All Small Six 170 distributor upgrade

[Rodders]

I have a 170 early engine with loadamatic distributor, has the smaller opening in the block and 1/4 inch drive for the distributor.

I want to upgrade to a newer distributor, don’t want to pay $500 USD plus shipping for the one that will slot in is way too expensive. I’m going to rebuild the engine so can change oil pump to the larger more common drive but then have the problem of the smaller hole in the block.

Has anyone machined down the distributor to fit. Read concerns about wall then being too thin and will break. Anyone done it? Any problems with it breaking etc??

Thanks!

 

[bmbm40]

I seem to recall at least one member making the hole in the block larger. It was quite awhile back and I could be misremembering.

 

[gb500]

Yep if get a 5/16 hex drive dist need to ream out the hole.
Not enough meat to machine down the dist shaft spigot. Then need to get a 5/16 drive oil pump to match

 

[chad]

over a doz yrs I’ve seen both here. During rebuild 1 could hand ream the hole.
(easier fora clunk like me)
I see reamers as affordable shop tools. Get the right one for it (taper and diameter)
set up the right angle (+ or - @ x/y to the face) and go at it.
I would use the whole DSII system as durable, inexpensive, performance oriented (pep
and MPGs) and era correct (eye appeal). I’d hide a gm 4 pin for the box (use the blue
strain relief box if source-able) as they are cheeper and more available (smaller and as
good in operation) if I were to do it again~