| Author | Message | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Junior Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 128 Registered: 4-2002 |
The guys at Norwood say that it would be no big deal to simply grind the small welds down, remove the plug and convert back to two distributors. I dont know why anyone would ever want to do this... but it should pose no big problem if they did. Norwood dude said that just tight fitting the plug or using epoxy was a bad idea. At startup the plug will get slammed with instant 85psi and this could cause an instant leak. No oil pressure in the cam would be very bad. I was looking at the cam end last night where the plug will go. It actually looks fairly simply to weld in a plug. A really good welder with a TIG setup should be able to do it with very small welds leaving it neat and leak proof. We shall see... | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 255 Registered: 12-2001 |
I dont know what if anything has been done to mine as far as the cams go. Dont the later cars have some sort of plug already installed to stop the o ring from doing all the work? My cam looks unmodified and I have no oil leaks. I guess it has the small core plug installed inside without affecting the spline so I can reverse the mod. | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 1901 Registered: 12-2000 |
I'd be apprehensive to weld anything to those cams. Not the fact that it can't be done, but is a permanent fix and that's a pretty expensive piece to throw away if something goes wrong... If I were to weld anything, I'd remove the distributor drive union from the cam and weld THAT up shut. It'd require removal of the cam, but is effort well worth it (for future restoration of original two-dizzy set-up and guaranty for no leaks. Remember, the cam is carrying full pressure @ 85 psi...). | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Junior Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 125 Registered: 4-2002 |
I spoke with the guys at Norwood. They do make a plate and are getting me a price. They also recommend having a freeze plug sized at a machine shop and then welded into place. Apparently this is a fairly easy job for any decent TIG welder and does not require the camshaft be removed from the car. Basically, just drive to the welder, remove distributor, fit the plug and weld it in place. Then bolt on the new cover plate and VOILA: single distributor. Anyhow, thats the plan for now. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Junior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 247 Registered: 12-2001 |
Terry the ferrari number is 002-108 889 This is the best pic I have, sorry.  | ||
| Steve (Steve)
Junior Member Username: Steve Post Number: 173 Registered: 2-2001 |
Terry let us know how you make out. I have a 77 GTB also and would like to understand the total conversion including cost. Thanks | ||
| Gordon Hollingsworth (Gordonh)
New member Username: Gordonh Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2002 |
Terry, I have the Bob Norwood conversion. Essentially it uses a freeze plug to close off the hole in the camshaft. The freeze plug can either be welded or glued in with epoxy (really). Norwood uses a cast aluminum end plate to then close off the mounting surface for the distributor body. Perhaps Norwood will sell you the end plate. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Junior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 245 Registered: 12-2001 |
Terry, my 308 was converted to a factory single distributor. My block off plate has a part number on it but Im at work and the car is at home. Its a factory cast piece and finishes it off nicely. If you have no luck tonight, email me and Ill send you the info and some engine pics if you like. | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Junior Member Username: Dave Post Number: 138 Registered: 4-2001 |
Terry, Ferrari does make this, as early Euro 308's had just one distributor... My parts book is for the U.S. model and does not show them, so you will have to get the part numbers from a Euro parts book. Or, you can also find parts already made up in the U.S. from Bob Norwood in Dallas, or in the U.K. from Superformance in England. Hope this helps.... Dave 77 308GTB W/single Dizzy | ||
| Mitchell Minh Le (Yelcab1)
Junior Member Username: Yelcab1 Post Number: 201 Registered: 11-2001 |
No, there is not a standard plug. Hoever, there is a plug that you can use to permanently plug up the hole. You will need to actually have this done at a machine shop. They cna make an alunimum plug (on a lathe) and press fit in with some loctite. It will be permanently sealed. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Junior Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 119 Registered: 4-2002 |
I have ordered one of Ben Millermons single distributor MSD conversions for my 308. I'll give a full report when installed. This will mean I dont need the second distributor. I could just remove the rotor and wires and leave it in place. However, I would prefer to remove it completely and store it in a box. Making a cover plate to bolt down where the distributor was would seem pretty easy. However, without the distributor in place and sealing against the camshaft, it would seem I would lose oil pressure? What would I need to do in order to not mount the distributor? Is there a standard plug that can screw in and solve any oil problems? Has anyone else done this? Any ideas or suggestions are welcome! My car is a '77 308 GTB. |