C-2 Distributor Identification
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
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From: Rocklin California
C-2 Distributor Identification
Other than a removable tag, how can you tell if you have the correct distributor? Any codes, numbers, configuration you can visually see to tell the difference? I want a correct 1965 Distributor but I know people collect tags and I don't know it they just tag one that looks correct then sell it for more money. I found one with a correct tag but before I spend the almost $300.00 for it I want to make sure I am not just paying for the tag. Help please!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
Other than a removable tag, how can you tell if you have the correct distributor? Any codes, numbers, configuration you can visually see to tell the difference? I want a correct 1965 Distributor but I know people collect tags and I don't know it they just tag one that looks correct then sell it for more money. I found one with a correct tag but before I spend the almost $300.00 for it I want to make sure I am not just paying for the tag. Help please!
The only way I know to do it is to put it on a distributor machine and check the mechanical and vacuum curve or put it in your engine, using a dial back light and vacuum pump. Then compare the readings with the specs in the '65 shop manual. You may find your results are not found in "any" manual.
Any shop that has the distributor machine could match it pretty close to the appropriate '65 specs or you could do it yourself.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
The only way I know to do it is to put it on a distributor machine and check the mechanical and vacuum curve or put it in your engine, using a dial back light and vacuum pump. Then compare the readings with the specs in the '65 shop manual. You may find your results are not found in "any" manual.
Any shop that has the distributor machine could match it pretty close to the appropriate '65 specs or you could do it yourself.
Any shop that has the distributor machine could match it pretty close to the appropriate '65 specs or you could do it yourself.
So the distributors are all basically identical other than the way they are set-up? I could pay for the 65 date correct per the tag, but the tag could be on a 64 set up for the same 327/365 motor as mine? If so, you are basically buying a tag?
Thanks,
Ken
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,048
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From: "cutesy" TN
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
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Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Greenville, Indiana
Virtually everything inside the bare housing is different for a SHP engine as opposed to the base or even optional engine. After you get your new tag installed, find out what advance characteristics that distributor has. You could have problems from sluggish running or surging to pre-ignition unless you know what you have and how to correct it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Virtually everything inside the bare housing is different for a SHP engine as opposed to the base or even optional engine. After you get your new tag installed, find out what advance characteristics that distributor has. You could have problems from sluggish running or surging to pre-ignition unless you know what you have and how to correct it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
There are differences in the castings as well.
I just rebuilt a BB distributor and laid it on the table next to a SB unit. The oil holes are in a different location.... and there are a few other small casting differences, not necessarily BB vs SB... just differences in general.
I just rebuilt a BB distributor and laid it on the table next to a SB unit. The oil holes are in a different location.... and there are a few other small casting differences, not necessarily BB vs SB... just differences in general.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
There are differences in the castings as well.
I just rebuilt a BB distributor and laid it on the table next to a SB unit. The oil holes are in a different location.... and there are a few other small casting differences, not necessarily BB vs SB... just differences in general.
I just rebuilt a BB distributor and laid it on the table next to a SB unit. The oil holes are in a different location.... and there are a few other small casting differences, not necessarily BB vs SB... just differences in general.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
I'm thinking there might be a casting difference in the housing down by the gear in the oil passage on some years. BB vs SB. I really don't remember but as far as I know, both are interchangable. I don't think there are any casting differences above the manifold. Maybe Tom has a picture for clarification?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Washington Michigan
Here's a '67 points distributor - for all practical purposes, they're all the same from '63-'74 except for calibration items - weights, springs, autocam, and vacuum advance unit; the particular combination of calibration items determines the part number for the finished assembly. Just get it set up to the correct original specs, order the aluminum part number/date tag you need, and you're all set. Nobody will EVER know what it came out of - they're all the same.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Here's a '67 points distributor - for all practical purposes, they're all the same from '63-'74 except for calibration items - weights, springs, autocam, and vacuum advance unit; the particular combination of calibration items determines the part number for the finished assembly. Just get it set up to the correct original specs, order the aluminum part number/date tag you need, and you're all set. Nobody will EVER know what it came out of - they're all the same.
Edit... re-reading the posts.... I think y'all may be correct that they are indistinguishable above the manifold... the only differences I am sure of are below the manifold.
Functionally.... yup. Visually, nope.
Last edited by Tom454; Jan 12, 2007 at 03:21 PM. Reason: Clarify
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,048
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From: "cutesy" TN
