|
|
Contributor
| I just got a Speedmaster all in one distributor for 1975 Chrysler 440. Problem is, it hits the valve cover! Can't get it installed without removing the cover. Does anyone know of a valve cover that will clear? I will probably have to resort to a version with external coil, but that's not my first choice. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Location: Bethune, SC | You probably got a distributor for a B engine, 383 or 400. The RB 440 block needs a longer distributor. |
|
| |
|
Contributor
| The one I got is quite long. Much longer than the original. Problem is, the larger diameter causing contact with the valve cover. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona | Shouldn't this question and answer be between you and "Speedmaster" (whoever they are) ?
Please let us know what they say. Thx, Lou #120 |
|
| |
|
Contributor
| Yes, they have not been very helpful so far. I'm sure I'll have no trouble exchanging it for a unit that requires a coil (they are smaller in diameter). I was just hoping someone else has run into this issue and perhaps found some valve covers that provided clearance.
I put in a phone call to them yesterday and someone was supposed to get back to me, but of course that did not happen. I'll try again on Monday.
I hate to give up on this unit. It requires only a hot wire from the ignition switch and a lead to the tach. All the wiring on this old rig is iffy at best, so eliminating some of the original mess is quite appealing. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Location: Ignacio Colorado | Just want to clear up the distributer length (383,400 vs 440) issue that was brought up. The difference is in the shaft length, not the upper portion of the distributor.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Contributor
| Yes, the one I have has the long shaft. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona | They really could have sent you the WRONG DISTRIBUTOR. The OLD ProComp is now SpeedMaster.
Here are some "war stories" about ProComp/Speedway "products" - http://procomp-electronics.pissedconsumer.com/?reviewId=555066
The Davis Unified Ignition (DUI) guy seems to have good products and reputation.
DUI has a HEI dizzy for a RB engine - http://performancedistributors.com/product/dodge-big-block-dui-dist...
But "This unit will not clear Mopar Performance valve covers without modification to the covers." Do you have something other than stock B/RB stamped sheet metal valve covers ? DUI also states "Vacuum advance is an available option on the Street/Strip version but due to space limitations may need to be eliminated for clearance".
Note that the DUI HEI for a 426 Hemi appears even higher (longer between block and bottom of distributor) than a B/RB DUI HEI. Maybe that distributor will let you keep some "OTHER Valve Covers", but it also lacks vacuum advance. Call them, maybe the can build you a cu$tom 426 HEI W/Vacuum Advance.
This "kit" has some of the wiring that may need replaced - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-851005/overview/make/chrysler
But if you are going to RACE YOUR FMC . . . you might want to consider - http://www.ebay.tv/sch/i.html?_sop=16&_nkw=440+magneto&_frs=1
Genuine Ma Mopar (a Zillion of them out there still running !) or MSD for me.
Zoom ON ! Lou #120 |
|
| |
|
Contributor
| Holy crap Lou! Looks like I really picked a winner here!
Guess I'll try to get my money back from them and muddle through with what's on the bus. Maybe the DUI after I get this thing running and get a little further on into the project. More money than I care to put into it at this stage.
Thanks for the info Lou. |
|
| |
|
Contributor
| OK. returning the distributor was not worth it due to restocking fees and shipping charges. Decided to keep it and try to reshape the valve cover. Got it dented in nicely and the distributor installed. There seems to be no contact with the rockers so this might work out. I have cranked it with the plugs removed and plug wire attached to number one plug. I get spark! Yay! Timing light puts the spark in the ball park of where it should be. Got some radiator repair and wiring to do before firing it up.
I have a buddy who is a REAL mechanic not a broken down ski bum like myself. Will get him to check out some of my handiwork soon. Pretty sure some bits are missing from the carb... |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Location: Victoria, BC. Canada | Good luck! Perseverance counts big.
Terry
#846 |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Location: Medford, OR | Lets talk Thermoquad carburetors...... |
|
| |
HEI all in one distributor