Buick HEI Identification

I have done some searching and I can't seem to find anything about how to ID a Buick distributor. Even part numbers would be a help (I really have to start investing in some Buick manuals)

From what I understand; Buick HEIs have a relatively short shaft and the 350 and 455 distributors are the same except for the gear.

That is the extent of my knowledge, my friend just picked up an HEI for 10 bucks at a swap meet but we aren't sure if it is an Olds or a Buick Hei

Thanks for the help!:TU:

 

Note the shape of the distributor gears.


Buick:

Sealed with O-ring. Fairly small diameter compared to the Olds O-ring. BB uses 13 teeth, SB has 14 teeth.

Pontiac and Olds:
Pontiac uses a gasket.


Cadillac and Chevy have long shafts.

 

Oh, yeah.

MOST Olds and all Buick HEIs will have a black or blue color-code for the pickup coil.

Pontiac will have a clear or NO color code on the pickup coil.

 

Great stuff I really appreciate it! My friend called me up this morning and said "quick, what is the difference between an Olds and a Buick distributor?" and I had absolutely no clue. I thought there would be a definitive difference but it seems it comes down to dimensions! :TU:

Thanks for the pictures!

Edit: Just got a picture and based on what you have showed me and what my friend sent me its a Buick! The give away is 'collar' above the drive gear. Thanks to you I now know what to look for!

 

Here are the pictures, if it will work I don't think you can beat getting a Buick HEI for the price of a chevy hei





The only thing that worries me is that it seems to be computer controlled, can I swap out the ignition control module to get rid of that? Also tooth count was 14 I am assuming that is small block then?

 

Computer control = No vacuum advance, no centrifugal advance = useless without an electronic advance unit (computer).

Count the number of plug wire terminals, could be a small-block or V-6 unit.

 

If you need the parts to change to a regular HEI,I have the parts to change it.If you are interested,PM me.BrunoD.