Replacement Distributor

[VetteC10]

Hi, new the forum, I just purchased a 66 C10 with a 327, and looking to replace the distributor with an upgraded electronic model. I tried an HEI and a Petronix, and neither would fit due to firewall clearance. Does anyone know what brand/model will clear the firewall?

Thanks in advance.

[Palf70Step]

I had a factory HEI and a replacement from Speedway in my 64. I could not put it in with the cap on though. Once in place , I could put cap on and had clearance. It was close, but never hit. Just could not insert or remove it with the caps inplace.

[VetteC10]

I removed the cap and rotor on both the HEI and the Petronix, and both are hitting the firewall. the HEI almost got in if I wanted to force it, but the petronix is longer, and I can't even get the shaft down into the hole.

[jayoldschool]

Use the stock distributor, small cap, and use an internal Pertronix kit. That's exactly what I did on my 65 327 in my Impala. Works perfectly, I run much more advance, starts immediately, has much more power. I'm still on points on my 65 truck, but will switch it over some time.

[VetteC10]

I was considering that. the distributor i took out looks like it has an older conversion in it, but since I bought it not running, was wanting to upgrade if possible.

[sprinter11r]

I have a 64 with HEI and no clearance problems. could your cab mount bushings be collapsed?

[65chevysub]

I did the same as jayoldschool did. I used a stock distributor with the Pertronix ob my 65 Subyrban with a 283. Been running that way for atleast 20 years. Hard to believe I know but its still going.

[Macdaddy1]

I have a 327 in my 65 and have to take the cap off to install distributor and then put cap on afterward. It is tight but just makes it.

[VetteC10]

good question about the cab bushings. I almost had the HEI in, but since it was new, I didn't want to bag it up (or the firewall) forcing it. I didn't need much more space to get it in, so maybe the cab bushings are the cause. I am sure they are old.

[jayoldschool]

A third option is the F body or the S10 small cap remote coil HEI.