Part 5 – Offset Distributor. Build Notes

I decided to keep the MSD distributor with the old Daytona cast iron engine. That mild engine used a custom advance curve (springs, etc). So, I needed one for the new B1 engine and found a lightly used offset distributor made for Predator heads. It moves the distributor cap away from the head and uses a large diameter cap (Ford style).

1) It has adjustable rotor phasing.
2) The base (with o-ring) is adjustable for shaft length as it clamps to the bearing housing part of the distributor

When I bought it, the tip of the shaft was 4.196” from the base (where it touches the block). I loosened the two allen head bolts that clamp the base to the distributor and installed it in my block with the bronze gear oil pump drive shaft that I am using (Milodon 21525). I pressed the assembly to bottom in the gear tang slot and tightened the allen bolts. I removed it and the zero endplay length was 4.176”. I made a small adjustment to give me 0.007” endplay; resulting in a length of 4.169”.

FWIW,
I measured my old MSD "billet" distributor and the length sticking out was 4.080"
I measured my friend's new MSD distributor and the length sticking out was 4.106"

I have an offset one in my 540" B1 in the Savoy as well. Not any issues with it and I like the larger cap. I usually use front drive distributors for the same reason.

That's a good amount of flow , I had bigger holes put in my bushings, maybe too big looking at this??? I'll have to try this test when I get it together to see how bad it is .

I apologize if I missed it, but what did you do with the rear seal on this engine? Great detail in you summary, thank you, Craig.

Some really good info in this thread. Thanks for posting the oiling videos Jim.