C5AF distributor question

[dcdoug]

Wbulk - thanks, that's a good suggestion about setting it for total timing. I think I'll start there.

Rick Parker - if that bushing from McMaster turns out to be the right ID/OD, any idea if it matters if it's 1/2" long rather than 3/8" long (with the other 1/8" going further up into the housing).

[Wbulk]

I do want to present the other argument for using the 15L slot for 30 deg. of mechanical. That is the issue of easier starting, since initial timing would only be 6-10 deg. it may be easier to start. Generally, engines are harder starting with a lot of initial advance.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by Wbulk

I do want to present the other argument for using the 15L slot for 30 deg. of mechanical. That is the issue of easier starting, since initial timing would only be 6-10 deg. it may be easier to start. Generally, engines are harder starting with a lot of initial advance.

Although with that little amount of base timing, how's that doing to affect my manifold vacuum, which is only about 10" with way more timing than that.

[Wbulk]

That's a good point and exactly why timing is based on individual engines and how it was built. It sounds like in this case you have a high duration cam with reduced manifold vacuum at idle. Vacuum is also increased by raising the idle other than adding more timing. The double edge sword is with engines with radical cams when you raise the idle to far you expose the idle transfer slots in the throttle bores and you loose adjustability in the air fuel circuit. This whole issue is why some after maket ignition systems have a built in retard on start. It makes it easier to start and have adjustability.

I think I would still go with the 10L for 20 deg. of mechanical. With it not working before, this engine is going to be a lot different and I think you will see the power and mileage improve.

Wayne

[dcdoug]

Yeah, I'm pretty interested in what the power will be like above 3,000 RPM. It's got plenty of power now, but now that I've had it for a year, I can take more...

[patrickt]

I agree with Wayne. Go with the 20 degree limit, and start off with 15 degrees initial timing, so you have a total of 35, and see how she runs. Then tweak it up a bit from there to see what she likes. Double check that your TDC really is at TDC (using your piston stop). If there's any doubt at all about your timing marks then just ignore them and mark one line at 36 degrees BTDC (that will be exactly one tenth of the circumference of your balancer from your TDC point). Then just set it at that line at, say, 3000 RPM, run it; set it a little before the line, run it; set it a little after the line, run it; then put it where it runs the best. The actual number doesn't matter, you'll just learn that your best timing is maybe a hair past the line at 3000 RPM.

[dcdoug]

This is an old thread, but it's on topic, so I'll ask my question here.

Anyone know where I can get a collar for a Ford C5AF-12127 distributor? I think the part number is 12195. Tim O'Connor used to have this stuff but he's closed.

[Mongoose930]

I used Faron Rhoads to refurbish and recurve my vintage dual point and add the Pertronix module. That was a few years back but I was very happy with his work at the time. This is what I have as his contact information: TotalPerfEntofPa@aol.com

He might be able to help you. I believe he lives in PA but a Google search should lead you right to him.

[Mongoose930]

Looks like something similar on ebay:

NOS 1969 1970 1971 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 429CJ 429SCJ 429 460 DISTRIBUTOR COLLAR | eBay

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by Mongoose930

Looks like something similar on ebay:

NOS 1969 1970 1971 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 429CJ 429SCJ 429 460 DISTRIBUTOR COLLAR | eBay

I saw this, but not sure whether the 385 series motors used distributors with interchangeable parts? Usually those Ebay guys list every engine it could possible fit. Part number seemed right.

I will try emailing Faron Rhoads. Thanks for the contact.