[Speargun]

I'm finally getting around to installing my IA block so today I primed it (after draining the oil and removing the oil pan to retrieve the dropped intermediate shaft) and installed the distributor.
When I put the distributor hold down clamp on, it doesn't work. (See pic below) I tried a couple of different hold downs with the same result.
So what is the go to hold down for IA blocks?

[Schurkey]

I'd be asking why the block isn't properly machined.

Block looks rough-cast where the back-end of the hold down rests, and the dimensions aren't correct.

[steve25]

Has that dizzy and hold down ever been run before?
it looks like the arc in the hold down is either too small or that the OD of the dizzy down at the hold down lip is too big.

Also there needs to be a washer under the head of that bolt.

[Speargun]

The hold down came off of the 400 I just pulled out of the car.
The dizzy is new. It came with the Edelbrock pro flo 4
Washer will get added when I find a clamp that fits.

[grandam1979]

That’s a aftermarket hold down Pontiac hold downs are not flat and don’t have a slot just a bolt hole.

[Verdoro 68]

Example of a factory distributor hold down with the step down. Looks like it would solve your problem.

[Speargun]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Example of a factory distributor hold down with the step down. Looks like it would solve your problem.

Looks like I need to find my factory style hold down. The one in the pic came off of my 400 & worked just fine on it, but the IA block must be different. (correct?)

[jhein]

I have an OE style clamp like the one picture above on my IAII block and it works perfectly.

[jhein]

I believe that the pedestal it sits on is taller on the IAII.

[mysticmissle]

Looks like the wrong hold
Down as everyone has said get a factory style no issues

[Speargun]

I found a factory clamp and that solved the problem.
I do think that the IA block IS a little taller than factory though.

Thanks1

[mysticmissle]

That looked like a Chevy clamp maybe just made it on the 400 block Glad you figured it out

[Skip Fix]

I had one repop factory style hold down bracket that was soft. It slowly flexed and loosened over time again and again. Found a factory one and no issues.

[mgarblik]

I have had 1 or 2 of the early IA blocks that had some minor issues in that hold down area. First, try a factory hold down that has the legs bent down like in the pics. If that does not give you enough clamp to hold the dist. tight, try this. I had an IA block that needed an ARP stainless stud installed. Before I installed the stud I had to bend it 20 degrees or so to get the clamp to fit the distributor right and clamp it tight. PLEASE, if you go the stud route, bend it FIRST, then install it. If you strike it to bend it while in the block, you might break the block back there. Then you have a real problem.