Summers Brothers front distributor mount

[A12pilot]

Greeting folks!

On this, the Eve of Day one MCACN move in, I got a question for you Chevy people.:hmmm:

For my next major car project, I’ll be building the BMW 507 and I’ve been thinking of the power plant of choice. Aesthetically, the distributor needs to be at about the 10:30 position to mimic the original a BMW V8. I came across the Summers Brothers front distributor mount system and wondering if anyone has used this set up? Looks mainly like it’s a set up to make for eeasier blower clearance.

I’m wondering if the distributor is able to be clocked at any position based on the mounting holes of the cover? :hmmm: Using a SBC would make my running gear easy to assemble, but I want the asthetics to be as accurate as I can, and a distributor in that side of the engine would be BUENORIFFIC!!!:cool2:

Thanks guys!

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[Damien]

I think yes, although I have never used a Summers Bros set up.
I had two different RCD front drive set ups on my race car and both of those were adjustable to some degree. I can get a better pic later for you if you would like.

[Lynn]

Just my .02 cents. I would think a 507 with a modern (90s or newer) BMW aluminum engine would be the way to go, especially if you can find a wrecked car with a manual trans, wire harness, etc.

[A12pilot]

Sweet! Thanks for that pic, Damien. Yes, I’d like to see a closer pic.

I was thinking originally about that too, Lynn. But the 507s engine was equipped with two Zenith carburetors, and I’d like use a dual quad intake with carb adapters for a pair of Rochester 2Gs, and the distributor being clocked to the correct position would really complete the package. I’d be interested in chatting with you about the BMW V8 though. PM...coming in HOT!!!:3gears:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[big gear head]

Looks like there could be come clearance issues with the water pump.

[Kurt S]

Elvis' 507 had a small block put in it.
https://www.bmw.com/en/automotive-life/bmw507-elvis.html
And when BMW restored it, it sounds like they reinstalled a Chevrolet engine (though the picture shows a correct looking engine with front distributor)!
>So, instead of the 150 hp 3.2-litre V8 lightweight engine from Bavaria, they used a large-volume engine from Chevrolet.

[John Brown]

Pictured on the red version of the car are 1950 Buick taillights, mounted sideways.

[A12pilot]

When Elvis sold the car, the subsequent owners installed a 327 and raced it. It was painted red, tail lights were modified, front turn signals removed, and several other originalities changed. BMW restored the car to exact standards including using the original drivetrain. That’s the correct BMW v8 in the restored car, not the SBC. :biggthumpup:

I befriended a gentleman who owns the sister car to Elvis’ and had it restored by BMW, and as a matter of fact, his car is one of the ones being worked on in the video of Elvis’ being restored. He bought his from his friend who owned both of them. He’ll be invaluable information for me once I get going on the project!:eek2:

I would think along water pump would solve the clearance issues. I’ll probably call them and chat to get some answers!:biggthumpup:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[TimG]

Here's the engine from my Scarab race car with the Summers Brothers set up. I'm certain it is fixed in this position. There is a big spacer for the water pump and the pump is electric. I've had no issues with this set up.

[TimG]

Here's a good shot of the spacer and water pump.

[A12pilot]

Excellent! Thanks for that pic, Tim!:biggthumpup: I found a few pictures of the distributor in different positions, but not sure if it’s their product or not. One was with it at a 90 degree point (horizontal)!!:eek2:

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

See you in Chicago........

[Lynn]

Doesn't look like a "high volume" Chevy engine to me. I think the article that Kurt cited is wrong. Besides the writer keeps referring to the "VIN number", which is one of my pet peeves.

If one wanted a Chevy engine that LOOKED like the old BMW V8, it would have to be an LS based motor. Notice the equally spaced exhaust ports. An old school SBC, even with a front drive distributor, would be immediately noticable as a Chevy engine. You wouldn't need much power in that little car, so just a run of the mill 5.3 would be plenty.

The only distributor kit I am aware of for an LS is Comp Cams. The dist sticks straight up instead of at an angle.

Sending you a pm Dave.

[A12pilot]

Got the PM, Lynn! :biggthumpup: But ye' of little faith! After I'm done with that little 327 if I go that route, I'll put a beer in Chicago on the table along with an appetizer of your choice (provided it's at the Embassy Suites since there's a free happy hour.... just sayin':hmmm:) that you won't recognize it! :eek2::beers: That's the fun part of this build for me:biggthumpup::laugh:

But I an gonna look at those BMW V8s. It's intriguing to me.

Can't wait to get started!

Cheers
Dave

[Kurt S]

That’s the correct BMW v8 in the restored car, not the SBC. :biggthumpup:

I couldn't believe that they used the SBC, especially since the pics looked like the BMW V8. But read the details that they list!

BMW's own website (https://www.bmw.com/en/automotive-life/bmw507-elvis.html) says:
So, instead of the 150 hp 3.2-litre V8 lightweight engine from Bavaria, they used a large-volume engine from Chevrolet. This made fitting in the old and new components around the engine into one of the biggest challenges. Whether it was the crank drive or the oil supply, everything required an individual solution. The result: an engine from another era that shined like new, following the original specifications of the BMW 507 in 1957 as closely as possible.

[A12pilot]

That blurb was when they put that engine in there a long time ago. I can 100% assure you that Elvis' car was restored with the correct BMW V8 since they had to use several engines to make one! Plus, I know the guy who supplied most of the parts!:biggthumpup:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[A12pilot]

But back on topic, I spoke to Summers racing and the one guy that owns the place (think the head guy is Juan?:hmmm:) was out to the track. But his helper assured me that distributor position cab be clocked wherever you want it to be located. Sweet!:biggthumpup:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[SuperNovaSS]

Dave,

It sounds like you are on the right track and I can’t wait to see all this come together. Just to throw a monkey wrench in your gears, have you considered a Buick/Olds/Rover 215 aluminum V8?

Jason

[A12pilot]

Hey Jason,

Yes, I browsed all the V8s out there and while it has the look, the distributor is in the wrong spot. I did consider that though.

Now the fun part would be to find a Nicson 2x2 intake for it!!! Probably have a better chance of hitting the Mega Millions.:smirk:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

PS: TimG..nice to meet ya yesterday!!!!