Isn't the FBO a completely new distributor body  ?  Sure seems so on their web site.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Prior to changing Carbs and Distributors were You experiencing any problems as far driveability etc? Or did You only start having any Problems after changing Carb and Distributor? You might try setting the Timing using a Vacuum Gauge instead of timing Light. Hookup vacuum Gauge to direct engine Vacuum.The Lower outlet on the 390 Carb is direct Vacuum. Slowly advance the Distributor until Vacuum reading starts to drop. Move Distributor in opposite Direction until Vacuum starts to drop.Set Distributor haflway between the 2 and lock Distributor down. Take it for a Ride and see if there is an Improvement. Its possible the Damper has moved and setting Timing with a Light is no longer Accurate. Setting Timing with Light may make timing retarded because Damper is no longer correct.  Mechanics and Speed Shop Employees would not think of this as a possible explanation for poor Driveability if they are not familiar with the Y Block  As I suggested prior You should use a Timing Light to verify the Distributor Advance is actually working.

  

"Jarhead

I'm sorry! It isn't an Ignitor III distributor. It's an actual '56 Ford distributor that has been rebuilt with a longer shaft to eliminate the wobble and a lower bearing to keep the shaft running true to the Ford block. All the guts and coil are Petronix Ignitor III. Distributor is built by FBO Systems in Oregon and has both vacuum and mechanical advance and is supposed to make the Y-block able to accept all of today's technology including the modern fuel formulations. I've installed John Mummert's manifold with the new Holley 390 CFM and it still hesitates or "bogs" at takeoff or when trying to pick up speed. Everyone says it's a carb. adjustment but no one can get it adjusted right."

Three things for Tip-In Hesitation -

1) Improper vacuum signal (ported) to DIST and/or defective/improperly adjusted vacuum advance,

2) Defective/improperly adjusted carb accelerator pump,

3) At speed, trans doesn't go into passing gear (2nd)

Or you are using a taller runner or single plane intake which will require a longer accel pump shot.

For the HOLLEY, you can buy one of their manuals that details the setting up of one properly.

MUMMERT makes three alum intakes I believe, 1) the 4V for FORD, 2) a shorter intake for the BIRD (hood clearance), and 3) a 4V with no heat riser provision. BLUE THUNDER also has a model.

Once you establish correct dist operation/advance, it must be in HOLLEY accelerator pump shot/duration. This can get fairly complicated so you need the manual for reference unless you are experienced.

Description and Source of FBO DIST - http://4secondsflat.com/Ford%20Y-Block%20Distributors.htm

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As suggested, you need to verify if the advance is working properly..also when doing so check to make sure your crank shaft balancer is o.k. When the rubber deteriorates in old balancers the marks may have slipped..   


Paul

I would be checking the Distributor to make sure the Advance is actually working properly. This can be verified by using a Timing Light and watching the Timing. Marks  move as the RPM increases. Also how much initial Advance are You using. Should be 10-12 BTDC. Factory Specs are very Conservative. The Jets in my 390 are #57. The fact that You changed Carbs and are still having same problem makes Me lean towards a problem with Ignition. I've done 3 of these using the 390 and a stock 57+ Distributor with Pertronix 2. Other than changing the Jets to 57 or 58 this Setup has worked fine "out of the Box". Did some adjusting  afterwards but initially it was very driveable as installed.

  

I'm sorry! It isn't an Ignitor III distributor. It's an actual '56 Ford distributor that has been rebuilt with a longer shaft to eliminate the wobble and a lower bearing to keep the shaft running true to the Ford block. All the guts and coil are Petronix Ignitor III. Distributor is built by FBO Systems in Oregon and has both vacuum and mechanical advance and is supposed to make the Y-block able to accept all of today's technology including the modern fuel formulations. I've installed John Mummert's manifold with the new Holley 390 CFM and it still hesitates or "bogs" at takeoff or when trying to pick up speed. Everyone says it's a carb. adjustment but no one can get it adjusted right.

had same problem with 57 292 b manifold new halley 600 ford dura spark sign. cure was 2 things i bigger jets primary,1size up.
2 reinst heat riser. the aluminum manifolds  do not work in cooler climates,as the have no exhaust cross over threw int.. some up hear have i muffler stockist with restriction,1 less restrictive gives you a heat riser without the ratle of the original ones the new holley has elect choke that works great.(live in west coast bc canada)

'I am not familiar with this Ignitor II  Distributor that You refer to. What is it exactly and can You post a Picture?'

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They offer a 'LOOK-A-LIKE' or CNC machined model.

CRAZY Message Board - Won't hold photos...

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I am not familiar with this Ignitor II  Distributor that You refer to. What is it exactly and can You post a Picture? Ignitor II is usually the Electronic Conversion Kit sold by Pertronix-not a Distributor.  Have You verified that the Timing is advancing as RPM's increase?

  

Did you change the distributor to '57 or newer?


Lawrenceville, GA