Editing Cadillac engine knowledge (section)
Jump to:
navigation
,
search
==Distributor and wires== Point-type distributors are similar to the familiar Chevy and use the same internal parts, however the internal shaft and the housing are Cadillac-specific. Ignition parts for the HEI-style distributors are also the same as the Chevy engine uses, with a few exceptions. First, like the points distributor, the shaft and housing are Cadillac only. Also, the distributor will differ between carbureted and fuel injected engines. The fuel injected distributor has a position sensor under the main body that tells the computer the engine speed and when to trigger the proper injectors. If you're not sure what distributor you have, the carbureted version looks similar to the Chevy distributor. The fuel injected distributor has a square portion with a round 3-pin plug directly above the clamp area. The hold-down clamp used will depend on the distributor. They don't interchange, so get the clamp when you get the distributor. Many people have complained about the Cadillac HEI distributor having too much advance. One option is to go to a modified Chevy distributor cut down to fit the Cadillac engines. Many cars, especially the GM F-body, will not allow the hood to close with the HEI distributor in place. You can cut the stock HEI unit down about 2 inches and have it clear everything if you know how to measure and cut correctly. Always reshape the end of the distributor shaft to fit into the oil pump shaft. If cutting and welding the distributor shaft, be careful to not warp it. Best choice for ignition wires would be a cut-to-fit set, as even the stock ignition wire sets may not fit quite the way they should due to the front-mounted distributor location.
|
Editing help
(opens in new window)
Personal tools
Log in / create account
Namespaces
Page
Discussion
Variants
Views
Read
Edit
View history
Actions
Search
Navigation
Main Page
Recent changes
Random page
Help
All articles
Start a new article
Hotrodders forum
Categories
Best articles
Body and exterior
Brakes
Cooling
Electrical
Engine
Fasteners
Frame
Garage and shop
General hotrodding
Identification and decoding
Interior
Rearend
Safety
Steering
Suspension
Tires
Tools
Transmission
Troubleshooting
Wheels
Toolbox
What links here
Related changes
Special pages
Terms of Use
Copyright
Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Choices
Manage Consent