I need a new vacuum can and some spring to play with for my motor, are the distributor the same as other Olds big blocks??
I noticed that the 394 isnt mentioned.....

I am looking at this kit


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crn-99601-1/reviews


Thanks

 

The 1964 394 was the last of the first-gen Olds V8 and has nothing in common with the second-gen Olds V8 from 1964-1990. The confusion is that in the 1964 model year, the two generations overlapped. Parts for a 350/400/455 will not fit the 394.

 

Did gm not use the same type of distributor in the early 60's as they did later?
Will a vacum can from the later model not fit then? How about the advance springs?

 

Thank you for clearing it up Joe..

As Marx3 asks.... What am I then looking after ??

 

I think the con rods interchange. The 394 ones are beefier.

 

Thanks for the info on connecting rods... What do you think of the difference between distributors over the years?

 

As Joe said, the distributors are different. The vacuum advance units are also different. The original equipment vacuum advance units for your engine are available. Finding the "performance" kits for the older engines will be significantly more difficult. In the old days even dual breakers were a possibility. Try the used market.

 

The connecting rods use the same center-to-center distance and rod bearing diameter as those on the 425 and early (short stroke) 400 motors. They do not "interchange" without work. I don't know if the small end bore or width are the same. Balance will be different.

 

So if one wanted to limit the amount of advance the canister gives, one would have to fabricate an old fashioned stop and go by trial and error, until the right amount is achieved?

 

Pretty much. The old school way to do this is to weld the slot in the point plate and file it to the limit you want. Use a distributor machine, or a timing light with a vacuum pump, or a protractor.

 

Gotcha :-)

 

Thanks everyone :-)