This weekend I finally bought a vacuum test gauge and I tested the vacuum advance on the distributor. The vacuum advance leaked down fairly quickly when I tried to pump it up. I am assuming that it is not suppose to leak down at all. Is this correct?

I have a 351w in my mustang, but I have no idea what I got the distributor out of (it was 15 years ago). The LTD that donated its motor for my mustang had electronic ignition, so I swapped it out with a distributor with points.

In terms of replacing the vacuum advance; are thy pretty generic or am I going to have a hard time finding one for a distributor of unknown origins?

Thanks.

 

You are right they are not supposed to leak down at all. I would have stayed with the electronic distributor. If you still have it you might consider using that. You can get just the vacuum advance and replace it but it might be difficult if you don't know the application. A good parts guy should be able to help you out.

 

I was not sure how to hook up the electronic distributor when I installed the engine. Instead I installed an aftermarket dual point distributor. It gave me so much trouble, I got a normal distributor, from somewhere, and fitted it with that under the cap electronic ignition. Would the electronic ignition that came with the engine work better and how would you wire it up?

 

I don't have much experiance with the stock late model stuff but I would think if you could find a chiltons that showed the hook up it would not be that hard. I just did a summit HEI and all it required was 12vdc to the distributor. Not really sure on the stock ones though.

 

The electronic ignition is called "Duraspark II". Cheap, very reliable, and a popular upgrade to points. You can buy almost everything you need at any parts store or scrounge it from junkyards. One of the first things I do to my Fords that have points.
Swap help
More help On the second link, go to the "technical section" and look under ignition AND electrical. I know it's not Mustang but it still applies and is some very good info.