Ask Away! with Jeff Smith:Replacing Distributors and Saying No to Large Camshafts

It's hard to believe that July is coming to a close, but that's OK because the end of the month brings new tech information from the latest Ask Away" with Jeff Smith columns. 

This time around, he'll be talking about the best distributor option for a small block Ford and why putting the biggest camshaft available in your engine is probably not the best way to go.

Replacing an Antiquated Distributor on a Small Block Ford
Reader K.S. asks: "I have a 302 Ford in my street rod and have been using the Mallory Unilite distributor for years. Lately it’s been acting up and I can’t buy parts for this system anymore. What would be a good replacement?

This dates us, but we remember when a Mallory Unilite was the hot setup for a street ignition. But we digress. Jeff offers several options for the old Unilite, including drop-ins like an MSD Ready-to-Run, a DUI HEI-style distributor, or a Pertronix Flame-Thrower.

All great choices, but with one problem--they use a proprietary ignition module that could be hard to get if it fails during a trip. Jeff offers two solutions--carry a spare module, or adapt a factory Ford Duraspark distributor to use a common-as-dirt GM HEI module you can find at any parts store. It's easier than you think.

Choosing the Largest Camshaft Isn't Always the Best Idea
Reader R.F. wants to know what is the biggest camshaft he can use in his tunnel-rammed 496 cubic inch big block Chevy that will power a gasser-style rat rod.

That's not a whole lot of information to make a recommendation (hint:always supply complete information on your engine and drivetrain setup when ordering a cam), but Mr. Smith took a stab at it. Along the way, he also explains why picking a cam with the longest duration--which provides that lumpy idle we all love--isn't usually the best choice for a street-driven hot rod.