RESTORATION & REBUILD
We perform both a cosmetic restoration of the distributor body and a mechanical rebuild. When this work is completed, the distributor is then tested on a vintage Sun distributor machine. We use this machine to tune the mechanical advance curve as well as to measure and adjust the contribution of the vacuum unit (if equipped).
The cosmetic restoration involves chemically cleaning the housing to ensure it is clean in those areas that cannot be seen, bead blasting and tumbling of the housing, and machining those surfaces that were originally machined. This process returns the housing to a fresh aluminum look and brightens the machined areas to restore the contrast and appearance found in new or NOS units.
On the mechanical side, the distributor is completely disassembled and all parts are cleaned. The surfaces of some parts are refreshed, chemically or mechanically. All parts are inspected for damage or wear. Cleaned parts are lubricated as appropriate and reassembled. The thrust collar clearance and drive gear location is checked and corrected if necessary.
Inspection occasionally reveals damaged shafts, broken or missing parts, and foreign materials. We have parts on hand to replace these components if needed. Some believe a true “rebuild” includes the replacement of the shaft bushing which resides in the body. We find this is rarely needed and it is not included in our basic charge. We have a gauge to measure the upper bushing inside diameter to verify acceptability. If a new bushing is needed, we can supply and install.
Our basic charge includes new hardware and small parts but does not include points, condenser, rotor, cap, etc. You may supply these and we will install them at no charge. Or we will supply top-quality components for a reasonable additional charge.
tasca curve
TASCA CURVE
Legendary Tasca Ford in Rhode Island has played a large part in Ford’s racing and muscle car legacy since the early days of “Total Performance”. And Tasca continues to compete for Ford in NHRA.
Tasca was a high-performance dealer for Ford and offered “tunes” for street cars. One component of this tune was modification of the 428 Cobra Jet distributor to what has become known as the “Tasca Curve”.
The late 1960’s were the early days of emission restrictions in the US. Part of the changes made to comply were reductions in initial ignition timing. Tasca knew that the Ford FE engine family responded well to more initial timing. The engines ran cooler and had more low-end throttle response. To accomplish this, Tasca modified the stock distributor to REDUCE the amount of mechanical advance permitted by the distributor so that the initial timing could be INCREASED for better performance. Without this internal modification to the distributor, increasing the initial timing would result in too much total timing.
In general, the mechanical advance is limited to around 20-22 degrees (measured at the crankshaft) and initial timing is set at 14 degrees or more. We offer this Tasca Curve modification at no additional cost when recurving your FE distributor.