which distributor for my southern 427?

steve meltzer · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 05:26 PM

I'm getting very frustrated with the timing issues I've had using the MSD 6AL box and the distributor (old Ford Duraspark) that Southern sent me. I'm gonna try replacing the stator, but should that fail, which distributor should I get? I've resisted to this point, pun intended, so I could maintain the stock appearance. I'd give up apprerance at this point, 'cause it doesn't look good just sitting there! Which MSD should I get? Anyone ever use a Crane distributor with the 6AL? How 'about vacuum advance? I'm not running one now. Thanx steve

Cracker · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 06:22 PM

Steve,

I'm running and had been for some time the MSD pro-billet distributer/mechanical advance - I'd have no reason to ever change unless I went to a crank fired ignition. I'm sure you would be pleased and the vast majority of FE owners use them. Best wishes and sorry you've had some many issues with your engine.

steve meltzer · #3 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 06:50 PM

thanx so much for your prompt reply. Do you mean the #8594 or #8595? BTW, if I remember correctly, you'd advised me to check my needle/seats and floats...done today. reset the floats a bit, and thankfully, the needle/seats were fine. thanx again. steve

Cracker · #4 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 07:15 PM

Mine is 8594 - I didn't suggest those changes but I did chime in regarding the stator - it was a joke quite frankly based on another Southern distributor in which all the problems lead back to simply "the stator" . It was the running joke response for some time regarding any problem in which the diagnosis wasn't obvious.

Anthony · #5 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by steve meltzer

which distributor for my southern -----

probably any distributor except for the light diode ones, i.e. unilite, as the diodes can burn out and leave you stranded. Probably go with a magnetically triggered one.

pgermond · #6 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 08:31 PM

I replaced my SA distributor with an MSD Pro-Billet (8594), and also replaced the 8mm wires with 8.5mm (black). I hadn't anticipated the huge perfomance improvement (reponse). It was $$$ well spent. Look it up on Summit.... about $250 for the distributor and $75 for the wires (they don't come pre-made in black).

Good luck.