The dual point distributor in my 56 is a 1110891 dated 6D22. The ST-12 dosen't show a distributor listing for a dual point 56, shows the 891 for 57-60. The date on mine matches up but does the part number? Since the 56's require the flat (on the two machined rings) at the bottom of the housing for oiling and the 57 and later don't, how can the same part number be for both applications (if the 891 and the date jive)? Also what is the application for a dual point distributor 1110879 dated 7D22? It has the flat on the housing but a 57 build date. Thanks for your help. Joe
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Re: 1956 Distributor #'s
Joe,
I would expect to see the 879 distributor on your '56 (assuming your '56 was produced after April '56). Tags on the distributors you mention I can't make sense of. If each had the others tag, perfect sense. Regards, -
Re: 1956 Distributor #'s
Joe, The 891 is a 57+ distributor. The date code likely indicates a 1966 service replacement. On a happier note, the 879 is one of two dual point distributors used in 1956. The other is 872 (for early applications). If your block, cam and cam bearings are of original configuration, you'll need the flat spot and oiling hole that are on the 879 distributor for the top end to oil properly. The date on it would indicate a service replacement also.Comment
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Re: 1956 Distributor #'s
I have seen this also and came to this conclusion. The 56 distributor was sold over the parts counter later as a service replacement part, thus the 57 date. Same for the 57 891 distributor. thus if one looks hard enough you will find all kinds of dates that weren't applicable to the year(s) in question. Example: 070 f.i. distributor with a 9 date. Again, this was a service replacement distributor for your fuel injected baby!Comment
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Re: 1956 Distributor #'s
Thanks for the replys. When I bought the 56, the motor(991) had been gone through, so I don't know anything about the internals except it has hyd lifters instead of solids. I haven't pulled the 891 dist that's in it now to see if the housing was reworked to the configuration with the flat. I've put almost 400 miles on it and no weird noises from the top end indicating a lack of oil. Can the 991 block be reworked so it dosen't need the special rear cam bearing and the 56 style distributor housing? Thanks again. JoeComment
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Re: 1956 Distributor #'s
Joe, Yes, a later cam and distributor can be fitted to the block using later cam bearings that have been modified. An original configuration has a rear cam bearing with two holes for oiling and a notch milled in the rear cam journal. I'm not sure of the exact proceedure but it does not necessitate modifying the block. Your 879 distributor should work with either configuration, but the 891 will only work correctly with the modifications.Comment
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Re: 1956 Distributor #'s
I went through the 56 cam/bearing/distributor/oiling issue about 1 year ago when I rebuilt my 56 motor. I agree that you can make a later cam, without the flat milled, work with a modified bearing in the 56 motor.
I don't see how you can make a distributor, without the flat machined on one side, work without EXTENSIVE work on the block. The oil must pass by the flat on the distributor to get to one head (left side as I remember). If the flat is not on the distributor, then the oil passage to the head will be blocked. The cam and bearing have nothing to do with this passage.
I used a "normal" (no flat) Chevy distributor and electric drill to try priming the oil pump on my 56 and could not get it the oil to flow to the top of one head. I gave up and put in the correct 56 distributor and started the motor with no oiling problems.
It is possible/easy to machine a distributor without the flat to work in a 56. (It is easier than machining the hardened camshaft bearing. I don't think anyone makes a camshaft for a 56 with the bearing already machined.) My guess is that your distributor has the flat machined in it. Check the distributor and oiling on the top of both heads. Let me know.
thanks
Dave ChristensenComment
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