Quick Distributor ID at a swap meet?

[JED]

What is the easiest way for me to identify a 348 distributor at a swap meet? I know they are different length, but I haven't seen a quick, foolproof way to confirm what it is or what the correct measurement is (and measured from where to where?). Can anyone help?
John

 

[RussC]

7 5/16"...from intake flange to lower end of the unit

 

[Fathead Racing]

The 348/409 distributor has a shorter housing and shaft than a small block or big block distributor, the distributor gear is the same. If you have access to a known small block distributor you can compare the length.

 

[Jim Sullivan]

Don't know if this will help http://www.348-409.com/forum/threads/distributor-comparison.35752/

 

[JED]

Thanks, guys. This site is great! And I got an answer while I was still at the swap meet (but I’m still looking for a stock distributor-only 30 more rows to go!!

 

[JED]

I appreciate the help! After walking 5.5 miles (per my pedometer) at the swap meet, I only found 2 vendors selling GM distributors (and no one with any W engines or parts). Neither of them had any 348 distributors. The measurement information helped, as did the reference to the correct part numbers stamped on the housings. Both of the vendors had no clue what the distributors fit other than they were GM.

No luck this weekend. We'll see what Pate has to offer next weekend.

Thanks again.
John

 

[Phil Reed]

Think I can fix up up John. I'll look tomorrow.

 

[oldskydog]

Most vendors probably wouldn't know the difference. I look for the shorter shaft and the larger diameter mounting flange.