Upgrade from 2bbl to 4bbl

[satellite66]

I will be installing a 4bbl intake on a 318 poly. Do I need to change the distributor? I've gotten conflicting advice so, I thought I would check here.

 

[Dako]

This is a mod I am considering doing on my poly-powered `66 Belvedere II as well. I don't see why you would 'need' to change the distributor. Years ago I swapped a 340 intake and Carter thermoquad onto a `72 360 in a pickup and all worked fine together. There could be small improvements realized with a stonger coil, or eliminating the points and going electronic. Bottom line: It's going to run with the original distributor. The motor doesn't know the difference (unless you tell it). Would like to hear how it turns out...what you have to change or modify to make it work. Good luck!

 

[A383Wing]

you don't have to change distributor...

but...you are going to have to get the correct 4bbl auto trans kickdown linkage so you don't fry yer trans

 

[satellite66]

Thanks for the info. Is there an advantage to having a dual point distributor?

 

[Dako]

I know the 'disadvantage'...it's two sets of points to fight, err...I mean, keep gapped. I plan to swap out my distributor with an electronic setup. No more gaps! A buddy bought one from these folks: http://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/default.aspx for his `70 Dart Swinger 340. Says it's the best $70 he has spent.

Break.

A383,

Is it different, or does the existing one simply need adjusted? The guy who rebuilt my transmission did state that on the older autos that the kickdown linkage also controlled when the transmission shifted under normal driving conditions...that if it shifted too soon it can burn it up.

 

[A383Wing]

it may or may not be able to adjust...the 4bbl linkage is longer because the 4bbl carb attachment point is closer to front of block. Yes, correct adjustment is needed for everyday driving as well.

I have tried to adjust 2bbl linkage to fit 4bbl carbs, but you will be at the end of the adjustment threads on the rod & slider

 

[Meep-Meep]

Thanks for the info. Is there an advantage to having a dual point distributor?

Yes. It makes for better coil saturation thus giving a hotter spark. These days you can go with a Pertronix or the Chrysler electronic and have much better reliability.

 

[Eddie Mopar]

Chrysler electronic is the ticket, unless you really enjoy laying across the engine reaching to change and gap those points every few years....