Are all small-block Chevy distributors the same length?

Not at all. Small-block Chevy distributors vary in length depending on design and application. Factory points-type units, HEI designs, and many aftermarket variants all come in different lengths to fit different intake manifolds, hood clearances, and timing-cover arrangements.

Why the length varies

Several design choices determine how tall or long a distributor sits in the engine bay. Understanding these factors helps when swapping parts or rebuilding an engine that must fit within specific packaging constraints.

• Distributor type and coil arrangement: Points-type distributors are typically more compact, while HEI units place the ignition coil inside the distributor cap, adding height and overall length.


• Intake manifold and hood clearance: Tall or high-rise intakes, plus tight engine bays, can demand shorter bodies or, conversely, tolerate taller designs with meticulous clearance planning.


• Engine year and design: Early SBCs used conventional points distributors; GM and aftermarket lines shifted to HEI in later years, introducing longer configurations.


• Aftermarket variants: Suppliers offer short-body and long-body distributors to accommodate a range of combinations, including deep-blocks, high-torque cams, and tight hood lines.


• Additional components: Vacuum canisters, mechanical-advance housings, and other add‑ons can influence the overall footprint, affecting which unit will fit.

In practice, there isn’t a universal length for all SBC distributors. Always check the specific part’s specifications and compare them to your engine bay before purchasing or installing.

Common SBC distributor types and length implications

Short vs long body variants

Manufacturers frequently label some units as “short” or “long” to indicate their fit for particular packaging. This distinction matters when you’re working with tall intakes, tight hood lines, or deep-dish blocks.

• Stock points-type distributors: Generally compact, designed to fit most older assemblies and stock hood configurations.


• HEI (High Energy Ignition) distributors: Significantly taller and heavier due to the coil being inside the cap; can require hood or valve-cover clearance adjustments.


• Aftermarket billet and replacement units: Often offered in short, standard, or long variants to suit a range of manifolds and engine bays; selection depends on your build and clearance needs.


• Specialized performance units: Some race or street/strip designs push the envelope with even longer or shorter bodies to accommodate extreme package constraints.

Choosing the right length hinges on matching the unit to your engine’s exact packaging. If in doubt, consult the vendor’s spec sheet and measure your engine bay carefully before buying.

How to determine the right length for your build

To minimize fitment issues and ensure proper timing gear engagement, follow these steps before selecting a distributor length for your SBC build.

1. Identify your engine year, model, and the ignition system you plan to use (points, HEI, or aftermarket CDI/MSD, etc.).


2. Obtain the manufacturer’s official length specifications for the distributor you’re considering, including body height and cap height.


3. With the distributor installed, measure the distance from the timing-cover surface (where the distributor seal sits) to the top of the distributor or cap, and compare to clearances in the engine bay.


4. Check hood clearance and valve-cover height to ensure the chosen unit won’t contact the hood or covers when the engine is installed and the firewall is in place.


5. If space is tight, consider a short-body or low-profile cap option, or explore a different ignition setup that maintains proper timing alignment without interference.


6. Install the distributor, set initial timing, and re-check rotor alignment and timing accuracy after installation.

Rushing a distributor choice based on length alone can lead to clearance problems or timing misalignment. Careful measurement and relying on official specifications helps ensure a smooth fit.

Summary

No. There is no universal length for small-block Chevy distributors. Length varies because of the distributor type (points vs HEI), the presence of an integrated coil, aftermarket short/long variants, and packaging constraints from the intake manifold to the hood. To avoid fitment issues, always verify the exact dimensions on the part’s datasheet and measure your engine bay before purchasing or installing.

Are all Chevy small blocks the same?

And a lot of those phone calls sound a lot like. I just need any old 350. Send me any 350. They are all the same.

Are all SBC motor mounts the same?

