I have a 1984 302 without the computer or wiring harness and want to convert it to use a vacuum advance distributor and Dura-Spark 2 ignition. Upon removal of the original distributor (PN 64ZE12131AA)and comparision with the new one (P/N 6G17E2TE12127UA) it was discovered that the retro unit's shaft is shorter and larger in diameter - it just won't fit! Short of finding a mid-80"s computer and wiring harness to use the original distributor, what are my options? Is there a vacuum advance distributor that will work?

 

i dont know what your into.i put an 86 motor in my 81 truck.my 81 vacuum dist fell right into place.

 

Your new one might be for a 351W, the shaft is larger.

 

Went right out and bought a stock '81 distributor - it dropped in place with a little grease and bit of engine rotation. Suspect the one I started with was a first-generation Dura-spark compatible distributor. Thanks to all. I love this website - I usually get tech problems solved within 12 hours of my post.
Mike