[C2] 396 distributor in 68 427
06-28-2017, 12:39 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
396 distributor in 68 427
While searching for info on distributors with the partial oil groove in the casting, found statement that a 1965 396 distributor can be used in a later 427 block (1968) with no negative oiling effects if the distributor is installed in the correct position. What determines the correct position? What happens if installed in the incorrect position. Thread stated this was cover in a magazine article back in 2008 but could not find the article online.
06-28-2017, 02:41 PM
#2
this link demonstrates the correct position. There is a later update that shows the cylinders moving one position to clear the radio shielding.
http://www.stl-vettes.com/65Vette/co...istinstall.pdf
http://www.stl-vettes.com/65Vette/co...istinstall.pdf
06-28-2017, 03:26 PM
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
I am referencing a statement made by John Z in a 2000 thread
Originally Posted by ajrothm.
Discussion related to the 396 distributor possibly being the potential cause of no oil to the rockers on one side of the engine:
One of ajrothm's quotes:
"OK so the blocked groove doesn't force oil into a galley or something like that? I thought this was a 65' 396 block ONLY type deal.. I'm getting misinformation from the local gurus and I'm not familiar with the C2 stuff...yet.."
John Z's reply:
"There's a lot of misinformation out there on this issue, but what it really boils down to is that the distributor housing with the partial oil annulus can reduce or interrupt oil feed to the lifter galleries unless it's installed just right; the distributors with the FULL 360* oil annulus can be installed any way you like without affecting oil flow in any way, and those distributors are spec'd by GM as the replacement for ALL early big-blocks, as well as all other SB and BB applications. The distributor housing oil annulus has nothing to do with the rear cam journal groove and 3-hole grooved bearing issue - they're two completely separate design problems."
Using the referenced instructions will position the distributor correctly for vacuum can clearance and shields and I'm guessing also the correct position for oiling?
My interest is installing a 1965 396 dated correct distributor in a later big block without anything harmful occurring to the engine.
Originally Posted by ajrothm.
Discussion related to the 396 distributor possibly being the potential cause of no oil to the rockers on one side of the engine:
One of ajrothm's quotes:
"OK so the blocked groove doesn't force oil into a galley or something like that? I thought this was a 65' 396 block ONLY type deal.. I'm getting misinformation from the local gurus and I'm not familiar with the C2 stuff...yet.."
John Z's reply:
"There's a lot of misinformation out there on this issue, but what it really boils down to is that the distributor housing with the partial oil annulus can reduce or interrupt oil feed to the lifter galleries unless it's installed just right; the distributors with the FULL 360* oil annulus can be installed any way you like without affecting oil flow in any way, and those distributors are spec'd by GM as the replacement for ALL early big-blocks, as well as all other SB and BB applications. The distributor housing oil annulus has nothing to do with the rear cam journal groove and 3-hole grooved bearing issue - they're two completely separate design problems."
Using the referenced instructions will position the distributor correctly for vacuum can clearance and shields and I'm guessing also the correct position for oiling?
My interest is installing a 1965 396 dated correct distributor in a later big block without anything harmful occurring to the engine.
Last edited by Bacci; 06-28-2017 at 06:00 PM. Reason: Corrected distibutor date.
06-28-2017, 04:33 PM
#4
and the link I gave you provides Chevrolet's installation position for the distributor.