Early LoM Distributor Options?

[SoCar72]

Having a '63 170 with the 1/4" shaft Load-o-Matic Distributor, I'm interested in options. Ultimately, I'm trying to get away from the LoM distro and Spark Control Valve system for greater carb and distro options and tunability.

CI offers a DUI unit for my application. It's a little pricier than I'd prefer, especially considering that I haven't made up my mind on whether, when the time comes, I will rebuild the original block or swap it for a later 7 main 170 or 200. The later block has a different size distributor bore, hence the distro will not transfer. Does anyone know if this distro can be adapted from an earlier block to a later one?

Is it possible to retro fit a LoM (SCV vacuum only advance) distro with a mechanical / standard vacuum advance system?

Is there a standard m/v advance distro available for the early 4 mains?

Is it possible to adapt a later single point distro to an earlier block?

Or is there another option I am not aware of?

 

[FalconSedanDelivery]

A Mallory Dist is an option, Dual point or Electronic UNILITE , with a properly setup advance curve , the difference is unbelievable , there are no dists with the vac advance option for early blocks other than a DUI , which I feel ( my opinion , not a dig ) is over priced and UGLY!~! , Also having a Vacuum advance is worth perhaps 1-2 mpg and offers NO performance improvement ( If the Ignition curve is correct ) . They ( the mallory's ) show up on E-Bay and other sources from time to time , I got 30+ mpg with a simalar setup on my 62 Sedan Delivery and a 170 , and it was a good performer as well

 

[rbohm]

8) a few options you can consider;

1: there are aussie distributors that fit the early blocks, but you have to change to the larger oil pump and drive shaft. and there are electronic distributors available. contact addo or one of the other aussies on the board and see if they can locate one for you. i got mine from addo, and he is a good man to deal with.

2: you can open up the distributor shaft hole to accept the later distributors, which again means that you have to change over the the larger pump and drive shaft.

3: you can slim down the later distributor shaft to fit the hole, again the swap is needed.

4: you can go with the pertronix ignitor, or other electronic ignition conversion, and just have the LOM.

5: you can try to find an aftermarket distributor that will fit in place of your LOM. the DUI ignition is a good choice, but expensive, and some dont like the large GM cap.

any of these are good options, and will work.

 

[SoCar72]

I am running a Pertronix II with noticeable gains. But I really would like to step away from the LoM dist. I have to agree, I am not attracted to the DUI, despite the performance gains and the favorable reviews. I'm looking for a stock or near stock look.

I hadn't even considered a mechanical only dist, never crossed my mind. I'll look into that.

I do like the adaptation idea. If I'm reading rbohm right, the only applicable differences are the oil shaft size and dist seat diameter. So, the pump to dist spacing, dist drive gear, and drive to seat distances are all the same?

If this is true, I'm thinking about finding a later single point m/v dist, turning down the seat to fit the early block, and installing a Pertronix Kit. If I end up swapping to a later block, I can carryover the top end of the dist. Has anyone documented this?

I'm not opposed to swapping the oil pump, however, has anyone come across a 1/4" to 5/16" shaft? Or, milled one end down to 1/4"?