No, small block Chevy motor mounts are not all the same, as they vary by application, especially between cars and trucks, and different styles were produced over the years. While the bolt pattern on the engine block is the same for early small blocks, the frame-side mounts and brackets are what differ, which can affect engine height and alignment. 
This video explains the differences between big block and small block Chevy engine mounts: 1mRoad Hard RoadhouseYouTube · Sep 30, 2020
Key differences in small block Chevy motor mounts

• Car vs. Truck: Truck mounts typically position the engine slightly higher than car mounts, which can be an issue for hood clearance. The brackets can also vary in width. 
• Early vs. Late models: Mounts can differ even within the "small block" family. For example, the bolt patterns for Gen-III and newer engines are offset by about an inch compared to earlier small blocks. 
• Mounting styles: Over the years, different styles have been used, including: 
  • Short and Wide vs. Tall and Narrow: These refer to the shape of the rubber or polyurethane isolators that mount to the frame perches on early small blocks. 
  • Clam Shell: This is a specific type of mount often used in later models. 
• Frame brackets: The brackets that attach to the car or truck frame can have different widths and heights to accommodate the specific chassis and position the engine correctly for things like oil pan clearance or steering box alignment. 

This video discusses the differences in Chevy 350 engine mounts: 37sPowertrain Products IncYouTube · Jul 10, 2025
How to choose the right mounts

• Match the application: To ensure the engine is mounted correctly, you should get mounts designed for the specific year, make, model, and body style (car vs. truck) of your vehicle. 
• Measure: If you don't have the original mounts, measure the width of the frame stands on your chassis to help determine the correct style. 
• Check clearances: Always consider potential clearance issues, such as hood clearance and exhaust or steering component interference. 

What is the length of a small-block Chevy push rod?

The correct SBC (Small Block Chevy) pushrod length is not a single value and must be measured for each specific engine build, as it depends on factors like the block deck height, cylinder head thickness, and camshaft. The standard length is approximately 7.7947.7947.794 inches, but this can vary significantly, so you must measure it using an adjustable pushrod tool to ensure the rocker arm is centered on the valve stem for optimal wear and performance.
 
Why you need to measure

• Varying components: The exact length changes based on parts like the cylinder heads, block decking, and head gasket thickness. 
• Optimal geometry: A pushrod that is too short or too long will cause the rocker arm to rub against the edge of the valve stem instead of the center, leading to premature wear on the valve stem and rocker arm. 

How to measure for the correct length
This video demonstrates how to measure for correct pushrod length: 1mCUTTER'S PERFORMANCEYouTube · Aug 14, 2020

1. Prepare the engine: Install the lifters, camshaft, and rocker arms you plan to use. Use lightweight checking springs instead of your normal valve springs, as they are easier to compress. 
2. Mark the valve stem: Paint the tip of one valve stem with a permanent marker or machinist's die. 
3. Set up an adjustable pushrod: Place an adjustable pushrod (like a Comp Cams Hi-Tech Master Pushrod Checking Kit) into the pushrod hole and set it to a length close to the stock one (around 7.87.87.8 inches). 
4. Achieve zero lash: Position the rocker arm and tighten it until the rocker arm just touches the valve tip, so there is no slack. You should just be able to barely spin the pushrod with your fingers. 
5. Cycle the engine: Slowly turn the engine over by hand a couple of times to let the rocker arm roll across the valve stem. Use the marker you applied to the valve tip to create a witness mark. 
6. Analyze the wear pattern:
   • Too short: The mark is low on the valve stem. 
   • Too long: The mark is high on the valve stem. 
   • Just right: The mark is in the center of the valve stem. 
7. Adjust and repeat: Adjust the pushrod checker to lengthen or shorten it until the witness mark is perfectly centered on the valve stem. 
8. Measure the final length: Once you have the correct length, carefully remove the adjustable pushrod and measure its exact length using a caliper to get the precise dimension needed for your new pushrods. 

Are all small-block Chevy distributors the same?

Chevy 350 small block distributors vary in quality, especially if looking for aftermarket options. While most distributors have similar specs, you'll find that some distributors are made better than others. Performance distributors may be better suited for specific applications if you plan on adjusting the timing.