I converted an early '80s 300 distributor for use in my 1963 223. The only stumbling blocks were that the gears are different, and the oil pump drive shaft diameter and length are too big.
First, I had to do have the 223 distributor gear bored to fit the 300's distributor shaft. I also had a larger roll pin installed at the same time.
Second, I installed an oil pump for a 1964 223. That was the year that they changed the diameter of the hexagonal oil pump drive shaft from 1/4" to 5/16", which the 300 used. I think the Melling part number for that pump is M67A, whereas the pre-64 pumps are M67. I guess I could have had the hex shaft machined down to 1/4", but my thinking was that they went to a 5/16" shaft for a reason.
Lastly, I trimmed 3/4" off of the end of the oil pump drive shaft to match the engagement depth of the old 223 distributor.
Haven't had it running yet, but I expect no troubles. Now, I've got vaccum and centrifugal advance, not to mention an electronic distributor, all for about $50 in parts and $50 in machine work.
Jim Kozisek
JimKoz(at)ComCast(dot)Net
