vortec distributor

[abcfg]

i have a 91 vortec 305. Are the distributors on these different than non vortec engines?

[abcfg]

The reason I ask is that I noticed the hole in the intake manifold is larger than on the older, non vortec intake manifolds ive seen. thanks.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by abcfg

The reason I ask is that I noticed the hole in the intake manifold is larger than on the older, non vortec intake manifolds ive seen. thanks.

The '91 will just be a standard small block distributor. It should be the small cap, external coil HEI. It should retrofit to any pre'96 Gen-I small block as long as you run the computer with it.

Starting in '96 with OBDII, the distributor intake holes were made smaller so that older distributors cannot be used in them. This is because timing in these engines, including static timing, is entirely controlled by the PCM. These distributors have a camshaft position sensor in them and can be installed only one way - they cannot be adjusted for timing.

[wafrederick]

Some 1995 Vortec 4.3s do have the 1996 and up vortec distribitors and I have seen this twice.The vortec 305s and 350s came out in 1996 and yours has the 1988 to 1995 305 with the TBI.

[abcfg]

Standard small block distributor? My buddy has a mallory distributor on an older 307 (I believe 70's but not positive), would it be possible to use that?

EDIT: just a note, The engine was pulled out of a caprice which was sold so I no longer have the computer. I am trying to replace the parts, like the distributor and carb, that required the computer with ones that don't. So basically I want to be able to have it run without the computer, is this possible?

[wafrederick]

The distribitor off the 307 wil not work,has be out of a 1988 to 1995 fuel injected 305,350 distribitor out of a chevy truck.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

The distribitor off the 307 wil not work,has be out of a 1988 to 1995 fuel injected 305,350 distribitor out of a chevy truck.

PROVIDED he is using the computer. Plus, it was 1987 not 1988 when the small cap dist became standard. If he's not using the computer, the Mallory will work, as will any other pre-'96 small block distributor. With an adapter you can even run an older, post-1979 large coil-in-cap EST distributor in place of the small cap unit and keep the computer.