Big block distributor shaft length?

[slmiller243]

We have a 383 with Mopar electronic ignition system and Mopar performance distributor. We were having some problems with the distributor and decided to go back to a stock distributor. The shaft on the stock distributor is 3 1/2" which is supposed to be correct but it is too long. The Mopar performance distributor shaft length is 2 1/2".

Are there different length distributor shafts or am I missing something?

 

[caferacerx]

I know that B and RB use different length shafts and they sell adapter spacers to use an RB length one in a B motor

 

[red67gts]

sounds like you are trying to use a distributor from a 440 which is a RB. You can get a bushing spacer to make it work though, hope this helps Joe

 

[67Dart273]

You mean you THINK you have the stock dist.

"raised blocks" (RB) engines---the rare old high deck 383, and 413/ 426/440 use a longer shaft dist than do "low deck" engines, the 361/383/400

I don't believe the difference is an INCH, though.

Some aftermarket folks make an adaptor/ spacer to use an RB dist. in a B engine.

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/rbtobbldiad.html

http://compare.ebay.com/like/250905733945?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y

 

[demon seed]

For a 383/400 the shaft length from the end of the shaft to the shoulder of the dizzy housing that locates against the block should be 3 1/2" long. trust me, the 440 will be almost 3/4 of an inch longer. Also make sure that your oil pump drive gear is all the way down and not riding up on the cam gear.

 

[jerry6]

What problems were you having ? 2 1/2" sounds a bit short , shouldn't it be 3 1/2" for a 383 ?