1971 Corvette Hot Rod Build

[Arrowsmith]

Wee update: I went back into the shop and tried to mock up the end play on the cross shaft gear with a couple of AN washers. The hardened washer that was in the distributor is 0.028-inch thick. The AN washers measure 0.63-inch thick (each). Using one of the AN washers alone helped. Using two AN washers didn’t work. Using one AN washer and the original hardened washer together more or less worked. I’m not leaving the AN washer in there, but I’m sure someone was inside this distributor before me (no surprise I’m sure…). So…is it possible the thrust washer is too thin? Sure seems so. I’ll find out tomorrow.

[Arrowsmith]

I just spoke with Jeff Vinyard, owner of High Tech Innovations. He machines new couplers and gears for Corvette distributors. He also has an upgraded setup with captured needle bearings and a stainless steel coupler (picture below). He agrees and thinks the thrust washer in my distributor is wrong. I have one of his setups on the way...