Need smaller diameter HEI distributor

I am building an A modified with tight clearances and the Summit HEI $90 distributor i bought won't clear the firewall by less than 1/4 inch. I just painted the body or I would fix the problem. I knew I shouldn't have had that beer while I was dry-fitting things.

I know I can use an external coil model for something smaller but maybe someone else here had a similar problem and knows of a stock HEI distrubutor that might have a cap that is 1/4" smaller in diameter. Thanks in advance.

 

As far as OEM parts, anything smaller & transistorized will be EFI era and won't have vacuum advance. From the carbureted era there's 2 sizes, HEI and points. Everything else is aftermarket. Good luck

 

Convert a Points style with aftermarket kit or try this guy
http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/

 

Wait...by "stock" I mean on the order of an MSD or Accel or something like that from a catalog or common source.

 

Find a distributor that fits youre need and put a pertronix conversion kit in it. ther are only about $90.00

 

I recall somewhere of a GM HEI for a pickup with an external coil, smaller dia.

You can't beat stock parts for reliability.



Ago

 

Mallory unilite will also work..

 

just an fyi on Daves Small Body HEI's .. I believe he is a bit back up dealing with some health issues .. if your in a hurry that might pose an issue .. otherwise a great source!

reference http://buickthunderforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=1888

 

Use Dave Ray linked above. His stuff is top notch & has a lifetime warranty & built using parts you can buy anywhere.
I have his stuff on several cars.

 

try GMC BUBBA here on the HAMB.
http://www.lindertech.com/bhrs/

 

He's the man.

 

How about sneaking the motor ahead by 3/8".....just an out of the box thought.

 

Or clearance the firewall with a rubber mallet so as to try to avoid paint damage.


Yeah, it may not be the most professional, but it is traditional.

 

Jim (BUBBA) can fix you up too, sorry I didnt even think of him the first go around I always relate Jim to flathead stuff and Dave to small HEI chevy stuff
anyway Jims close too

 

http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/ I've never heard of this fellow before I read this thread but he appears to have his **** together and does some nice work. I'm gonna bookmark his web page myself for some possible future work. Thanks.

 

Try JEGS. Will this work?

http://www.jegs.com/p/MSD/MSD-Pro-Mag/747797/10002/-1

One more:

http://www.jegs.com/c/Ignition-Electrical_Distributors/10679/10002/-1

 

I had the same issue with sbc in 31 A.
Easily solved by pushing in that firewall area.

 

Well my vote goes to GMCBubba here and if it has to do with dizzy's or ignition he's the ruler......PERIOD

 

Well, the first one, with a $1,200 price tag, I can guarantee won't work. The other stuff is worth a look and it appears I can find one that will be smaller and priced OK. I can't hammer the body back or move engine forward because the mounts are in and the body is painted and confined by a step-up in the rear. It's OK, the ideas here will offer a solution once I look everything over.
Thank you all very much. The collective wisdom of those who have suffered before sure beats the old way of the trial and error thing.

 

An MSD 8360 pro billet distributor is about as small as you can get and they will support a whole bunch of horse power, and the quality is second to none. The only draw back is that they are about $300 clams.

 

contact GMC Bubba here on the HAMB....He can take care of you

 

I run the small dia. GM dist from an older tuned port engine with a marine module to run without the computer. Looks similar to the old points dist. Just need the small dist and a marine module. The module number ends in 299.

 

Check with GMC Bubba. He's the man who knows how to make spark.

 

Really just an aside but..........this is why one should build the car TWICE. The first time using ALL the parts intended for the finished car but leaving everything unfinished, then again after everything is plated, painted etc.. If you do it like this, problems like his don't happen (at least not frequently).

 

Yeah, this is just one of those times and one of those things. I've been at this for 45 years so I should know better. I did everything right except the beer part at the end. It was hot and humid and seemed like a good idea at the time. Call it the $225 Rolling Rock.
I'm going with the store-bought Accel or Mallery with outside mounted coil mentioned earlier in the thread.

The coupe is a small fibergl*** body--not metal--will you guys still want photos at the end? I've built from scratch many times--and will again next year--but this was a deal I couldn't refuse.

 

Helloooo!? GMC BUBBA!!!!!!!! Or maybe you missed the other 30 recomendations!

 

Why??....Just so you can take it back with a receipt if it don't work....cost nothing to dial the phone and get ahold of bubba........

 

Check my site , can do what ever ya want. A small base old school mallory converted would give ya the look etc. Will be in the swap meet at the Columbus Goodguys .....

 

www.bubbashotrodshop.com

 

my uncle and old skool motor guy from way back did a points style gm dist. with a ford pickup and modale that bolted under dist. worked great! because ford parts are not special order if you need a replacement on the road. i'll ask him for one to take pics of and get details this weekend if it will work for ya. should be cheap too!!!