56 dual point distributor orientation

[Steve Junkersfeld]

The 56/57 AIM clearly shows the number one ignition wire located in the distributor cap at the one o'clock position (looking down on the cap with the front of the car as 12 o'clock). What I can't figure out is the correct orientation of the dual point distributor. Can anyone give me the correct orientation - maybe based on the position of the bushing oil tube or the location of the Delco tag? Thanks

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 56 dual point distributor orientation

Steve, Just going on memory here, I believe the oil tube would be at about 4-5 o'clock using the same orientation you describe.

[Steve Junkersfeld]

Thanks Much Ed *NM*

[John H.]

Re: 56 dual point distributor orientation

Steve -

On my '57, in final position with timing set, the oil tube exit position on the distributor casting is about 2:45, with the outer portion of the tube midway between hitting the right rear of the carb and the coil.

[Steve Junkersfeld]

Re: 56 dual point distributor orientation

Thanks John, It sounds like if I put the oil tube on the right side and shoot for 3 o'clock with the timing set at zero - I should be OK.

[Ed Jennings]

I looked at some "period" pictures

of early Vette engines to see if I could come up with something more definative. Seems every thing I could find was either a single point or a fuelie. In the AIM, the single point distributer isshown with the cap attaching screws at a 90 deg angle to the centerline of the engine. I no longer have a car with that type distributer to look at, but you might try aligning the cap retainers at the 90 deg position and see where that puts the oiler. I'll bet it's somewhere near the 3:00 position John was refering to.