New Motor Arrived Today! - Distributor ?

[Whiplash]

My crate motor arrived today! I'm very happy even though it's going to be a few weeks until I can bolt it up. The dyno sheet shows it at Peak HP of 416 @ 5700 rpm and Peak Torque at 423 @ 4300. The torque is about 20 lb ft less than advertised but HP is 16 more than advertised so I'm fairly pleased.

The question I have is about the distributor. The paperwork that came with it show it was dyno ed with an HEI or MSD distributor. But it doesn't say anything about the Cam Gear. I've seen some thread about a "melonized" sp? gear required for some cams. Does anyone know what I need to do to find out if I need one? Do you think I can use the old points distributor with a modern cam?

Thanks in advance. I'm calling tech support tomorrow but thought I'd get your opinions.

Whiplash

 

[JohnZ]

If it's a roller cam, you'll need a melonized drive gear if the cam has an integral steel gear; if it has a pressed-on iron gear, you can use a stock drive gear.

 

[zachh]

get a MALLORY 50,000 volt. Its an MSD, i believe

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

i second the vote for a good ignition, don't use the old stuff. points will limit your performance compaired to a modern CDI ignition. call the builder of the engine and ask what is needed for a cam gear.

 

[goingballistic]

I just ran an MSD HEI on my motor on the Dyno and it worked great. I got 12 more horse out of fixed locked MSD but have no desire to run a locked distributor for stret driving. More on the motor today, I'll post some pics and the results. Good luck.

 

[Whiplash]

I just ran an MSD HEI on my motor on the Dyno and it worked great. I got 12 more horse out of fixed locked MSD but have no desire to run a locked distributor for street driving. More on the motor today, I'll post some pics and the results. Good luck.

I gave in an bought the HEI with Tach Drive from Mid America today. They said it would work with a roller cam but suggested I put the Brass gear on it anyway. I have to call the engine tech line to double check but that's the way I'm going now. I also ordered the new engine harness. They're going to build the harness with wiring for HEI instead of points so it will both work and look right.

The engine bay and underside of the car are all painted now. I've got a few more weekends of cleaning up random parts and then it will be time to start putting everything back together.

Thanks for the advice on the HEI.

Whiplash

 

[Lucy64]

The only problem I had with the HEI I had on the old moter in my 64 was how large it is. Most of the HEI's are rather large and can cause some problems with the firewall or air cleaner. When I had my new motor built I went with the MSD Pro Billet with tach drive. The only problem with that was I also have to run a 6al ignition box. But the good side of that is it has the ability to change 'pills' to change the rev limiter. I have had it in the car for 18 months now and it runs and looks great.

 

[JohnZ]

I gave in an bought the HEI with Tach Drive from Mid America today. They said it would work with a roller cam but suggested I put the Brass gear on it anyway. I have to call the engine tech line to double check but that's the way I'm going now.Whiplash

Forget the brass or bronze drive gears - they work fine in a race motor that's torn down regularly, but you'll be lucky if they last 2,000 miles in a street engine (while they fill your oil with fine shavings). Get the GM "melonized" drive gear - that's the only one that will hold up long-term. That's why it's worth the extra cost to specify a pressed-on iron gear when you buy a roller cam so you don't have to use a special distributor gear.

 

[Whiplash]

Thanks for the advice. I've been on the road and haven't had a chance to check with the tech line. The motor is the YearOne 400/440 crate. I expected more details when the motor came regarding the specs on the internals but didn't get any. The good news is their tech line is top notch. I'll let you know what I find out.

 

[Jack]

Hopefully ... the next fellow who shops for an sbc/BBC HEI with tach drive will see this & save some $.
Star Racing at 1-800-625-9454 has tach drive HEI for $163 complete. Their P/N 9200TDR . It's the same asian piece the others get $350-$500 for.

-edit- verify that your new harness actually supplies full +12vdc to HEI dist BATT terminal ... HEI requires full +12vdc in both "start" & "run".

JohnZ is SO right about the melonized & brass gear stuff!

 

[76 Sting]

Thanks for the advice. I've been on the road and haven't had a chance to check with the tech line. The motor is the YearOne 400/440 crate. I expected more details when the motor came regarding the specs on the internals but didn't get any. The good news is their tech line is top notch. I'll let you know what I find out.

Whiplash!!

How are you?? Long time no speak. Have you been to Twin peaks lately

I just installed the same engine from Year one, but bought the new MSD e-curve disty. I am still trying to figure that out:confused

We should get together and compare notes sometime soon maybe at Twin Peaks or a car show.

let me know

 

[Whiplash]

Whiplash!!

How are you?? Long time no speak. Have you been to Twin peaks lately

I just installed the same engine from Year one, but bought the new MSD e-curve disty. I am still trying to figure that out:confused

We should get together and compare notes sometime soon maybe at Twin Peaks or a car show.

let me know

Hey Darin,

I'm still buying parts. Part of the wiring harness came in the mail this week while I'm on the road. I still need to pick a carb, clutch, pressure plate, accessory brackets, clean up AC hoses, install gas tank, fuel line, brake lines, power booster, reinstall all engine compartment vacuum hoses, canister, wiper motor, figure out a fuel pump, etc etc then I can drop the motor and trans on the frame and drop the body back on. It's gonna take some time.

What did you use for your engine accessory brackets? I'm thinking of going with Zoop in case I go with headers but I can't find a bracket for the long style AC compressor.

I'm back in town this weekend. PM me with a number and I'll give you a call to chat.

Whiplash