Petronix dist clearance prob

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A Body 440 WHY NOT

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So I am installing a Petronix dist in my 440 and it just hits the alum head on the pass side. Doesn’t seem to hit by much , but keeps it from sitting flat on the base. Can this be “ clearanced” or just no way to use this setup. I know a lot of people us MSD. But I have this new Petronix and would like to use it. Any ideas ? Thanks
 
Common problem with aluminum heads. Most just clearance grind the head till it fits.
 
i used a narrow MSD on mine with trick flows, had to slightly clearance the valve cover was all.
 
i used a narrow MSD on mine with trick flows, had to slightly clearance the valve cover was all.

I have raised port victor knock offs and a fast 2.0 dist. to control the timing . The only problem is/was , fast used a short chevy dist. w/ a mopar flat end on it , doesn`t even come up past the valve cover , it was grind city , but all worked out well.
Moral of the story, if u do the same set up , use an MSD locked out 'MOPAR' dist .
 
I have raised port victor knock offs and a fast 2.0 dist. to control the timing . The only problem is/was , fast used a short chevy dist. w/ a mopar flat end on it , doesn`t even come up past the valve cover , it was grind city , but all worked out well.
Moral of the story, if u do the same set up , use an MSD locked out 'MOPAR' dist .

is the head “ thick” in that area ? Can you grind some without getting into trouble
 
See post #2? He wasn't just blowin it out his ***.
 
I had the same issue on my 440 with the Pertronix. I ground down the corner a bit and it's been fine for 5+ years.
 
I used to sell Mallory Dual points for that exact problem. They were smaller than the Accel's. Back in the day. LOL
 
Here are a few pics. I have removed some material, but I do not know if the head is solid in this area, or has a water jacket or hollow area to be careful with how deep to grind .

226365C0-6F14-4BDB-90D6-48BB774B94B7.jpeg


B5476908-5ABF-4681-8034-31FF3CC207DA.jpeg
 
I had the same issue on my 440 with the Pertronix. I ground down the corner a bit and it's been fine for 5+ years.

Do you know how much you can grind in that area ? Is the head solid there or should I be concerned about how deep to grind ?
 
Do you know how much you can grind in that area ? Is the head solid there or should I be concerned about how deep to grind ?


I’d call Bruce and ask him. I don’t remember if he has those heads cast for him or if he just uses an existing casting.

Either way, I’d think he knows that casting very well.
 
Here are a few pics. I have removed some material, but I do not know if the head is solid in this area, or has a water jacket or hollow area to be careful with how deep to grind .

View attachment 1715626429

View attachment 1715626430

I have to wonder WTF they would cast those heads like that? That's a pretty small base distributor. I agree with y/r. It might be best to call Bruce. I would "guess" you'd be ok to grind clearance, but who really knows? Thanks for adding the pictures.
 
I have to wonder WTF they would cast those heads like that? That's a pretty small base distributor. I agree with y/r. It might be best to call Bruce. I would "guess" you'd be ok to grind clearance, but who really knows? Thanks for adding the pictures.

I`d grind it , mine was in the middle of the head and way worse than urs. , doooiiiittt!
No water close to that corner !!
 
I`d grind it , mine was in the middle of the head and way worse than urs. , doooiiiittt!
No water close to that corner !!

Yeah, Mine would be ground already, too.....but it's not mine.
 
Looks like there is a little meat on the body of the distributor as well...
 
I can't say how much was taken off. I kept grinding a little at a time until the distributor dropped. Probably a sheet of paper thickness between the two.
 
I can't say how much was taken off. I kept grinding a little at a time until the distributor dropped. Probably a sheet of paper thickness between the two.

thanks , I have decided to go another route. Petronix is up fir sale if you know anybody
 
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