Distributor hits fire firewall
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 197
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From: Eagle Rock CA
Distributor hits fire firewall
Now I have a problem with the distrbutor of my 350 small blaock hitting the firewall. When the cap is installed you can barely put a piece of paper behind it. I've been told that what I have is an HFI (something like that) distrbutor and if I go with one with a window (?) that will be smaller. Who makes a smaller diameter distributor? I've been told Mallory does. Any suggestions. Has anybody ever used one moutned in the front in a situation like this?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 895
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From: OK
What you have is GM HEI. I'm pretty sure Mallory makes a smaller distributor. Other company's probably do as well, I'm not sure. I think Vertex makes an HEI distributor that looks like a magneto. Good luck with your search. Chevy never had a distributor that mounted in the front.
If at all possible, I would try to move the engine forward to get the distributor off the firewall.
hotrod48
If at all possible, I would try to move the engine forward to get the distributor off the firewall.
hotrod48
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: La Verne, California
Mallory's your best bet. 
This is just another example of Why one should Stick w/ Original FoMoCo Engines & Drive Trains as one doesn't run into this kind problem as you have when you sub in a SBC instead.
This is just another example of Why one should Stick w/ Original FoMoCo Engines & Drive Trains as one doesn't run into this kind problem as you have when you sub in a SBC instead.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: OK
Originally Posted by Col Flashman
This is just another example of Why one should Stick w/ Original FoMoCo Engines & Drive Trains as one doesn't run into this kind problem as you have when you sub in a SBC instead.
I thought that's why Ford recessed the firewall? hotrod48
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
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From: NM
There are conversion kits to switch the cap to one that uses an external coil, that may be all you need if the conflict is at the cap and not at the main body. Check Summit Equipment, look for Accel products.
The "window style" distributors were used forever through the 60's and early 70's, go to a boneyard and tell them what you need. I see hundreds of them for $5 at swap meets.
The "window style" distributors were used forever through the 60's and early 70's, go to a boneyard and tell them what you need. I see hundreds of them for $5 at swap meets.
Last edited by ALBUQ F-1; May 25, 2006 at 11:15 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
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Originally Posted by hotrod48
I have a SBC and have plenty of room behind mine. I thought that's why Ford recessed the firewall?
hotrod48
I thought that's why Ford recessed the firewall? hotrod48
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...6/DSCF0399.jpg
You know I had to.
Last edited by BigF350; May 29, 2006 at 07:16 AM.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
just get a cap and external coil, they just did this on horse power tv when they had clearance issues. summit or jegs sells both items for a decent price.
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Postmaster
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From: Oakdale,Ca.
Assume you're running a carb? If so, an inexpensive alternative is to use a points dizzy with a Crane or Pertronix conversion.
I'm pretty sure GM never offered HEI w/divorced coil and vacuum advance.
I'm pretty sure GM never offered HEI w/divorced coil and vacuum advance.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 895
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From: OK
Originally Posted by Brian_B
No! Thats where it is supposed to be when the proper engine is in your truck. Y-block!
You know I had to.
You know I had to.
You know I had to back.
hotrod48
thats no engine! theres not a single grease mark
It was at the supernats last week.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,952
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From: Upper Left Coast
That is absolutely gorgeous!
I am jealous!
http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums...s2/biggrin.gif
I am jealous!
http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums...s2/biggrin.gif
Originally Posted by Brian_B
No! Thats where it is supposed to be when the proper engine is in your truck. Y-block!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...6/DSCF0399.jpg
You know I had to.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...6/DSCF0399.jpg
You know I had to.
Last edited by BigF350; May 29, 2006 at 07:17 AM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
That's a beautiful engine...even if it is a Ford.
I used an HEI distributor in my engine in my 48 and had plenty of room for the cap. I'm also running a mechanical clutch fan and the long nose water pump. You may have placed the engine too far rearward. The 55-74 small distributor will solve your problem but if you want electronic ignition you will have to consider Petronix or something else aftermarket...
Vern
I used an HEI distributor in my engine in my 48 and had plenty of room for the cap. I'm also running a mechanical clutch fan and the long nose water pump. You may have placed the engine too far rearward. The 55-74 small distributor will solve your problem but if you want electronic ignition you will have to consider Petronix or something else aftermarket...
Vern
