Hello olds pros, I have 1972 olds cutlass with 350 ,I'm wanting to upgrade the distributor. I have an hei distributor someone gave me, not sure if it will work, 1103212 is stamped on it. Can someone tell me if this will fit or would I be better off just converting my old distributor with conversion kit?

 

I think thats a Chevy distributor.

http://catalog.remyinc.com/Product/Details/1103212

http://www.carid.com/1986-chevy-capr...-35882642.html

 

Thanks, it could be, not sure what it came off of or what year it is, have you ever used a conversion kit?

 

I have used a Pertonix converstion kit in my boat and my 54. That is what I would do if I were you. You will not have to buy new plug wires and it will look stock. There are a number of opinions both ways as to whether to install one of keep points. I am a big fan of Pertonix. It is a very easy installation.

 

I have not, but others on here have with great success. Currently I run an HEI, however I don't mind points, they are easy to work with.

 

Thanks guys, I think I'm leaning the conversion way, it would still look stock and less money

 

I have used the CRANE kit, with an RPM limiter built in. Easy install and worked great.

One good feature of the pointless conversion is that the vacuum and mechanical advance curves remain unchanged, and don't need to be revised to suit your engine. Assuming your have the factory distributor in an unmodified engine....

You should be able to tell a chevy from an Olds distrubtor by the size and shape. Look at pix in epay ads for the differences.

Chevy is a long slim shank with a pin at the bottom to drive a slotted rod.

Olds is a stubby fat shank with a 5/16 HEX RECESS in the bottom, to drive a hex rod.

Different size gears as well I believe.

 

Not to mention they turn in opposite directions.

 

I have found that most folks cannot tell what direction a distributor turns by looking at it. Whereas, peeking at the bottom end for the drive configuration is pretty easy for the untrained eye. So is the 3" length difference.

There is a way:
Follow the Vacuum Advance unit in, then around the shaft. That is the way that it turns.