Distributor question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Isle Beach NC
Distributor question
In my 63 I have a 68 non- corvette engine. It is a 327 with at least 300 HP. It has a point distributor. I would like to change to an electronic system with mechanical tach drive. I plan on having Jason rebuild my gage cluster and will stay with the mechancial tach. Can anybody recommend a good distributor to fit my criteria?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
can i ask why you want to change it?
According to people like JohnZ, Duke, etc an electonic distributor shouldn't really make any performance difference on these older motos over a point distributor as long as the points distributor is in good condition and set up properly.
According to people like JohnZ, Duke, etc an electonic distributor shouldn't really make any performance difference on these older motos over a point distributor as long as the points distributor is in good condition and set up properly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,772
Likes: 694
From: Maryland
St. Jude Donor '05, '09, '15
There are several companies that make electronic conversions for the stock distributor. Check JEGS and SUMMIT. If you are set on a new distributor MSD tach drive part number MSD 8572 is a possibility.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Isle Beach NC
This is a non tack drive distributor. I need to change it anyway so what is my best option?
Norm
Norm
Originally Posted by BarryK
can i ask why you want to change it?
According to people like JohnZ, Duke, etc an electonic distributor shouldn't really make any performance difference on these older motos over a point distributor as long as the points distributor is in good condition and set up properly.
According to people like JohnZ, Duke, etc an electonic distributor shouldn't really make any performance difference on these older motos over a point distributor as long as the points distributor is in good condition and set up properly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
There are a number of conversion kits that let you convert & use the original GM mechanical tach drive distributor.You don't have to buy a whole new distributor. I installed the Mallory kit in my OEM 1970 454 abou 15 years ago...and it's still running fine. I'm driving it to work daily right now. Flip side... I have the original points mechanical tach drive distributor in my 66 327, and that works fine as well.... right now I 'm using that 66 distributor to run engines on an engine stand for cam break in.... I trust it more than electronic... old habits are hard to break.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Isle Beach NC
Tom
Thanks, I will consider this as an option, its a heck of a lot cheaper than a new distributor at 400-500 dollars.
Norm
Thanks, I will consider this as an option, its a heck of a lot cheaper than a new distributor at 400-500 dollars.
Norm
Originally Posted by Tom454
There are a number of conversion kits that let you convert & use the original GM mechanical tach drive distributor.You don't have to buy a whole new distributor. I installed the Mallory kit in my OEM 1970 454 abou 15 years ago...and it's still running fine. I'm driving it to work daily right now. Flip side... I have the original points mechanical tach drive distributor in my 66 327, and that works fine as well.... right now I 'm using that 66 distributor to run engines on an engine stand for cam break in.... I trust it more than electronic... old habits are hard to break.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,470
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
Get any tach drive distributor that makes you or your wallet happy, have it rebuilt with new bushings, etc, then put a Mallory Unilite conversion in it.
The Unilite will run flawlessly above 7000 RPM, fits totally inside the cap, and you never have to worry about point float or dwell changes. The Unilte I put in in 1976 still was working fine in 2005 when I replaced the distrib with one required to be compatible with my new EFI installation.
Doug
The Unilite will run flawlessly above 7000 RPM, fits totally inside the cap, and you never have to worry about point float or dwell changes. The Unilte I put in in 1976 still was working fine in 2005 when I replaced the distrib with one required to be compatible with my new EFI installation.
Doug
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 65
I agree with AZDoug, if you get a stock GM tach drive distributor add an after market electronic switch for the points you have the best of both worlds a stock look dependability and maintenance free.
I used the Pertronics points elimator and coil, its been in for two years and runs great.
I used the Pertronics points elimator and coil, its been in for two years and runs great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 195
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by Norm63
This is a non tack drive distributor. I need to change it anyway so what is my best option?
Norm
Norm
Get a good core off Ebay for about $100. Any GM single point tach drive,63-74, preferablbly a 70-74 model.
Blueprint this core to your engines spec. (recurve map, shimmed drive gear
and tach gear,proper vac can, heavy duty points(32oz) and ignition parts.)
Total cost about $200.
Last edited by Donald #31176; Feb 15, 2006 at 01:23 PM.
