What is the upward play set at. Im talking about how much clearance or play I should have at the gear up and down, if that makes any sense.

If you are talking distributor gear end play, I keep em at around .015.... They do get sloppy!

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STEVE JACK
ConceptOne Pulleys and Brackets

Factory end-play spec is .002"-.007", and has been since 1955; the closer you can get it to that spec, the less timing variation you'll have. It will also help to ditch the GM points (19-23 oz. spring tension) and use either Accel or Borg-Warner A112HP points (28-32 oz. tension). My '69Z is set up this way, with stock coil and plug wires, and howls to 6500 with no problem. Don't forget to clean out and re-lube the upper bushing grease well under the breaker plate (that's the only lube it gets - only the lower bushing gets engine oil).

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JohnZ
'69 Z28 Fathom Green

What type grease do you use for the upper bushing?

Use Moly Lube or GM Distributor/Starter motor lubricant - your dealer can get it for you in a tube. After filling the grease well, re-install the plastic disc/seal and the felt washer on top of it before installing the breaker plate.

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JohnZ
'69 Z28 Fathom Green

Thanks JohnZ I'm rebuilding my dist.before taking it to have it set up and was wondering what kind of grease was used around upper shaft bushing. I think the old grease had turned to wax after 30+ years

John were can you get the plastic well cap, I think mine has a crack in it, and do you lube the felt washer if so what kind of lube

The plastic well caps are hard to find - try a shop that rebuilds auto electrical stuff and they may have some. Don't lube the felt washer - it's there to soak up any lube that oozes up out of the well so no lube vapors get on the points.

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JohnZ
'69 Z28 Fathom Green

Thanks John