FT vs FE distributor TACH drive needed

[spicetraders]

I need a mechanical TACH drive distributor for my FE engine, after searching I find easy sourced part number and remanufactured unit for FT distributors but nothing for the FE.
I had read the older posts on the FT vs FE distributor.
In examination and reading I see the major difference is the oil pump drive 5/16 vs 1/4.
So I was looking at just buying a 5/16 pump to match the FT's drive.
But in taking some measurements It looks like shaft and matching hole the below the driven gear on the distributor is also larger not just the hex socket for the oil pump.

Is it possible to ream this holeon the FE engine  to match the FT distributor shaft size, and has any one done this?

If this is not possible does any one have part numbers for the FE tach drive units that work.

I see a lot of listing for FT/FE tach units but they all are really just FT.

[fe66comet]

I would just get a MSD or Accel distributer. For all the messing around and machine work you could buy a high quality drop in distributor capable of both mechanical drive for a tack and a electronic pickup for running a EFI system later.

[jayb]

There might be a couple of other options.  Check to see if the FE distributor shaft will fit into the FT housing.  Also you could conceivable cut the FT shaft a little below the body of the distributor, and graft on the bottom of an FE distributor shaft with a coupler of some sort.  I also don't see any reason why an FE block couldn't have the hole for the bottom of the distributor shaft bored oversize a little, although I'm not sure how you would do that.  Stepped drills and a reamer, maybe?

[spicetraders]

I guess I am looking in the wrong location for the aftermarket distributors that fit the FE small shaft with a mechanical TACH drive.
All my searches have only yielded a magneto with mechanical TACH  I would welcome a sorce for these.

Of course the aftermarket does not lend itself to a stock look in a classic car.  (but I could accept that until a full restore is completed).

Already checked the shafts are not the same size through out and not changeable.
Had toyed with idea of cut and weld the lower piece on but that would take some pretty precise effort to maintain balance (to reduce wear), and confidence in quality so it would not sheer damaging engine.

Also had thought of machinist turning a mixed shaft but way to much cost expected there.

I have heard rumors of FE TACH drive units out there but not seen a real one for sale or even a part number.

[fastback 427]

Accel used to make tach drive distributors dual point of course, part number 30200 t. They still come up on eBay.

[machoneman]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-FE-FT-Distributor-330-361-391-with-Tachometer-Drive-Tach-5-16-Oil-Drive-390-/221403316906?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item338caa82aa&vxp=mtr

Apparently, the old Chris Craft 427's also had a OEM Ford tach drive ditzy. Perhaps a search on the many CC websites might turn up a inexpensive unit.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182/thread/1214705261/FORD+FE+DISTRIBUTOR+WITH+TACH+DRIVE-

[spicetraders]

That EBAY unit is miss named as a FE unit it is a pure FT unit.  I have the measurements on it.
They are not 1/4 drive and has a larger shaft tip diameter.

I also can get the same unit thru several parts places refurbished WITH the VACUUM control for $75, but still not FE

[fastback 427]

Is it just that unit mislabeled? I have seen tach drive accel in fe engines years ago. Is the eBay dizzy a standard dual point or a race 2 ?

[machoneman]

Here's one that sold a while ago for $400.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-FE-Accel-Tach-Drive-Distributor-Super-Coil-Moroso-Tachometer-Cable-/191081445461?nma=true&si=Rvm5YdTlflC9Xtt39VLAQDBeVLY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[fastback 427]

If you are looking for a factory tach drive unit I seen on network 54 that they were in gt40 race program. If one could be located price might be astronomical, but might be another avenue to search.

[70cj428]

If I remember correctly, last year the Dearborn Steel Tubing guys had a factory tach drive distributor (SK numbered if my memory serves me correctly) maybe give them a call and see if they still have it.

I'd just find an Accel dual point Tach Drive FE distributor and use that, It will be a lot easier to get a cable, tach. ect. Than the ultra rare ford unit. ( I think pertronix even makes a conversion for it...)

[fe66comet]

A mechanical tack drive would be uses in a boat application.

[bsprowl]

They also came on some Edsel Rangers.  I've got one of those.

Bob

[4twennyAint]

My dad has an Accell dual point w/tach drive for FE, not used since 1982.  I think he'll sell it.  Chris (724) 902-8501

[jayb]

Chris, next time please send a PM if you are trying to sell something; I try to keep the sales pitches off the regular forum.  Thanks, Jay