Wanted: Crab distributor + timing cover

[Harlé Sylvain]

Hello
I am looking for an crab type ditributor, a timing cover, it 's to modify my flathead with the side distributor, there is no enouth place for it on the ford cab12


Thank's
Sylvain

[Lynn Eades]

Harle, you might have to make some changes around your carb as well. The advance system of the 8BA style distributor is all done by a dual vacuum system, I believe. I don't have any experience with it, but you need to know.

[rob love]

Isn't it neccessary to replace the camshaft as well?

[Lynn Eades]

Good point Rob. A bigger job!
Technically the timing gears change as well. They are cut the other way as the cam thrusts the other way
Harle, there are three different camshafts. The long one with no gear for the divers helmet distributor. The short cam for the Crab Dist. and your one with the gear, for the 8BA type distributor.
It is a big job. Heads off, and valves out. I hope you already knew this.

[RichardT10829]

I am running crab distributor on my 99T

Had to get the billet spacer to lift the dizzy away from the cover, other than that it was good to go.

[chris vickery]

Richard, as you have seen, the change over from a diver helmet to a crab style is relatively simple. It's just a case of having the correct timing cover to match your dizzy and the addition or deletion of the spacer plug.
The early 32-41 block used the 3 bolt type mount whilst the 42-48 used the 2 bolt type mount. The crab is a much better system with the use of the remote mounted coil which keeps it a lot cooler and not as subject to thermal breakdown as the diver's style coil.
There has been a lot of development in the hot rod world with this stuff, I see that there is now crab style dizzy available with built in electronic ignition.
As posted by previous fellows, the changeover from a late model 48-53 block is quite an involved task. Aside from the engine going into a 12 cab with limited room, most would ask why one would go backwards with the technology in place. I believe also that Merc camshafts can add another dimension into the already confusing scenario due to changes in dimensions as well.