When I purchased my project, it came with a 1954 235 from an automobile (sort of) installed in it.
It turns out, as I slowly move toward getting ready to start the engine, that it had a number of parts on it that had come off of a 216 including the distributer which I was told would not be appropriate for the 235.
I received a "tall cap" distributer from another Stovebolter and, now that it is cleaned up and has new parts in it, I installed it yesterday and found that the vacuum advance points away from the engine at about 45 degrees when installed.
On the old "short cap" distributer that I received with the engine, the vacuum advance pointed directly forward when installed.
So, the questions are, would it be fine to install the vacuum advance that points straight ahead? Are the vacuum advance units functionally interchangeable?
Photos of what the one that points to the right at 45 degrees and the one that points straight ahead are attached.
Nick 1940 KC Model 1/2 Ton Pickup Project (with '37-'39 Bed and what we think is a '42-'46 Frame) Taos, New Mexico
Why get OCD about a few degrees of angle? The number of degrees of advance each unit provides is far more important. Check the advance with a delay flash timing light to see if they move the distributor housing the same amount. Vacuum advance is only a consideration at very light throttle cruise conditions, as it goes away entirely as soon as you step into the throttle to accelerate, pass, or even climb a small hill. it's only function is to enhance gas mileage at light throttle, high manifold vacuum conditions. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
The concern was to see if I could use the unit that pointed toward the front when installed so that it would make for a cleaner installation. If it would provide the same advance characteristics as the other unit, why not?
If the units both function the same, why not use the one that requires fewer bends in the vacuum line and allows for a less-cluttered look?
Nick 1940 KC Model 1/2 Ton Pickup Project (with '37-'39 Bed and what we think is a '42-'46 Frame) Taos, New Mexico
I don't think the way the canister points means anything. If the spring tension and diaphragm are identical, the operating characteristics will be the same as well.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
