All Small Six Low starter/Big Bell question

[Frank]

The engine seems to be fitted with the original carb and distributor. The carb is a Holley with a Ford tag. The distributor looks to be a load-o-matic, with a weird aftermarket coil - presumably high voltage. The carb should have a spark control valve but there's a device in the SCV opening that doesn't look like any spark control valve I can find online. I'm thinking I'd like to replace the distributor with a DUI but get the carb rebuilt and keep it, if it can be made to work with the new distributor.

There's mods to a LOM carb to provide ported vacuum but it's detailed. Drilling/plugging internal passages, etc. Changing the carb to standard style is simplest solution to mate with distributor upgrade. Using manifold vacuum for advance is an option but may not be a good one, most HEI type distributors have a lot of vacuum advance. If you go HEI (DUI brand, or whichever), assure you have an adjustable vacuum advance can. Most come with it but a few don't. It will probably need cutting back regardless.

 

[DanSC]

There's mods to a LOM carb to provide ported vacuum but it's detailed. Drilling/plugging internal passages, etc. Changing the carb to standard style is simplest solution to mate with distributor upgrade. Using manifold vacuum for advance is an option but may not be a good one, most HEI type distributors have a lot of vacuum advance. If you go HEI (DUI brand, or whichever), assure you have an adjustable vacuum advance can. Most come with it but a few don't. It will probably need cutting back regardless.

Thanks. The more find out about the car, the more it seems like an early unchanged engine. I'm now thinking I'll just put a Pertronix igniter, coil, and wires in it and drive it this summer. I'll plan to have the carb reconditioned over the winter unless it runs so bad I have to do it sooner.

 

[Frank]

Thanks. The more find out about the car, the more it seems like an early unchanged engine. I'm now thinking I'll just put a Pertronix igniter, coil, and wires in it and drive it this summer. I'll plan to have the carb reconditioned over the winter unless it runs so bad I have to do it sooner.

Good plan! Enjoy the car while the season's right.