Distributor too tall

[lastdime]

Old questions but I'm a new guy. The MSD distributor that came with my 460 SCJ is too tall and conflicts with the air cleaner. What distributors do you experienced guys use? What would be your recommendation for solving this problem?

[cycleguy55]

I had the same problem - my oval air cleaner contacted both the boots on the distributor and the hood.

I went with a K&N 9" x 2.25" filter element and a K&N X-Stream top. The setup is similar to this: MAXX Air System MAXX Air System [427 289 CSX CCX KMP ACE HT SPF] - $275.00 : Acton Custom Enterprises, Custom Metal for Cobras

[Maricopa]

Probably why 'REAL' Cobras never had those oval air cleaners.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Maricopa

Probably why 'REAL' Cobras never had those oval air cleaners.

Yes, the originals were Stelling & Helling, and they were 8 1/2" Diameter (with no X-Stream top). Stelling & Helling Air Cleaner

[lastdime]

Thanks guys for your ideas, links and pictures. I'm going to rethink this issue and see what I can come up with. It would be nice if I don't have to replace my distributor and can make it work with what I have. Oh and the air cleaner banter was fun too.

[Tom Wells]

lastdime,

The shortest height distributor I found for the 429/460 is the stock Ford Duraspark. You can use it with an MSD box if desired. It is a good way to go. Get it curved correctly, set it and forget it.

I had to use one on my 557/81 Zephyr so I could use an adequate air filter, i.e., 14" circular with a 3" tall element. Anything less won't flow enough air to let the engine breathe adequately. My Cobra tolerates the MSD height.

Just be sure you use the correct material for the distributor gear/cam combo; steel for steel (roller or hyd roller) or cast for a flat tappet cam.

Tom

[scootter]

I have the 8577 distributor which just fits under my air cleaner with a 3/8" phenolic spacer.

Scott

[Detroit Bill]

MSD Ignition 8541, MSD Distributor Caps and Rotors | MSD Ignition

Looks a little odd but may solve the problem.

[Tom Wells]

Bill,

Got me all excited - then after researching, it looks like it only fits the MSD crank trigger 8486 and 8489 distributors. If you have a Chev engine, you're all set.

If only they'd make one for the regular 460 distributor!

Tom

[Detroit Bill]

I did not dig that deep. You might want to dig deeper or call MSD

[Jim Vander Wal]

I think the question could be rephrased. How about "my air cleaner is too low"? This forces one to review the air cleaner (general cheap) rather than the distributor (generally expensive). Doesn't take as much technical ability to change either and there are many options.

So can you raise the air cleaner or the carb with a spacer(s) to gain the required clearance? I had to cut a notch in the front bottom of the air cleaner for clearance. Later added spacers but then had to grind a bit from the hood where things rubbed. Just cheap fiberglass. Using a 14" x 3" round piece with a serious drop base. There were more mods but those involved a mill and a ballpeen hammer and you probably don't want to hear that story.

Jim

[lastdime]

This is what I love about the forum....I get totally frustrated and I can ask for help and let other guys get frustrated. Thanks for your help.

[mdross1]

My choice was a Mallory Unilite, when racing use 14 x 3 with Extreme top otherwise pop the Stellings on for looks. Also picked up another hood grafted on a Harwood scoop to give the 14 x3 plenty of wiggle room. The engine never lacks for air.