Now that my engine swap is running I’m trying to get it running well and I hit a weird problem.

I have all GSLSE ignition parts on this block including the distributor, but I can’t set the correct timing because the vacuum advance diaphragm makes contact with the peg that sticks out the top left corner of the front iron. The peg that you screw the engine hook into. With a GSLSE block that peg is skinnier so the distributor can clear it.

I installed the distributor on one side of the adjustment range but can’t fully twist it around to adjust timing. I’m about 5° off, and if I lift out the distributor and place it back on the other side of the peg I’m about 5° off the other direction. The correct spot is in the middle where the vacuum advance is hitting.

Any creative ideas for getting my timing right without grinding down my new engine? I’d have to grind off about 1/8 to 1/4” off the peg... of my new and freshly painted engine.

My first thought was to install the distributor 1 tooth off and adjust for it, but with 16 teeth I’d be changing timing 22.5° just by moving over one tooth, if I did my math right. I think that’s more adjustment range than I have with the factory stud and nut you use to set timing.

Any way to move the vacuum advance or maybe even remove it?

 

FD engines with a front cover swap and a distributor have the same problem. The front lifting hook casting is thick. I was thinking of rotating the steel plate 180 degrees and installing the dizzy 180 degrees out. This would work but the wiring would need to be redone.

 

Can you explain more what you mean by 'rotating the steel plate'? Do you mean like taking apart the internals of the distributor so they're all 180º around except for the mounting plate? Wiring would be easy to correct to reach the ignitors I think

 

The steel plate at the bottom of the distributor is hold on by two 10mm bolts. They are symmetrical so lend themselves well to rotating the plate.

 

Thanks for the tip, I had no idea flipping the bracket was that easy. It works great, the wiring reaches and I only needed new vacuum hose for the advance actuators. Looks like this will need to be a temporary fix though because the AC belt won’t fit anymore with the distributor flipped this way