tall block distributor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 355
Likes: 14
tall block distributor
We're putting a 496 tall block in a '73 Vette and I understand we will need a different distributor because the block is .400 taller. Are there parts to modify a regular factory distributor from a 454 block (car block) for this use (like longer distributor shaft and/or different housing)? If so where can one get such parts? Also, we need the alternator pulley, bracket and braces (for P.S. car) if anyone has them.
Thanks
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 1
From: VASS, NC, USA
Re: tall block distributor (y2kvett)
Are you talking "tall block", like a truck block, say like the 427 engines that were placed in trucks and buses? If so, what makes these engines taller is an extra oil ring on the pistons. Since the block is now a tad higher, the intake manifold valley is a tad wider as well. I have never seen any aftermarket parts for 427 truck motors, a regular passenger car intake manifold will not work. They may make parts out there, but Ive never seen them
Thats not saying the 427 "tall blocks" dont make for the potential for a hipo engine. Its that Ive just never seen aftermarket parts for them. A stock passenger distributor shouldnt work. Aftermarket: Dont know if they are even made.
Thats not saying the 427 "tall blocks" dont make for the potential for a hipo engine. Its that Ive just never seen aftermarket parts for them. A stock passenger distributor shouldnt work. Aftermarket: Dont know if they are even made.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 355
Likes: 14
Re: tall block distributor (MELVIN)
Yes, these were truck motors. They are used quite often for "stroker" motors. I believe the 502 motor is the same height (don't quote me on this). Anyhow, the intake is different, but there are spacers available to use regular intakes. And special cranks are made as well. We now have the motor (496 cubes) and need to get a distributor. Maybe, we'll just hit the bone yards.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: tall block distributor (y2kvett)
I was under the impression that only the deck height for the heads was .400" taller, not where the distributor meets the manifold. Also on a 90 degree V-8, I don't think that an additional .400" deck height would mean that the distributor would sit that much taller.
I may be wrong, YMMV.
I may be wrong, YMMV.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Re: tall block distributor (y2kvett)
You can buy tall deck high perf. distributors from Summit or Jegs. I have never seen any way to modify a short deck distributor. I have also never seen a tall deck distributor with a mechanical tach drive if that's an issue.
If you are looking for high perf. tall deck parts check out offshore boating web sites. There are a LOT of tall decks used in the high perf boating industry. Mercruiser even makes 540 and 572 cid stock motors.
Let me know if there are any other tall deck specific parts you need, and I can check my sources.
Gary
If you are looking for high perf. tall deck parts check out offshore boating web sites. There are a LOT of tall decks used in the high perf boating industry. Mercruiser even makes 540 and 572 cid stock motors.
Let me know if there are any other tall deck specific parts you need, and I can check my sources.
Gary
