Great!  Thanks.

The later model vacuum advance Ford distributors clear the Edelbrock F255 dual intake manifolds just fine.  Simply phase the distributor so that the vacuum chamber is away from the back of the manifold.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

That is exactly what I was thinking.  Looking at the current position of my distributor, I'm sure the vacuum advance unit will hit the manifold.  Moving it one notch and reindexing the wires should fix the problem.

Ok, not a tach drive strib but sounds like there may still be concerns regarding the vacuum advance diaphragm position.  I'll pass on something I did this summer with a 49 Dodge flat 6. Someone replaced the oil pump and it appears the strib is driven off the pump and the drive gear must be oriented an exact way. So rather than removing the pump I indexed the spark plug wires one tower in rotation.  This now put the vacuum advance in the correct place allowing the timing to be set correctly, at 0* in this case. With the strib put where desired, it was a matter of finding the most suitable tower for #1 and going from there. Just something to keep in mind if in case a distributor needs to be swung around in some unnatural position.  Hope this may help, JEFF................


64F100 57FAIRLANE500

My car is a 55 Tbird.  I converted my mechanical tach to a modern electrical tach when I swapped in the '57 distributor.  Fits in the dash hole perfectly.  The FM255 came yesterday.  It's in very good condition and could pass for NOS.  Thank God the carb studs came out with a wrench. I'm going to take some time with this project and do some mock ups before I install it.  I have a couple of issues that need to be worked out.  Distributor clearance could be a problem with a vacuum advance distributor.  I may have to move the distributor wiring to keep it from hitting the manifold.  Hood clearance should not be bad with the dual Holley 4Vs.  I had triple Holley 94 2Vs on the car last year.  Those old 2Vs were much taller.   I would like to run two small air cleaners like the 427s used, but I may not have enough hood clearance. First thing to do is order the carb adapters.  More later,

The bowl of a 57 tach drive strib sits up a little higher in the saddle. That may help or hinder the project. Keep in mind I have a dual advance cast iron tach drive strib which sits lower than the passenger car strib. I'm presently using it in my 64 292 so it's something that could be explored if necessary. If requested, I would be glad to supply dimensions and pics. This is assuming this project is a Thunderbird still using a mechanical tach.


64F100 57FAIRLANE500

Page 2 of this post shows you pictures to answer your question about distributor fitment.  Joe-JDC

JDC

Teds linkage picture is for a passenger car.

T Birds have additional linkage because the carburators are mounted backwards.Once you get your setup together be mindful of hood clearance since I believe this setup is going on a T Bird.

As far as distributor clearance - not sure if it will clear the carbs. You may have to do a bit of grinding on the rear carb mounting pad.

Its a trial and error fit.

Good luck !

Oldmics

Will my stock '57 vacuum advance distributor clear the rear Holley carb?  If not, what are my options?

That’s a ‘Yes’.  Here’s a picture of the factory linkage for the dual quad setup.

 

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)