'82 sbf distributor in a y-block?

[dmsfrr]

Ok guys, this is way above what I know...
This distributor popped up on epay in an ad for y-block parts this morning.

It's an "E2AE1213CANMP-37" dist that was pulled out of what the seller believes is/was a '56 y-block engine.
E2 = 1982
Is there a chance it would work as is, in place of an oem y-block dist.?
Aren't the drive shafts different length(?) Could the main-shaft have been swapped to make it fit, or something else?
Or did a previous seller just stuff it in the hole to sell the "complete" engine to the unsuspecting fellow who's got it now....

Thanks
.

 

[Dobie Gillis]

That looks like a y-block shaft grafted onto it. It's a fairly easy and common practice. I have a late model flathead with a Cxxxy point distributor grafted on. Pretty much any machine shop can do it.

 

[flatrod]

My brother got one similar with a 302 number, but was all y-block. The only thing I didn't like about it was the shaft was about 1/4 short. Ted said there was a longer shaft that could be used, but I forgot what that was. Didn't like it so it got toast aside.

 

[LOWRIDER]

When I converted my yblock to a Duraspark system I combined a sbf with a yblock dist. Had to have the point cam machined off the yblock dist so the armature from the sbf dist would fit. Looked for the dist flatrod mentioned but never could find one. Would have made the conversion much easier. Did this 3 yrs ago and has been working fine ever since.

 

[Alaska Jim]

The one my brother (Flatrod) is talking about came from Autozone, and was in a Cardone (sp?) box.

 

[flatrod]

I did convert a later truck y-block dist with a 460 dura spark and it was all a bolt in. Only mod was the wire opening in the case for the pickup wires.

 

[dmsfrr]

Thanks guys.
I appreciate the good info.

 

[packrat5]

Not long ago, I bought a Cardone distributor for our y-block, and the housing was epoxied together from two different distributors! I sent it back, but I had to pay shipping both ways. A good lesson learned here. Cardone stuff is everywhere, and about as good as most other high volume chain store stuff.
Any Ford distributor (most any) except for the FE engine can be used in the y-block Ford and Lincoln engines, you just have to switch, and modify the shaft. It requires a little work, but easy to figure out.