Yet another 351 distributor question

[thegreatjustino]

I have a '94 351 roller engine that I'll be running with a carburetor. In my never ending research, I'm trying to figure out the correct distributor to use.

On the nearly new 351 '69 Mustang distributor I have (and was originally planning on using) the measurement from the bottom of the shaft to the gear is right at an inch. On the TFI distributor that came with the engine, the distance is 1.5 inches. Can I even use the shorter shaft in the roller block? If I need to use the longer shaft, what do I ask for and where do I find the correct distributor to use in a roller engine with a carburetor setup? I can't use the TFI distributor with a carb can I? At least I think this is a TFI. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not super familiar with the EFI stuff.

 

[DJs74]

The blocks should be the same dimensions for the 351 when comparing the '69 and '94
The later model distributor shaft is longer due to the oil pump drive shaft length. So I think you probably need to go with the early model distributor design (shorter shaft) and match your oil pump drive shaft accordingly.

An important dimension on the distributor is the gear location.
https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/pdfs/DistributorGearInstallation.pdf

The distributor gear material is also important depending on the camshaft type / material - below is a general compatibility list I ran across
► Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft – Most cast iron or composite gears
► Mechanical Flat Tappet Camshaft –*Most cast iron or composite gears
► Hardened Steel Hydraulic Roller Camshaft – Hardened steel or composite gears
► Hardened Steel*Mechanical Roller Camshafts –*Hardened steel or composite gears
► Nitrided Camshafts – Hardened steel or composite gears
► Billet Steel Hydraulic Roller – Bronze or composite gears
► Billet Steel Mechanical Roller – Bronze or composite gears



DJs74