I bought a reman distributor from this guy but I ran the casting #'s and it came up a 72 350. Is his response correct? There are 13 teeth on the gear. Paul it is a rebuilt distributor and the number on the case is not the number it actually is rebuilt to..that is why i don't list the stamped number in the ad. folks will get confused. the aluminum body is the same on all buick v8s, the difference is in the gear.rebuilders do not care about stamping numbers and mix all the bodies as long as they are identical. this is common in distributors, fuel pumps and even some carbs. the 350 uses a visibly larger diameter gear.you may want to talk to someone at a local parts store (not an auto zone type clerk to verify this) if you are not satisfied with this you can return it for refund of the purchase price. michael From: "Paul Massicotte" <buick4speed@charter.net> > Date: 2004/01/16 Fri PM 09:20:46 CST > To: <mallen22@bellatlantic.net> > Subject: Buick Distributor > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <mallen22@bellatlantic.net> > To: <buick4speed@charter.net> > Sent: Friday, December 26, 2003 12:19 AM > Subject: Item Shipped - Auction Item(s) 2447022689 > > > > > > Friday, December 26, 2003 > > > > > > YOUR PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED AND THE FOLLOWING ITEM(S) ARE READY AND > WILL BE SHIPPED ASAP > > > > > > 2447022689 1967-74 buick 400,430,455 rebuilt distributor > > > > It's been a pleasure doing business with you, > > > > MICHAEL ALLEN > > noschevparts > > > > > Mike, > I recently bought a rebuilt distributor for a 70 Buick 455 from you. After > running the number on the distrib, I have discovered that this distrib is > for a 72 GS350. It will not work for my application. I just thought I > would let you know and if you do have a correct 70 455 distrib, I would be > glad to exchange them. > Paul Massicotte > >
I've never actually done it myself... but have ready MANY times here that the only diff between 350 and 455 dist's is the gear, which can be switched back and forth depending on what engine your putting the dist in. Everything else is supposedly identicle. :TU:
Dave Ray (IgnitionMan) has stated that there are other significant differences besides the gear, between the 350 and 455 distributors. That's not to say the 350 dist with the 455 gear won't work in your 455, it will. Many guys have done it. It just sounds like it isn't an ideal matching up of parts.
I was just wondering because he does have good feedback and sells alot on ebay. He does sell occasional Buick stuff, but beware of his NOS 70 Skylark grille. Canadian made version with no provisons for 3 chrome pieces.
Ive mixed and matched distributors a few times to get a car or two running. Other than the gear, there is no difference between small block and big block. Small blocks are 14 tooth, big blocks are 13 tooth. Im sure there are differences in the weights, springs and vacuum advances as well if you want to get technical. But the distributior you bought should fit and function just fine. In fact, I think I will go out on a limb and say that if its fitted with a 14 tooth gear it should also fit the early 215s and 300s. Im sure the 215 guys can verify that one. Jason
You haven't been jipped much unless you paid over $100 for it.. The visible difference between BB and SB dists is the gear. On the nitpik side of things, the other differences is in the advance curve, weights, springs, and also the top weight that the springs attach to. Both types will work fine as long as the correct gear is installed, however, i've been told, a 350 dist has a better curve and is the choice for both motors... Now, if you've read this and answered 'yes' to the first question, I would offer this advise. Send it back for a refund, and take your original dist to Dave 'The Iginition Man'. He not only hand rebuilds each dist he does, he also converts them to MSD Trigger or External Coil HEI units as well as customizes the setup to your engine combo. I'll also note, if you have him do your dist, opt for the crane adjustable vac advance, well worth the few extra bucks! -S from CA
I guess it would all depend on what kind of a car this is going in. If its a daily driver the rebuilt is the ticket. They are dirt cheap... 30-50 bucks at the local auto parts store. You get new bronze bushings, new points and condensor, new breaker plate, ground wiring and a freshly bead blasted casting. If its a show car, naturally you would want the correct casting number distributor. If money is no object, I would recommend the MSD billet distributor. Although you would need to hide the MSD ignition box somewhere (under dash or glove box). With the MSD distributor you can really fine tune the curve to exactly what you want. Its bulletproof too. Just my 2 cents worth. Jason
should I go here? sure, it's been awhile, why not... please use the search button at the top of the screen, and search for "IgnitionMan"... Amongst the few mini-battles that will probably show up, is a wealth of information from an extremely intelligent man. If you read long enough, you'll notice this trend: Pertronix is complete crap (read: not even worth stepping on before you trash it), MSD, Mallory, ProForm all make crappy overseas products. You'll also learn Pertronix Distribs are rebranded ProForm Dists which come from China. MSD I guess makes descent ignition boxes, but stay away from everything else, Mallory is about the same.. It's the same debate as people saying Windows is better, when *Nix is truly the winner... Or Intel is better then AMD... Nope, just costs twice the price.. I'll stop here and let you go search and broaden your views a bit.
what he said and - I think the sellers point is correct in that the body is the same for the 350 or 455 but the numbers from the original application vary.. That was your question. What you also need to check is the springs, weights, etc that are unique to the 455. Or try it and see what happens... uzzled: - Bill:TU:
I paid 36 bucks for it and want to keep the car points. Guess I'm just not ready to convert. Maybe down the line I'll convert but with what I have invested in it, I think I can afford to learn a good lesson. Thanks for all your opinions. Paul
For 36 bucks, it ain't worth complainin.. As long as the shaft is lubed as is the other required lube points, everything spins freely, the mechanical advance springs out and returns like it should, drop it in and drive.. Make sure the gear is in good shape too. Outside of that, just get a good set of points and drive the thing... It's what our cars were meant to do... Drive & Enjoy!
