can't beat how simple it makes things.

Kurt

Be careful of the knock off ebay ones. I just had to replacea HEI one in a car with only 40 miles on it. The module went bad and left the guy stuck. Luckily he had an old HEI style one. The old one had a " Live Wire " module in it.

revhead347 · Jun 17, 2022

90sickfox said:
Be careful of the knock off ebay ones. I just had to replacea HEI one in a car with only 40 miles on it. The module went bad and left the guy stuck. Luckily he had an old HEI style one. The old one had a " Live Wire " module in it.

How much does MSD charge for a name brand distributor that has a PIP sensor that lasts less than 100 miles? Everything is a gamble.

Kurt

90sickfox · Jun 17, 2022

revhead347 said:
How much does MSD charge for a name brand distributor that has a PIP sensor that lasts less than 100 miles? Everything is a gamble.

Kurt

I've been a fan of the HEI style ones for carbed ford engines. They usually work great. His was billet with a blue cap and coil cover.

manicmechanic007 · Jun 17, 2022

Get the HEI that fits your engine then put a GM module and Coil in it and you will be good for 200k

Monkeybutt2000 · Jun 19, 2022

I have a dizz out of an 85 GT I've had for years. Probably will never use it but you never know.

Fox Trying to find the right distributor

keel

Active Member

96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

mikestang63

manicmechanic007

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Performance Distributors

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

manicmechanic007

Monkeybutt2000

Mustang Master

Similar threads

Fox Trying to find the right distributor

Active Member

I think they're a little easier to get off

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

I think they're a little easier to get off

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

I think they're a little easier to get off

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

Mustang Master

Similar threads

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