Old 454 Engine

[alexzero13]

I recently changed my motot with a remanufactured one. My original one was 1976 454 (HEI) electronic ignition system, but I belive my current engine is the older 454 model, but I do have my original electronic distributer on it. My question is is it possible to use an electronic type distributer on the older 454 engines and if so, what will be the effect. Will the rotor point in a different direction? I would appreciate if you could help me with this.

[boatdoc]

Originally Posted by alexzero13

I recently changed my motot with a remanufactured one. My original one was 1976 454 (HEI) electronic ignition system, but I belive my current engine is the older 454 model, but I do have my original electronic distributer on it. My question is is it possible to use an electronic type distributer on the older 454 engines and if so, what will be the effect. Will the rotor point in a different direction? I would appreciate if you could help me with this.

Hi alexzero13; Your rotor is going to point in the direction you set it. The engines are basically the same with the exception of bow tie block. It is the external componnents that differ. I would recommend that you let your local garage set it up for you before you install it. Thanks "Boatdoc"

[GlenCoombe]

If you're going to go electronic ignition check into the multi-spark boxes from the hot-rod industry. Summit Racing - High Performance Car and Truck Parts | 800-230-3030 will give you lots of options. The idea is to burn ALL of the fuel instead of sending so much of the volume out the tail pipe.
Multi spark combined with newer high performance distributors and heavy duty wires give you more power and higher fuel economy.
Check MSD and Mallory.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by alexzero13

I recently changed my motor with a remanufactured one. My original one was 1976 454 (HEI) electronic ignition system, but I believe my current engine is the older 454 model, but I do have my original electronic distributer on it. My question is is it possible to use an electronic type distributer on the older 454 engines and if so, what will be the effect. Will the rotor point in a different direction? I would appreciate if you could help me with this.

You can use the HEI distributor in the older engines, although you may have to tweak the base ignition timing. The distributor will not rotate in the opposite direction, the only modern V8 engine that I can recall having changed distributor rotation is the Dodge mid 90's.

[alexzero13]

Thanks for your recommendation. The reason I was curious about the HEI distributor on the older model engine was because recently the shop installed a 454 reconditioned engine on my 30 foot 76’ argosy. I don’t want to go back to the shop because their work left a lot of damage, mainly electrical problems. Anyways I wanted to re-adjust the valve lash. I wanted to set the engine on TDC, but I can’t align the rotor to point to #1 plug post on cap. It is pointing to about #8 on electronic ignition which is #1 on point type ignition distributor. I can’t figure out why.

[Fyrzowt]

The only reason I can think of why you can't align the rotor with #1 cyl, is if the oil pump shaft needs to be aligned. You may need to get a long screwdriver to turn the oil pump drive shaft slightly to align it. With the dist. out, look into the hole, you'll see a slot in the oil pump shaft that has to align with the bottom of the distributor shaft.
I hope I understood what you were asking...
Dave

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

The only reason I can think of why you can't align the rotor with #1 cyl, is if the oil pump shaft needs to be aligned. You may need to get a long screwdriver to turn the oil pump drive shaft slightly to align it. With the dist. out, look into the hole, you'll see a slot in the oil pump shaft that has to align with the bottom of the distributor shaft.
I hope I understood what you were asking...
Dave

And if you don't have along enough screwdriver to do this, you can put the distributor where it needs to go, loosely, and "bump" the starter so the distributor csn move slightly. When the distributor drops all the way in the hole, it is lined up with the oil pump driveshaft, and can be bolted in place. This is an alternate method, and you should try moving the driveshaft first.