8ba Distributor Clocking

[Shoebox]

I'm using a GM distributor converted to flathead use by Jim "Bubba" Linder RIP, in my engine build. IF I were to use the retention plate the vacuum can is pointed to about 5 o'clock, I'd like it pointed more like 10 o'clock. At this point it looks like I need to remove & relocate the plate with the dist clocked where I need it. Before I start modifying things, am I missing something? I thought that Speedway offered some kind of clamp, but looking in their last (and I do mean last, not printing catalogs anymore) there is a complete front cover with clamp, but I'm beyond that. There are a lot of these conversions out there, would like to hear how folks dealt with this. Thanks!

[19Fordy]

Shoebox: I have been using a set screw and a" spacer collar for height)"for the last 20 years. My distributor is a Mallory but, I bet it would work on your chevy. Look at post #5 in this thread.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...tor+hold+clamp
Also, do a Fordbarn SEARCH on Distributor hold down or distributor clamp.

[69a]

Rotate the engine until you get it on TDC with no 1 piston on compression stroke. (please ask if you don't know how to do this) Now take the distributor right out, set the advance can between 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock and put it back into the timing cover. Now you can set where you want the rotor to point. Do this by lifting the distributor up high enough to clear the drive gear and set it where you want it. Most set it @ 12 o'clock-ish but it doesn't matter where is. Point it to number 1 spark plug lead if you already have the leads in the cap.

[40cpe]

I think setting the vacuum can at 10 o'clock will interfere with the thermostat housing on the head. My distributor by Charlie NY positions the can at about 12 o'clock, giving room for adjustment fore and aft.

[69a]

I've had a closer look at the pictures, it looks like the body of his distributor has the protrusion so he can use the factory 8BA clamp. He is better to leave the "clocking" where it is. Just have to run a longer vacuum hose, making sure it can't get kinked. Perhaps a piece of brake line bent at 180 degrees, a short hose between that and the vacuum can, then a long hoses to the vacuum port.

[cadillac512]

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On the one I converted I clocked it to 10 o'clock like he wants to do. I mounted a piece of .100" thick aluminum sheet to the base in the area where the original 8BA clamp is located. Works nicely.

[69a]

Originally Posted by cadillac512

On the one I converted I clocked it to 10 o'clock like he wants to do. I mounted a piece of .100" thick aluminum sheet to the base in the area where the original 8BA clamp is located. Works nicely.

Looking closer, he has 8BA heads and a distributor with the correct clamping surface on only a 90 degree section of the body, limiting the clocking of the vacuum can to around the 5 o'clock position. it appears to be screwed to the base of the chev distributor and roughly 180 deg out. due to the base being uneven you would need to make a spacer to bring the clamp part to the correct height.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by cadillac512

On the one I converted I clocked it to 10 o'clock like he wants to do. I mounted a piece of .100" thick aluminum sheet to the base in the area where the original 8BA clamp is located. Works nicely.

Thanks fellas for the responses. I did remove the clamp piece and clocked the dist. where I wanted it (11:00-12:00 O'clock) and was able to remount the clamp piece, which puts the dist at the correct depth as well. I did seal the two now unused small screw holes from the original plate mounting with silicone.

[cadillac512]

Originally Posted by Shoebox

Thanks fellas for the responses. I did remove the clamp piece and clocked the dist. where I wanted it (11:00-12:00 O'clock) and was able to remount the clamp piece, which puts the dist at the correct depth as well. I did seal the two now unused small screw holes from the original plate mounting with silicone.

Exactly. Well done!