Is a tall deck distributer differnt then a standard deck And if so will a tall deck distributer work in a standard deck motor?

Yep, they're different, they're taller, who'ld have thunk?
The intake sits higher.
I've seen tall deck distributors with an adjustable collar to fit either block.

if you want to install tall deck dist in a shortdeck,you make a spacer.i have done this,made it out of brass.

The VAST majority of tall deck manifolds are machined to accept a standard dist. They cut the dist. pocket in the manifold deeper. I can't remember the last time I had to use a tall deck dist., and probably 95% of what I build are tall decks. However, I do usually use a dist. with a slip collar so that I can get the exact height needed and not have to use shims. There is about a 99% chance that the tall deck manifold you have will take a standard dist.

EDIT:
Sorry, I just re-read your question. If you do in fact have a tall deck dist. then you can have the base machined off and use a slip collar. It's very easy to do on a lathe. Just because it came off of a tall deck engine, don't assume it is a tall deck dist. Like I said, most use a standard dist.
Eddie

Even the Mercury tall deck and standard deck distributors are the same.