Distributor Conversion Using Cadillac Internals

This is from John and since there has been a lot of email about it I thought it should go here.Mark Gregory, I want to clear up the item about the distributor. You do not switch out the REO distributor for the Cadillac one. You take the shaft and backing plate (I think that is what it is called.......it is where the points/condensor are affixed) from the Cadillac distributor and put it in the REO distributor housing. Now you have 8 surfaces to open/shut the points instead of 4! This eliminates the problem of trying to synchronizing the distributor timing with the Schebler carb. John Photo shows REO and Cadillac Side by side.

Jun 26, 201422 views

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· Jun 26, 2014

More from John on the distributor:

In talking to John B. he had concerns about syncronizing (sp) the dual point distributor with the carb. My two tricks to get the car to run smoothly, and passed to me by my good friend John Barker, is to convert the distributor to single points by using a distributor off of a '41 Cad 8 cly, Delco model #1110812 or 1110807 (I know both of these work..others may too)and by installing a carb kit furnished by -- John Hardgrove (573-392-7378). I know this is about the third time I have harped about the distributor and carb fixes. I will keep it up until ALL of you are BELIEVERS.

· Feb 29, 2016

Conversation between Mark and Distributor Expert.

From: Jeff Schlemmer
Date: February 29, 2016 12:48:48 PM EST
To: Alida & Mark
Subject: Re: Dual Points

I know what you want to do, and its not optimal, nor would I do it for you or recommend anyone who would. You are best off with dual points in your distributor if you want it to run well. I'm not aware of any conversion parts to do otherwise in a manner that is acceptable.
Jeff

Quoting Alida & Mark :

> Hello Jeff ,
>
> Thanks for the response .
>
> I was going to use single points not the dual points on the 8 lobe shaft .
>
> Thanks for all the information about how you can ruin your motor also .
>
> Thanks , Mark
>
> On 2016-02-29, at 8:24 AM, Jeff Schlemmer wrote:
>
>> I deal with early distributors and you don't want to do this. Yes, you need to get it set up properly, once. Then its a matter of keeping the point gap equal, once the adjuster on the base plate is set. It won't run half as well with half the dwell time and those old points if you convert to an 8 lobe points cam.
>> You'll always run the risk of burning valves if its set wrong. The exhaust manifold will only be damaged if you have a gasket leak combined with overheating, so don't think the distributor is to blame for that one, no matter what you read on the internet.
>> See if you have a local community college or auto shop with a Sun distributor tester to adjust the points on, or send it in to get the advance curve repaired so it will be less finicky.
>> Thanks,
>> Jeff
>>
>>
>> Quoting Alida & Mark :
>>
>>> Hello Jeff ,
>>>
>>> Have you ever worked on a Dual Point Delco Remy 1110807 distributor from 1931 ?
>>>
>>> I would like to change it to a single point . For ease of keeping it timed properly .
>>>
>>> As one member burned out his exhaust manifold and can not get a replacement .
>>>
>>> That means changing to an 8 lobe shaft from a 4 lobe shaft if I am using the right terminology .
>>>
>>> Would you have specifications for such a distributor ?
>>>
>>> If not could you recommend someone who deals with early cars distributors .
>>>
>>> Thanks , Mark