Ford 1949-1953 Flathead V8 8BA distributor both mechanical and vacuum advance -FD4953

8BA distributor utilizes a GM core distributor machined to fit the 49-53 Ford and Mercury engines. These are 100% rebuilt with new bushings, points, condenser, lead, rotor, cap, gear, and vacuum advance. Tune up parts are available anywhere, as they are the same parts used in all GM V8s from 1957 to 1974, no longer do you have to hunt for someone with the points for your 1949 Ford. Points are adjustable from outside for easy maintenance.  Also optional with electronic conversion to eliminate points maintenance.

This distributor (with points) will work with any 6 volt system if you don’t want to convert to 12 volts and will work with any carburetor set-up. If using the original carb you will need to re plumb the vacuum source to manifold vacuum, it will not work properly with original vacuum source.

Installation instructions read completely before starting:

1949-1953 Ford or Mercury 8BA V8 Replaces old style Load-O-Matic distributors:

Before removing the old distributor turn engine over to align timing mark on the front pulley and pointer on timing cover to number 1 firing position. (rotor should be pointing approximately toward the right front tire) if not, turn the engine over one complete revolution to bring number 1 cylinder to

firing position. Note position of rotor. (a picture is a good idea).

Remove old distributor leaving cap and wires in place on engine. Do not turn engine!

Install new distributor with vacuum unit in same approximate orientation as original distributor and rotor clocked to approximate number one firing position as noted. Check for gap between bottom of distributor and cylinder

head mounting tab. If clearance is noted, use provided shim washers to take up gap. (some variation in cylinder head thickness has been found) Loosely install hold down button head bolt and washer.

Now transfer wires to new distributor cap from old cap one by one in original sequence. If you are starting from scratch the cylinders are numbered front to rear passenger side 1 2 3 4 driver side 5 6 7 8 the distributor turns clockwise and the firing order is 1 5 4 8 6 3 7 2.

Before timing disconnect the vacuum advance and plug so there are no vacuum leaks. Now set timing to specs with timing light and tighten distributor hold down with provided allen wrench. (do not over tighten hold down it is only to keep distributor from moving). There is no strain on hold down. Reconnect the vacuum advance.

If adjustment is needed in the future the dwell is 30 degrees + or- 2 degrees.

Points, condenser, rotor and cap are all commonly found GM V8 1957 through 1974 the vacuum advance is VC24 with limit stop to hold vacuum advance to 5 degrees.  Distributor advance is calibrated to stock 1949 to 1953 Ford- Mercury specs. DO NOT CONNECT VACUUM TO CARBURETOR IF YOU ARE USING STOCK CARBURETOR, RATHER CONNECT VACUUM TO MANIFOLD VACUUM SOURCE. If you are using after market carburetor connect to venturi vacuum source, above throttle plates.