1956 distributor differences

[Edward M.]

Can anyone tell me what the difference(s) are between the 1110872 and 1110879 distributors?

Many years ago someone (I can't recall who) told me that he had all of the original blueprints for the early distributors. Anybody know who that might be?

[William C.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

There is a small difference in the advance curves, as follows:

1110872 0-4@700, 15-19@1500, 20-24@2400, 26-30@3500, engine rpm and crank timing.

1110879 1-5@800, 12-16@1500, 19-23@2600, 26-30@3700

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

Bill;

What can you tell me about external physical differences. I am specifically interested in differences in the oiling tube between the two distributors? Is there a difference?

[William C.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

Sorry Ed, I've got the parts lists for Generators, but not for Distributors except the vacuum units. FYI, the March '57 Parts book calls for the 1935509 oiler assy for the 1110879, and shows that for all '56 apps.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

Sorry Ed, I've got the parts lists for Generators, but not for Distributors except the vacuum units. FYI, the March '57 Parts book calls for the 1935509 oiler assy for the 1110879, and shows that for all '56 apps.

Yeah, I saw the same thing. I am wondering if there is actually a different part number for the oiling tube that went on the 1110872 distributors.

Don't know why there would be, but then again, I don;t know why my 872 has an oiling tube that is 180 degrees different than the ones on the 879 distributors.

Anybody got an unrestored 872 distributor with the original oiling tube on it?

[Paul B.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

The '872' Distributor used an oiling tube that came straight up 90' whereas ALL '879' and '891' Dual Point Distributors used an oiling tube that had a second 90' bend that moved the top of the oiling tube ~45' CCW as viewed from the top. Apparently the engineers found out that it was impossible to lubricate the '872' without this ~45' assistance. I have examples of BOTH style in my 'archives', Paul

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

The '872' Distributor used an oiling tube that came straight up 90' whereas ALL '879' and '891' Dual Point Distributors used an oiling tube that had a second 90' bend that moved the top of the oiling tube ~45' CCW as viewed from the top. Apparently the engineers found out that it was impossible to lubricate the '872' without this ~45' assistance. I have examples of BOTH style in my 'archives', Paul

Paul;

The oiling tube on my 872 doesn't do either. My oiling tube has a second 90 degree bend tat moves the top of the ouling tube ~45 degrees CLOCKWISE as viewed from the top.

[Paul B.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

I did see a 1956 Dual Point Distributor @ The Bloomington Show ~5-7 years ago that had what you are describing which 'could' have been an early '872' also. The opposite ~45' clocking would have made it impossible to lubricate the tube without removing ALL of the shielding??

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

I did see a 1956 Dual Point Distributor @ The Bloomington Show ~5-7 years ago that had what you are describing which 'could' have been an early '872' also. The opposite ~45' clocking would have made it impossible to lubricate the tube without removing ALL of the shielding??

Yes, but I believe that it would be original for 872s. At least that is my thinking.

My 872 is dated March 5, 1956 (C 5 6) and is the original distributor for VIN 2117, estimated production date of April 24th, 56.

According to the data I have, there were 2218 872s made for production, plus 4 for service. The changeover to the 879 seems to have occurred around mid May, so my 872 could be considered a late production 872.

Do you know of 872s with oiling tubes other than the one I described?

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

A picture (or four) is worth 1000 words. The distributor must be installed with this orientation to provide proper oiling to the heads.



Oil tube curves clockwise around the distributor. 879s and 891s oil tube curves counter clockwise around the distributor.

Numbers are hard to read, but they are 1110872 6 C 5.

Oil tube is almost directly opposite the tag on the distributor.

[John N.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

The 872 was also used on the 1956 Pass car, maybe they were fazed out of Corvette production earlier. I have a very early 872 and the tube is straight up.
Regards

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 distributor differences

OK, so it seems like John and Paul have (or have seen) 872 distributors with oiling tubes that come straight up.

I have an 872 with an oiling tube that curves clockwise behind the distributor.

I am wondering if early 872s had the oiling tube straight up, then a change was made to get the oiling tube out from under the ignition shielding. Perhaps the first attempt at this (curving behind the distributor) had some problems.

Anyone else out there with an original 872 distributor?