So my son and I replaced the distributor/rotor/cables for our 99 suburban k1500 and while putting the distributor back in, we noticed the metal piece that the distributor mounts to is broken (see pic). Anyone know what that piece is? I can't tell if it's mounted straight to the engine or separate. If we can replace it for a reasonable price I'm guessing that would he a good idea.

Broken distributor mount

 

to me it looks like the cap mount. its part of the distributor. you need to replace the whole distributor, you dont need all the guts as you can reuse your old guts, might be easier to replace it as a unit but ive never tried to find them. you could also get one in the scrap yard. the cap wont sit securely and will cause the cap to raise up and the rotor will scare the crap out of it. you might be lucky and there might be enough threads there for the bolt to grip onto just dont over tighten it

 

I think a longer bolt though the cap and the damaged part of the distributor, with a washer (maybe have to grind it a little) and nut on the bottom could be used to secure that cap.

 

I would replace the distributor, possibly a used one. It is better than having it rigged and then come apart on you later and get you stranded somewhere.