Technical Removing a GM HEI distributor, how much clearance needed?

I have what I believe to be a leaking intake manifold gasket (found coolent on top of the manifold, along the side). So to replace it, I need to remove the distributor. Haven't done this before, and looking at it, I only have about 1/2" of clearance at the firewall with the cap on.



(Ignore the purple wires, I have a new set of black ones to install...)

So if I remove the cap, does it look like there is enough clearance to get the distributor out? Or am I going to have to move the engine forward first?

 

Your fine. Just pull the cap and pull the distributor out. While your doing the intake maybe look into converting to a points type distributor with a pertronix in it. Give you plenty more clearance and looks a whole lot better.

 

Yup. Mark it and yank her out. Looks and performance compared to a Pertronix is debatable.

 

Agree, you'll have more room with the cap off. Mark the distributor body, etc so it goes back in easier. I have a small-body HEI on my Ford. I still have to relieve the lip above it to make the cap removal easier.

 

Cool, thanks. I'll mark it, plus I just checked the timing to see where it's at now in case I end up needing to fool with it getting it back in. Not replacing it right now, maybe later, we'll see.