can i install it with the distributor on?

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diymirage

diymirage

HP@idle > hondaHP@redline
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hey guys
I just got my 408 back from MRL performance and I'm going over the last little ends that need to get tied up before I drop it in

the car is a 71 duster with the radiator removed

the engine is a 75 LA with a 727 transmission already attached, stock oil pan, internally balanced and NO pulleys installed

can I drop this combination in without removing the distributor?

I know when I did it last time there wasn't enough room BUT I also had a different oil pan and pulleys and belts installed already

oh, if it matters, I will also bolt up a set of dougs headers


thanks guys
 
trans and motor together? No. Motor alone? possible, but I wouldn't chance it. Just mark the block and the edge of the distributor when you pull it out. That way it goes back exactly where it was/is.
 
ragtopfury said:
trans and motor together? No. Motor alone? possible, but I wouldn't chance it. Just mark the block and the edge of the distributor when you pull it out. That way it goes back exactly where it was/is.
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x2
 
Don't be skeered. Distributor will only go in the right way, or 180* out. You have a 50% chance. lol
 
RustyRatRod said:
Don't be skeered. Distributor will only go in the right way, or 180* out. You have a 50% chance. lol
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It isn't so much that as me being lazy...I had the motor dynod so I KNOW the timing is set where I want it and I was hoping I could get by without having to reset it
 
Well dammit you should know where the timing is. (was set). Didn't you check it before it was pulled off the dyno?

One way to do it is to "rig" enough stuff to crank it and check the timing on the starter.
 
Just use a paint stick or a good marker and mark the base of the distributor with a corresponding mark on the block.

Might want to cover the hole with a rag so nothing jumps in there.
 
I'd use a piece of painters tape. Just use one piece and cut it after you lay it down so there is a piece on the block and on the distributor. Then you have a very accurate line to use when you reinstall it.
 
I like that painters tape trick! Nice. On on the block and distributor base, one where the rotor is under the cap & on the cap. Good idea!

Otherwise, motor and trans installed as a unit? No problem. Just keep that engines front naked. Even the water pump taken off is a huge gain in space and easy to do, on & off.
That's how I did my big block in my '71 Duster. Oh, no radiator as well.
 
I just dot the distributor base and block both with a black sharpie marker.
Without a coil on the intake in the way I can pull my distributor in about 90 seconds, and the same going back it.

One little trick I use that I don't see other people doing is that I have a .020 Oring around the base of the distributor where it meets the block instead of those stupid leaky paper gaskets or the OEM oring. (that always leaks)
Dry as a bone back there, even though I leave the distributor just slightly loose so it can be turned by hand if I want when a big elevation change happens.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys
Timing is set at 39 degrees when all in


I think the painters tape will do
 
diymirage said:
It isn't so much that as me being lazy...I had the motor dynod so I KNOW the timing is set where I want it and I was hoping I could get by without having to reset it
Click to expand...

Look dummy, you're WAY smart enough to figure out how to set timing to its optimum setting on a given engine. You got a decent timin light? That's all you need. You can do it. It's not hard. At least that way you'll learn somethin. If you get hung up PM me and we can talk on the phone.
 
ragtopfury said:
trans and motor together? No. Motor alone? possible, but I wouldn't chance it. Just mark the block and the edge of the distributor when you pull it out. That way it goes back exactly where it was/is.
Click to expand...
It can be done.I,ve done it a few times in my Early-A,even left the hood on.
 
RustyRatRod said:
Look dummy, you're WAY smart enough to figure out how to set timing to its optimum setting on a given engine. You got a decent timin light? That's all you need. You can do it. It's not hard. At least that way you'll learn somethin. If you get hung up PM me and we can talk on the phone.
Click to expand...

gotta tell you RRR, I'm glad you didn't stay away
its exactly this type of help us young gungs need

thanks :)
 
diymirage said:
gotta tell you RRR, I'm glad you didn't stay away
its exactly this type of help us young gungs need

thanks :)
Click to expand...

Just let me know. I will be more than glad to help if you need it.
 
Just mark it when you take it out, I would buy a paint pen at the local craft store.
Also, pull the cap off and note which way the rotor button is oriented, it can go in two ways.
 
allright guys, the 408 is IN
nothing is hooked up yet but hopefully I can do that tomorrow

I still need to put the motor and tranny bolts in
dress up the front of the engine
install and attach the radiator and put fluids on...but shes getting there
 
Awesome! Keep on keepin on!

As Bill Powell (RIP) would say.
 
Last year I put my 340 in my 69 Barracuda with the 4-speed attached and the distributor in. It was close, but it worked.
 
AJ/FormS said:
FWIW, 39* sounds like a lot, but I've never had a 408. What fuel were they using, and what fuel will you be using?
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That's what I was thinking. I have a 408 and it likes 33 total. From all I've read about strokers they don't usually require more than 34 total
 
it was tuned in by Mike at MRL to run on 98
he said if I wanted to run 87 I could back it off 4-5 degrees

I dropped the baby off at the sitter this morning and spend about another 4 hours wrenching...I am one fully charged battery away from firing her up

on a side note how brilliant is this?





I was staying plenty of dry hooking everything up underneath the car, but while I was working on that it started downpouring

luckily I remembered I had this little umbrella laying around
I just wish I thunk of it BEFORE I got soaking drenched
 
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