Identify distributor/engine possiblt

[Schardbody]

so my 86 cutlass started life as a 3.8 and was swapped to sbc by previous owner.

He was told it was a mid 70s 350 but I don't believe so.

The distributor looks original to the engine, it is an hei unit without vacuum advance canister. But uses the half turn hold down style distributor cap. I originally thought it was an early 80s ESC 305 but they appear to use 4 screw down caps so I'm lost.

Any help is appreciated. Lee

 

[lilbowtie]

By identifying casting numbers and stamping codes you will know exactly what you have. Nasty Z28.com has a small block ID menu that should answer your questions.

 

[Schardbody]

Ok so I have an 80-85 350 block ad 993 (70s) heads which might make this a target master crate motor. However it's got an hei distributor with no vacuum advance canister.

I'm just wondering what I should set initial timing to for a descent daily since it has no vacuum advance or should I replace it with a distributor with an advance canister.

The car has 2.41 gear stock stall and th350 trans with a 1406 on top of a performer intake.

 

[lilbowtie]

Sounds more like an engine put together from what he had. I'd say it's a computer controlled advance distributor and if your not using the computer I would switch to a non computer distributor for better performance and economy.

 

[Schardbody]

The target master crate engine used the same block and heads as did the Goodrich crate motor according to Google but that's besides the point.

I also believe it's an electronic spark control distributor from an early 80s truck. I think I'm going to swap it because it has no balls right now I probably need to put the timing light on it.