Just installed a MSD -Plug and Play distributor #8383 on my 57 Courier and with the install directions comes a warning that you may have to modify to get it to fit,they're right! only choices I could see were either unbolt the engine and trans and move them forward 1" to 2" to drop it in and bolt it all back up or cut the lip on the firewall back flush with the firewall to let it slip in.now I'm going to have to figure out how to dress up the lip--cut the rest of the lip out and weld the seam and smooth it out or use some small vacuum hose or plastic wire cover to cover it so you won't notice to the unknowing eye. Those thinking of a points change may want to go with the Petronix module kit in your stock distributor or supposedly they brought out a distributor for the Y-block,if so you might want to check the overall size and length to your stock one! SKIP

Suede 57 did an article on this a couple years ago for the old forum. He did the firewall thing.

I think there's a link on this forum to his report.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

This is a modified Y-block Ford distributor with Duraspark II trigger mechanism (which is the same stator / reluctor trigger used by MSD). Look at the 331 cid dyno report on Mummert's site - it will support plenty of horses. 

With an MSD trigger lead, 6A "Red box", and a curve kit - I think this outfit will fit all of the 50's firewalls without too much trouble.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Is there the same firewall problems for the MSD distributors in 57-60 F100's?

Pete, one of the Aussie mob. Beechworth, Victoria60 F100 Panel Van, Y-block. 65 Galaxie Country Sedan 390

Pete,

They fit the 56 f100's as Im running one of the 8383's in my truck. I had plenty of room during and after install.

Kevin Bigwin

Kevin S in Akron, Ohio

It helps him cut good starting line lights too!

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

I know in the last issue of Custom Classic Trucks,(Feb.08) John Gilbert installed one on his 56 F100. I'd like to see if there was any horsepower difference by adding a MSD. I'm not quite sure what John had originally in the truck before the changeover and how much better it worked.

                          Michael

Michael

Sandy Valley, NV

My performance didnt really change much. I did it as I wanted a full mechanical dist with no vac advance. It would probably run better if I had the 6A box. I was able to run the rpm's up further than the 57 point dist.

Kevin Bigwin

Kevin S in Akron, Ohio

Steve The duraspark/relucter(sp?) deal in the dist. picture, are these

         ford parts? Ford part numbers? How to install or is their a thread

         on this somewhere?    Thanks Bill

Bill

Pelham,Al

Check out this info in the Tech area. Gives a breakdown on the whole deal. Chuck in NH
http://www.y-blocksforever.com/tech/html/loadomatic.html

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire