A modern carb will not provide the correct vacuum signal for that distributor.  The result will be that the advance is not controlled even remotely in a correct manner, providing too much advance at times that it is not needed and too little when more is needed.  At best, it results in poor performance at the worst, it causes engine damage.


Lawrenceville, GA

The 1953 Ford flathead produced 194 ft lbs and 110 hp. The 1957 Y-block 332 ft lbs and 245 hp (single 4-barrel D code). The 312 produced considerably more horsepower and torque and had a considerably higher compression ratio. Common sense tells me that the carryover flathead Load-o-matic distributor couldn't provide the total amount of advance needed for the later y-blocks to reach their optimal performance and efficiency. An attempt was made to improve the Load-o-matic for the 1956 312 by adding a dual-pot vacuum advance, but still no mechanical advance. When horsepower increased in 1957, the D-code received a larger 4150 Holley carburetor and a new distributor/w both vacuum and mechanical advance. 

What I would like to see is a modern electronic distributor with tachometer drive ability that will drop in to the '55-'57 Thunderbirds with 12V compatibility.  I know there were dual point aftermarket distributors available years ago, but we need an updated modern electronic distributor like the MSD with tach drive.  Anyone know of such a dependable distributor available?  Dependable.  Joe-JDC

JDC

There is. Go to crtperformance.com. You will find the same/similar on ebay as well. You can also have your 57 tach-drive distributor converted by FBO Ignition Systems at www.4secondsflat.com. I have no personal experience with any of them. However, I know someone who has used the CRT in one of his vehicles/w no complaints, and he planned to get another for his T-bird. The CRT/ebay distributor does not have an rpm limiter. The FBO conversion uses Pertronix lll, which does have an adjustable rev limiter. All are self-contained. Pertronix has a remote rev limiter that can be used with Pertronix l and ll and is compatible with other electronic distributors. Again, I have no personal experience with Pertronix, but I will problem use Pertronix ll in my 57 tach-drive distributor, along with their rev/rpm limiter. The CRT is reasonably priced, but you know where it's made. I think that at least some of MSD's products are made there, too. 

I'll attempt to contact the guy I know and try to get an update on the CRT distributor.

What kind of electronic distributor are you referring to? Like, a 57 bird strib capable of driving a mechanical tack and a specific trigger device?  I'm probably now a bit behind the times as to the latest and greatest.


64F100 57FAIRLANE500

Here’s are a couple of pictures of the CRT ignition distributors for the ’55-’57 Thunderbirds with mechanical tach drive capability and with modern electronics.  One picture is the distributor with the conventional cap and the other with a HEI style cap.  Here’s are the EBAY links to each of these.  The pricing is more than reasonable assuming the quality is good.  I’ve not had any of these in the shop yet so I can’t say how good these are yet.
 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-THUNDERBIRD-V8-TACH-DRIVE-HEI-DISTRIBUTOR-1955-1957-272-292-312-Y-BLOCK/233587968677?fits=Model%3AThunderbird%7CMake%3AFord&hash=item3662ed8aa5:g:REEAAOSwPjNelMYf:sc:ShippingMethodStandard!76655!US!-1
 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/55-57-Ford-Thunderbird-Y-Block-272-292-Pro-Series-R2R-Distributor-Male-Black-Cap/264670704147?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20201210111314%26meid%3D76101be194f84114917d31ed0e8196fd%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dco%26sd%3D233587968677%26itm%3D264670704147%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithDarwoV3BBEV2b%26brand%3DCustom&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851

 

 

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

It probably has no more capabilities than a 57 tach drive distributor with a Pertronix unit installed. However, I bet it's very easy to deal with. I will assume the fly weights are on top of the shaft for easy access and the vacuum unit can be adjusted with an Allen wench. Also, it's a new unit that will have a straight shaft and new bearings. If one doesn't mind the non stock looks then this may be a good deal, that is, if the quality is good.  A Pertronix can trigger an external box, MSD 6AL just to name one, for example, if so desired and I will assume the CRT distributor could do that also.  The price almost seems too good to be true. Hopefully it proves to be a good reliable distributor.


64F100 57FAIRLANE500

Just ordered one.  Will give it a try and see if it works as described.  Hopefully the shaft is not for a 302 sbf.  Joe-JDC

JDC

JDC, I have to think that there must be a forum member who has the CRT. If not, who is buying them? The fellow I know hasn't responded to email. Let us know how it works out. 

My brother had MSD components on his 408 Windsor stroker I/O boat. They were not trouble-free, and they cost considerably more. You don't always get what you pay for. I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised. I am somewhat concerned about longevity, but It seems that I've read there are higher-quality electronic components that will work in the CRT distributor, if you have trouble down the road. 

I already have two complete MSD systems for my Ys, but they are not tach drive compatible.  I am in the process of building a 345Y for my '55 Thunderbird, and would like to keep the tach drive system, at least have the capability to use it if I decide to hook everything up.  Joe-JDC

JDC