[DeTomaso] Mechanical or Vacuum advance distributor

[jderyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/21/10 9:34:11 PM, bwerner at live.com writes:

> Hi:  Any input would be great.  I am at the point where I need to buy a 
> new distributor.  I would like any advice you can share.  I am leaning 
> toward a vacuum advance distributor.  The car will only be street driven and the 
> engine is a roller motor with aluminum heads and should make an honest 450 
> hp. 
> 
Buy a 460 electronic distributor and its brainbox. The early 460 vacuum 
advance distributor is a drop in to the 351-C block, with the same gear etc. 
Add a late e-coil rather than the std can-of-oil coil and you're all set. The 
brainboxes are available from Kragens for less than $50. If you're feeling 
adventurous and a 460 truck isn't available at your local Pick 'n Pull 
wrecking yard, any 5.8-L Ford Windsor electronic distributor will also fit BUT YOU 
MUST CHANGE THE GEAR to a Cleveland/460 gear! You can use whatever gear is 
on your present dizzy as long as its not worn.
These are all big-cap distributors that fit some stock Panteras but not 
all; the cap may hit the firewall. Sliding the whole powertrain backwards up to 
an inch is fairly drama-free and makes plenty of space for the big caps. 
Advantage of the Ford distributor system is, its been tested on millions of 
vehicles and cheap replacements are available everywhere. Good luck- J Deryke