Andrew, I just took a look at my small body distributor, and compared it to an HEI that I had laying around. The weights go on differently. On the small body (points style)distributor, the weights open in a clockwise direction, but on the HEI, they open in a counterclockwise direction. So, I was wrong, and I am sorry. I learned something new today. Apparently, the mechanisms for mechanical advance work differently between the two distributors, but they do the same thing. They move the rotor position ahead of the shaft, thereby advancing the spark. This is a picture of the HEI I have from a former Buick.
No Problem, Larry! I found that pic on the "Ignitionman" Thread also! Right along with this one: So mine's cool?
Yes, you are good to go. I think your first picture with the center plate was correct, I would put it back that way. Now, back to your original problem, you weren't getting very much mechanical advance? Make sure the weights aren't binding anywhere.
