[LASERGRAVE]

I have a 67 r/s camaro convertible with a s/b 400 I am installing the engine. With engine in the hei distributer hits fire wall I was thinking of moving the engine forward about .75 - 1 inch by re drilling the factory motor mounts that are bolted to the sub frame. I would also gain room for the heater core tubes clearing the tall valve cover on the right side. The trans is a 700 r4 which is not mounted to the cross member yet, I know I will have to alter the trans mount . any ideas?

 

[67pat]

Are you using a stock GM HEI?

 

[kustomwerker]

padding the tranny up a little will probably get you the room you need for the dist...

 

[LASERGRAVE]

it is a msd hei, I just raised the trans until the carb flange is level and the dist. dropped in but is touching the fir wall without the cap.

 

[BPOS]

I have a 67 r/s camaro convertible with a s/b 400 I am installing the engine. With engine in the hei distributer hits fire wall I was thinking of moving the engine forward about .75 - 1 inch by re drilling the factory motor mounts that are bolted to the sub frame. I would also gain room for the heater core tubes clearing the tall valve cover on the right side. The trans is a 700 r4 which is not mounted to the cross member yet, I know I will have to alter the trans mount . any ideas?

I wouldn't do that. These things are nose heavy enough as it is. Plus, it could cause havoc with header fitment and who knows what else. You might get a little wiggle room by moving the entire subftame forward a little bit. If that doesn't get you enough room, you could massage the firewall a bit, or get a smaller distributor. I'd opt for the smaller distributor.

PS Which frame stands do you have. I have '69 307/327 frame stands and mounts (in my 69!) and ann HEI fit with about 1/4" to spare with the cap on. It seems the frame stands DO make a difference. This topic has been discussed here MANY times. Good luck!

 

[Strick]

I have no advice, but am interested in the outcome. I had a problem with clearance on my '55 when I went from Mallory to GM HEI - it wouldn't clear. However, MSD would. I have a 6 cyl '67 that I was planning on putting a fully assembled GM crate motor in (with GM HEI included). I will rethink if it won't fit.

Good Luck, and keep us posted --> Please?

 

[asecondm]

I had an HEI in my 67, and while it didnt hit the fire wall it was darn close. What did happen to me though was that the coil in the cap design kept overheating (I suspect), killing the engine at highway speeds, and causing backfires. It was a nightmare, then I shelled out the bux for a full msd setup with a billet dit, blaster 2 coil and 6a control box. Never had a problem since, and the car runs so much better. Plus the engine compartment looks so much cooler with the msd gear

 

[Rodder]

When I got my '68, it had an HEI jammed against the firewall. I replaced it with an MSD billet dist.

 

[RickD]

I too currntly have an HEI in my 69 while I sort out my new motor. With the 302/350 stands, I have 1/4" firewall clearance.

 

[LeeMan]

I went with the MSD 8360 Distributor on my 383 and no hammering, I mean massaging, necessary to the firewall. Fits, looks, and works great.

 

[eville]

I fit a factory HEI in mine, but could not use the retainer cap for the wires. It was tight to adjust the timing.
I went with the MSD 8360 and Blaster II coil for more firewall clearance and ease of re-curve. It's an awesome unit.

 

[dubs68camaro]

Moving the motor up is also probably not going to be good for the drive line because the spine contact won't be enough.

 

[dragon0123]

You asking for a wole lota extra problems and work moving the motor.. Get a small cap MSD unit and be done with it. Problem solved.. Remember when you start shifting the motor arond you shift everything eelse that contacts the motor, : exhaust, driveline, tubing, wires.. much easier ( maybe not the cheepest) just to change the distributor out..