What Distributor is correct for my 1956 Vett

[Mark S.]

My Corvette By The Numbers book shows prior to May 11 1956 all 265 engins used distributor 1110872. It also shows a #1110879 was used in 1956. That being said, the NCRS tech manual shows 3 distributors used on the 210 265 engine 1110866-1110869-1110878. So my dilemma is what dstributor is correct for my 1956 Vett with a birth date of June 29, 1956 -265 210 HP. Any comments will be appreciated.

[Edward M.]

Re: What Distributor is correct for my 1956 Vett

I got a survey form back from the owner of an original 56 single four car many years ago. He told me what the distributor number was for his August 56 car. I think it was either an 872 or an 879.

I also have some survey info from Mike Hunt on this subject.

I look this info up at home this evening and see what I can find.

I am VERY skeptical that a vacuum advance distributor was ever used on 56 Corvettes. No way you could get the figure 8 coil bracket on it, or the ignition shielding over it.

FYI: The original distributor for my 56 (late April build) is an 872 (dated March 7th, 56).

[Edward M.]

Re: What Distributor is correct for my 1956 Vett

OK, a bit more info.

I have data on 4 single four 56 cars. One is a 38xx range VIN, the other three are all 4xxx range VIN cars.

Two are owner surveys directly to me, two are from data that Mike Hunt collected.

All four are reporting an 879 as the original distributor. Two of these cars are known original cars. The other two are believed to be original.

I know of one other single four 56 that has a full centrifical advance (872 or 879) distributor. No vacuum advance. Owner doesn't want to loosen the figure 8 bracket to verify the number.

[Gary C.]

Re: What Distributor is correct for my 1956 Vett

Mark, here's what's in the 56-7 Judging Manual. Gary....

1956 225HP 1110872 Early VIN see note
1956 225HP 1110879 Late VIN
1956 210HP 1110866
1956 210HP 1110869
1956 210HP 1110878
*

[Mark S.]

Re: What Distributor is correct for my 1956 Vett

Gary Chesnut and Edward McComas
It looks like I need a 879 distributor Thanks for the help guys