EFI to Carb Distributor Shaft length question...

MikeR351w

Founding Member

Oct 8, 2001

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16

Wisconsin

Jul 13, 2020

#1

• Jul 13, 2020

• #1

Hello, I am building a Factory 5 Cobra with an 89 GT mustang engine. To make it more period correct, I am going to a carb set up. I have it almost finished and just bought a Distributor for a 85 Mustang GT 5 speed. The old TFI dizzy was longer and this one is shorter. I checked with a gauge and it appears as though with the 85 distributor, I will only make about .170 of shaft contact. Should I get a longer oil shaft and if so, please tell me the part #! I cannot find anything on the subject. Thanks!

 

Steel1

Mustang Master

Aug 18, 2017

1,419

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Connecticut

Jul 14, 2020

#2

• Jul 14, 2020

• #2

Just thinking out loud, but is the part # for an 85 oil pump shaft different vs 89 302 , if so
could be a different length.

 

MikeR351w

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Oct 8, 2001

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Wisconsin

Jul 14, 2020

#3

• Jul 14, 2020

• #3

I checked some parts sites and it claims they are the same part #, but measuring the contact area, it is definetely a shorter distributor shaft.

 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp

10 Year Member

Sep 1, 2010

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Kearney, NE

Jul 14, 2020

#4

• Jul 14, 2020

• #4

So do you think you got shafted?
Usually it is the distributor gear we need to make sure is right for the cam.
I am following as I thought 302 distributors were all the same shaft length. If the new one had been switched with a 351, it would be longer for the taller desk height. So what is the length from the stop shoulder to the end of the gear on each?

 

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Birmingham, al

Jul 14, 2020

#5

• Jul 14, 2020

• #5

They have a different shaft diameter, not length i believe, ( something like .531 vs .468) The gears are different between a roller and non-roller spec’d distributor.

 

MikeR351w

Founding Member

Oct 8, 2001

207

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Wisconsin

Jul 14, 2020

#6

• Jul 14, 2020

• #6

7991LXnSHO said:

So do you think you got shafted?
Usually it is the distributor gear we need to make sure is right for the cam.
I am following as I thought 302 distributors were all the same shaft length. If the new one had been switched with a 351, it would be longer for the taller desk height. So what is the length from the stop shoulder to the end of the gear on each?


the difference is.500 in length. I did not know they are not the same diameter

Click to expand...

 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp

10 Year Member

Sep 1, 2010

7,387

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194

Kearney, NE

Jul 15, 2020

#7

• Jul 15, 2020

• #7

Here is some help from Google.

Mailbag: Ford 302 Oil Pump Driveshaft & Distributor Alignment Tips

This article addresses the importance of oil pump driveshaft installation & how it relates to the performance & reliability of your engine.

www.onallcylinders.com

 

Reactions: General karthief

MikeR351w

Founding Member

Oct 8, 2001

207

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Wisconsin

Jul 16, 2020

#8

• Jul 16, 2020

• #8

The dizzy did not work. too short. anyone know of a longer dizzy????

 

Steel1

Mustang Master

Aug 18, 2017

1,419

639

143

Connecticut

Jul 17, 2020

#9

• Jul 17, 2020

• #9

351w efi distributor is longer ,I would imagine carb is as well.
Not sure if it would work in your application.
I actually had to cut mine down about 1/4" when I built my 393w.

 

MikeR351w

Founding Member

Oct 8, 2001

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Wisconsin

Jul 18, 2020

#10

• Jul 18, 2020

• #10

I think I biffed! I tried to prime the engine by cranking it over. i assumed the shaft was short and its not. I changed out the oil filter and oil beforehand, and used assembly oil on the lifters and rockers. I am thinking I had an air bubble while cranking. i used a drill to prime and instant oil pressure!

 

Willybill32

But at least it's tight!

5 Year Member

Jul 16, 2019

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Lexington, KY

Jul 18, 2020

#11

• Jul 18, 2020

• #11

Just kinda curious as to why you bought an ‘85 distributor for an ‘89 5.0...

 

MikeR351w

Founding Member

Oct 8, 2001

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Wisconsin

Jul 18, 2020

#12

• Jul 18, 2020

• #12

cheapest and easiest to set up

 

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MikeR351w

Founding Member

Oct 8, 2001

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Wisconsin

Jul 18, 2020

#13

• Jul 18, 2020

• #13

85 has a steel gear as well

 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp

10 Year Member

Sep 1, 2010

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Jul 18, 2020

#14

• Jul 18, 2020

• #14

I have been thinking about this and have three ideas, and the second one has the best probability of success.
1. Maybe there is a truck or some other car that had the old style ignition with the EFI distributor.
2. The EFI to Carb conversions call for a 1985 distributor. I still wonder if the right part was in the box.
I think @jrichker has posted how to use a duraspark 2 or HEI 4 terminal module instead of the computer.
Start at about #21.

Carb 302 Ignition Wiring

I have everything wired up (starter, alternator, ignition). But coming off the positive side ignition coil terminal is a pink wire. Where does this connect to? There also a white, red, and yellow wire that aren't going to anything but coming from the igntion module. Any help?

www.stangnet.com

This looks super easy. I wonder if the EFI distributor will trigger a HEI module? If so, problem solved.

Ignition systems for the Duraspark Conversion

After you have completed the Duraspark distributor conversion by following this thread. CLICK For Non-Fuel Injection Now how about something easy for the ignition. Here is the DS distributor running a GM 4 wire ignition module. Now you get modern electronics (same as the $$$ HEI Distr has)...

www.binderplanet.com

3. See if MSD has the one for your conversion.

 

Last edited: Jul 18, 2020