Distributor Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
Distributor Question
Hi, instead of rebuilding my matching 327 in my 65, Im buying an early 327 crate motor, I thought about using a better distruibutor. Is anyone using a distributor like this one from ecklers? or one similar? Why couldnt I use my ignition shielding as it states at the bottom of the decription?
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1285
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1285
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,619
Likes: 4,671
From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 c1 of the Year - Modified Winner
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2015 C1 of the Year Finalist
Originally Posted by salty_waders
Why couldnt I use my ignition shielding as it states at the bottom of the decription?
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1285
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1285
I might make a comment here. Why not keep your original dist and simply install one of the aftermarket electronic conversion units, such as PerTronix, etc.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 227
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, California
Originally Posted by DZAUTO
Ummmmmmmmmmmmm, maybe because the HEI is waaaaaaaaaaay to big to fit under the top shield?
I might make a comment here. Why not keep your original dist and simply install one of the aftermarket electronic conversion units, such as PerTronix, etc.
I might make a comment here. Why not keep your original dist and simply install one of the aftermarket electronic conversion units, such as PerTronix, etc.
You can inastall a Pertronix unit in the same amount of time it takes to install new points, condenser and adjust the dwell.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,619
Likes: 4,671
From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 c1 of the Year - Modified Winner
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2015 C1 of the Year Finalist
There are now some electronic conversion units on the market which completely replace the points and condenser. These conversion units are TOTALLY contained inside the distributor cap, there are NO external boxes or modules. These conversion units ARE NOT super duper fire breathing ignitions that produce millions of volts. But, because of their design, especially when used with a HD coil, they do provide increased voltgage (just exactly how much more is debatable, but some). Also, the inherent design of an electronic triggering mechanism, rather than breaker points, possible problems such as point bounce at high rpm is eliminated. As a result, you have the benefits of electronic ignition, retain your original distributor and have a stock appearance with no visible add-on components.
Just something to keep in mind as a possible option.
Just something to keep in mind as a possible option.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 5
From: Hasbrouck Heights NJ
If you go the install electronics route, you need to insure all the mechanical parts in your distributor are working correctly. I went with a Mallory Unilite distributor from Jegs:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/newr...1&p=1557954995
Total cost was under $500. Fits under the sheilding fine. It does not have a vacume advance but my car runs a lot better then with the original I replaced.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/newr...1&p=1557954995
Total cost was under $500. Fits under the sheilding fine. It does not have a vacume advance but my car runs a lot better then with the original I replaced.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 825
Likes: 17
From: Rowlett, TX
Originally Posted by bweaver999
If you go the install electronics route, you need to insure all the mechanical parts in your distributor are working correctly. I went with a Mallory Unilite distributor from Jegs:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/newr...1&p=1557954995
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/newr...1&p=1557954995
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
I'm old school and havent worked on motors/ignition since high school, so dont laugh. If I use the mallory unilite will it fit under my 65 ignition shielding? It doesnt have a vacum advance, so will I need a carb with mechanical secondaries? (this is OK because I have a nice one). I just need to run power to it and get a good coil? Thanks for the help
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,048
Likes: 5
From: "cutesy" TN
Originally Posted by salty_waders
Thanks guys! Looks like Mallory Unilite is the way to go. Do they have the tach drive?
$409.95 at Summit. And yes it has the tach drive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,015
Likes: 331
From: Southeast Missouri
Originally Posted by salty_waders
Hi, instead of rebuilding my matching 327 in my 65, Im buying an early 327 crate motor, I thought about using a better distruibutor. Is anyone using a distributor like this one from ecklers? or one similar? Why couldnt I use my ignition shielding as it states at the bottom of the decription?
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1285
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1285
Do you mind saying where you're getting your early 327 crate motor from?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 49
From: Ventura Calif
Pertronix
The best and cheapest place to buy Pertronix is from: http://www.vintageperformance.com/re...onversions.htm
They are just as knowledgeable about Pertronix as the factory tech line.
They are just as knowledgeable about Pertronix as the factory tech line.
Last edited by JohnFromVentura; Dec 10, 2006 at 12:49 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,142
Likes: 704
Here is another option, the MSD pro billet tach drive, p/n 8572. Has vacuum advance as well. $340.00 from Summit Racing. The only downside is you have to run an ignition box with it, and they start at $170.00.
p.s. There is no correlation between vacuum advance and vacuum secondaries on the carb. Vacuum advance is for ignition timing, vacuum secondaries is the method of opening the the third and fourth barrels on the carb (as opposed to opening them mechanically).
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku
p.s. There is no correlation between vacuum advance and vacuum secondaries on the carb. Vacuum advance is for ignition timing, vacuum secondaries is the method of opening the the third and fourth barrels on the carb (as opposed to opening them mechanically).
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 751
From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by JohnFromVentura
The best and cheapest place to buy Pertronix is from: www.retrorockets.com
They are just as knowledgeable about Pertronix as the factory tech line.
They are just as knowledgeable about Pertronix as the factory tech line.
that website is 'for sale'....Bill
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 768
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
Originally Posted by Ron Miller
Do you mind saying where you're getting your early 327 crate motor from?
Phoenix engine rebuilders: www.phoenixengine.com
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 49
From: Ventura Calif
Originally Posted by wmf62
John
that website is 'for sale'....
Bill
that website is 'for sale'....Bill
Here is the correct web site for Pertronix/Retro Rockets:
http://www.vintageperformance.com/re...onversions.htm
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Originally Posted by salty_waders
Hi, instead of rebuilding my matching 327 in my 65, Im buying an early 327 crate motor, I thought about using a better distruibutor.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,619
Likes: 4,671
From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 c1 of the Year - Modified Winner
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2015 C1 of the Year Finalist
YEP YEP YEP YEP YEP
YEP YEP YEP YEP
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,166
Likes: 3,968
From: Connecticut, USA
Use your original distributor, rebuild it, re-bush if needed, dial in the vacuum can and it will work great. I've rebuilt all my stock point distributors it's the only way to go in my opinion. We're running an MSD in the 75 and it has been working fine but I would have left the GM HEI in that car. Spend your money on things you could use more.
Good luck
Good luck