Tweet
My current project involves a 1966 big block with TI ignition. I was cautioned to be sure I had a BB TI distributor that use of SB TI distributor could potentially cause oiling issues as this distributor had slightly different physical makeup. It was my impression that distributors BB to SB were all identical only separtated by part number. Could I get some clarity on this, I don't want to hurt my engine. If there is a difference, please explain. Thanks in advance. Mike
-
-
Re: Info on TI distributors
Mike, Do a search in the most recent archive using "big block distributor oiling" as your key words. I think there is more than enough info for you there. -
Re: Info on TI distributors
Mike-----
Many original big blocks apparently did use the "280 degree" oiling configuration. If the distributor that you have in the car now appears to be original and has the "280 degree" oiling configuration, I'd rebuild it and use it.
If you go with a replacement distributor, you can use the "360 degree" configuration. GM later replaced the "280" degree distributor housings with the "360 degree" type. This confirms that they're an acceptable replacement for all applications.
Why was the "280 degree" type ever used? I've been trying to get a definitive answer to that for years.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Info on TI distributors
Joe,
As stated in my message to you I'm early into my restoration. The TI distributor is not currently installed but engine is up and running but with another non TI distributor. Plans would be to install the TI distributor with the 280 degree oiling configuration but wanted some confirmation it would work for an early '66 production original engine Corvette. Thanks, MikeComment
-
Re: Info on TI distributors
Mike-----
Does the "280 degree" distributor appear to be original to the engine? In other words, does it appear to be relatively unmolested and have an ID band with correct number and date?In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Info on TI distributors
Joe,
Hard to say. When car was purchased distributor came in a box, which has since been refreshed. Band on distributor indicated right part # 1111142 but date listed was Sept 66. I figured band was a replacment with wrong date since car was produced in Sept 65. However distributer does have the 280 degree oiling configuration.Comment
-
Read this on rear cam journal oiling groove
From 1971 edition of "How to Hotrod BB Chevs".
This link is a pic of my rear cam journal in a May '65 big block.
What's the connection ? The partially grooved distributor usage seemes to coincide within the timeframe of the grooved rear cam bearing. Like Joe, I've never heard a convincing technical explanation of how the two features worked in conjunction.
Around 1969, the 1111263 ball bearing racing distributor also had the partial groove, but I don't believe they were using grooved rear cam journal bearings at that later date.
Link to partially-grooved "263" w/reverse-drive gear (on left).Comment
-
Re: Read this on rear cam journal oiling groove
Thanks guys. This information has been most helpful. MikeComment
-
my guess on this dist groove
is that GM wanted to cut down on the "internal oil loss" around the dist to block interface. BBC need a lot of oil upstairs because of the "piddle valve" lifters needed to oil the rocker arm balls because of the higher valve spring tension. if you even use a old dist as a oil pump primer with the intake off you will see the oil loss around the dist housing were it enters the block. we later "O" ringed the dist housing to prevent this internal oil loss.Comment
Comment