55 ford fairlane

I've got a 55 Victoria with a 312 t- bird engine. It has what appears to be a two stage spark advance - is that a correct type? Also do these engines have solid lifters? If so, what would the valve lash be? Thanks for any help

 

This distributor only works correctly with the stock carb. Most guys replace it with a more conventional 57 Y block distributor hooked up to manifold vacuum.

 

I agree with getting a better dist. I had a new 56 fairlane that came with it, it was okay for a few years but once i got rid of the original T-pot carb it was useless so i switched to a later 62 292 one , single line. Those old Y-blocks do have solid lifters but i can't remember the lash adjustment. Have you thought of using Google search ?__

 

Thanks tommy and Jim's 35 - these engines are new to me. Never tought of doing a google search. I'll give that a shot

 

Ditto on the distributor advance.
My first car was a '55 Ford Fairlane with a 312. Had to go check but I found the .19" feeler gage that is all beat up from adjusting the valve lash while it is running.
The spec is .19" Hot. As I recall I finally gave up and adjusted them cold at .21 and never burned a valve but keep in mind that isn't the spec. They make some noise and if they don't, they are too tight. When adjusted properly they all sound the same when the engine is running.

Good luck and have fun with your car.

LJ

 

Get a 1957 & up intake, and get a newer dist. as already been said. The dist. is available at UAP (1962 Ford p/u with a 292) The intake you're looking for is a 'B' The early ones were a 'A' (several letters and 'A' on the end.

 

Valve clearance is .011" intake, .017" exhaust.