oiler tube for routine
lubrication. There were also "Bowl" type cast iron units that had
special two-piece housings with dual-point breakers inside the distributor.
Because of the numerous combinations that are possible,
please see the distributor application list for your specific application.
We do know some specific combinations used for Corvettes. For example, all
Corvette distributors produced from 1955 through 1974 were cast iron and all
were equipped with tach drive from 1962 through 1974. In 1975, all GM cars,
including the Corvette, went to the HEI ignition.
Distributor Model Number
and Date Codes
All Delco-Remy distributors have a model number and a date code system either
stamped or attached to the distributor. There are four basic locations in
which this information can be found which vary from distributor to distributor.
On all 1955-56 distributors, the model number is found on an oval Delco-Remy
tag riveted to the outside of the distributor housing. In the 1957 model year,
the identification process began to change. From
1957 through 1974 all cast iron non dual-point distributors used a small aluminum band, which wrapped around the top of the distributor. All 1957 through 1961 dual-point distributors used the oval Delco-Remy riveted tag. This band was imprinted with the model number and production date. Fuel injection distributors from 1957 to mid-1958 used a Delco tag identical to other distributors. Starting in mid-1958, the fuel injection distributor was redesigned and was produced with a square tag that was held to the main distributor housing by four screws. Late model aluminum distributor housings have the model number roll stamped right into the exterior of the housing with no attaching tag of any kind. Date code stamps are near the model number. The location varies from year to year. On early distributors with a riveted metal tag, the date code is above the word "Serial."
Date Code Deciphering
All Chevrolet distributors use the same Julian code system date code style. The actual build date is signified by a series of numbers and letters. Example: 5A28. The date code is deciphered as follows:
The first digit gives the calendar year of production. This is the last digit of the calendar year, 1955 in the example above. The second letter indicates the month of production. See the table below for month codes. ("I" was not used because it is too easily confused with the number 1.) The final two digits indicate the day of the month of production (1 through 31). The code 5A28 therefore decodes as january 28, 1955.
Another correct #1110847 distributor with the correct standpipe oiler attached correctly to the housing.