I don't think the problem is going to be the distributor.. It may be the fan however... I put one in my deuce this year and i had to modify the fan assembly to make it all fit.., I had posted a response to a guy on here concerning it and what I did.. Pm me if I can help..
Mount the early generator w fan and you can see what needs doing. Machine a custom left water pump pulley that allows a second belt that runs the generator. A shorter belt then go’s in the stock location (crank to pumps) and requires a idler / tensioner. Note There are several different fans w deferring offsets and diameters …. needed to clear the distributor (its close) Also (like he said below) Rear sump truck pan required
Here's my '35 Slantback 8BA install. I had the truck block and pan. Only had to adjust the tie rod (stock axle) to clear the pan and I used an electric fan. T5, Red's Headers around the stock steering box (great fit).
I have attached a pix of an 8BA engine conversion in my friends 36, as you can see the conversion is pretty simple if you use the truck/Merc style of water pumps and bellhousing.