1959 318 wanting to swap to electronic ign.

[nvrbdn]

My buddy has a 1959 dodge truck D 100 with a 318 original engine. He wants to go to electronic ignition and is being told that no one makes an electronic dist. for this engine. Anyone know of anything he can get?

[Daytona R/T SE]

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx

[c00nhunterjoe]

If memory serves me, any la distributor is a direct bolt in so you could run the standard distributor and orange box, go msd ready to run, firecore, or pertronix.

[nvrbdn]

Thanks guys. He was told that since the first 318 is a different block than the one of the 60's and 70's There wasn't a distributor for his engine. He is joining the group, so he will have his answer.

[BLK 68 R/T]

Thanks guys. He was told that since the first 318 is a different block than the one of the 60's and 70's There wasn't a distributor for his engine. He is joining the group, so he will have his answer.

Poly wide block 318?

[c00nhunterjoe]

Yes, the poly is a different block but i beleive you can swap distributors.

[John_Kunkel]

Some of the early A-blocks do have a different distributor shaft length than the LA; might be more akin to an early Hemi. 

[c00nhunterjoe]

Sounds like need to pull it and measure.

[Bronzedodge]

I know LA small block stroker cranks drop in.  Just got an answer from a man that knows.  Yes, drop in and run.

Rods, Oil pump, timing set and cover all bolt in.  Valve arrangement in heads, of course, precludes piston interchange.

[John_Kunkel]

Here's a FYI on distributor shaft lengths.

Measured from mounting surface to end of distributor shaft.

Mopar LA engine – 3 7/8"

Mopar B engine – 3.5"

Mopar RB engine – 4"

Chrysler 331/354 Hemi – 4.25"

Chrysler 392 Hemi – 4.5"

Dodge 241/260/270 Hemi – 3 7/8"

Dodge 315/325 Hemi – 4.25"

Desoto 276/291 Hemi – 4.00"

[nvrbdn]

I am trying to get ahold of him to have him measure the shaft length. So hopefully we will have an answer soon.

[Moparman72]

going to pull it and measure it tomorrow

[alfaitalia]

going to pull it and measure it tomorrow

LOL!..... .....just me then!

[Moparman72]

hahah nice

[Moparman72]

I took the numbers off the distributor and ordered the conversion kit for the electric ignition rather than buying a new distributor.
Im trying to figure what i really have
1737929 is the number on the front of the block just above the fuel pump, google shows a lot of different engine sizes
thanks

[John_Kunkel]

I believe the 1737929 casting was used on several different blocks, the stamped numbers on the top of the block in front of the valley cover will tell the exact application.