I would like to change out the distributor on my 427/390. I have had no trouble with mine, just want reliability on long trips when I get my 5 speed installed.

What electronic ignition distributor fits under the chrome cover and has mechanical drive for the tach???

Thanks for all your help,

Lee

:steering:

 

If you want reliability, stick with the single point distributor, and just carry a spare set of points that are set for the proper dwell. An old set of points that you replaced are perfect. Just set the dwell before you remove them. There's not much else in the single point system that can strand you.

I've been stranded several times with electronic ignitions and only once with points. If I had a spare set of points and a small screwdriver, I could have gotten home with no problem. If an electronic ignition craps out, you have to have a complete spare system with you, which may be both the distributor and external box.

One the the beauties of these old Corvettes is their simple electrical system that nearly anybody with a bit of mechanical knowledge can at least jury rig to get home. With modern cars you need a computer and a stack of manuals a foot high to troubleshoot them.

If you want a dead-a** reliable single point system, give it a good overhaul. Most of these old distributors have probably received nothing other than new points, caps, and rotors since they were new. Check the mainshaft bushings, shim up the end play, treat it to a new breaker plate, and regrease the upper bushing well, which probaby dried out 20 years ago. When you reasssemble make sure that the drive gear is properly indexed with the dimple pointing in the same direction as the rotor tip.

If your engine has a redline over 5500 use the high breaker arm tension points.

Duke

 

Duke,
Thanks for the advice.

You probably just saved me lots o dollars.

Lee

:cheers:

 

SWCDuke is the expert on this. But there are, nontheless, other alternatives depending on what you want in the long run. I ended up purchasing a new repro distributor so I didn't have to deal with reworking the old one. Also, installed a Pertronix module at the same time. The combo works absolutely perfectly and is a little closer to emulating the Transistor Ignition that was originally on my car. But SWCDuke is right.....if something happens to the Pertronix module, I am sol. Not planning to carry a spare one, just will call for help if it fails.

Good Luck,
Mark

 

I would carry a spare condensor too. I recently had one crap out in my Plymouth and the car wouldn't start. :steering:

 

In 1996 I installed complete MSD system on my 66 big/block, with mechanical tach drive distributor & vacum advance , it fits under shrouding with a litte massaging (dremel tool)..........I have never touch system since & works for me.>>>>.instantanoious starting > smooooooth idle , gas milage not a factor but probably improved.....not to start the never ending "dont modify" :crazy: conterversy but I am happy.......&woof woof The Dog............ :auto:

 

:iagree: ....
My mallory unilite tach drive distributor would burn out a module any time it felt like it... I carried a couple spares... I installed the MSD like Stray Dog did and no problems sinse Knock on wood...I just never had any luck with point type, probably my fault but the points would float on me on hard acceleration,, or when I switched to heavy duty points I would wear the point ring out , even well lubed,, or it would get wet at a bad time.. Im sure they were great distributors but hummmmmmm,, why did chevy change...

 

I have the pertronics ignitor and my car starts as soon as the starter engages.

I did have an Accell coil burn out and left me stranded in my garage. I have never had a coil burn out in my life and suspect that the field voltage for the pertronics may have played a role, I guess I will never know.

I followed SWC Dukes advice and went through the distributor when it was out.

A reman distributor W/O tack drive is only $35.99. My buddy bought one and a pertronics module for his 58. New distributor and electronic ignition for under $100 skins. If you are not dist. savy, I would imagine you could send you unit to one of these reman companies and have them go through it. I think the rebuild kit for the dist for the 58 was near $24.00. For another $10.00 I was not going to fart with a non numbers dist. for an afternoon.

I would detail you distributor and if it is a concern to you, go and buy a reman and toss it in the back. You can live without the tach until you get your unit fixed.

I could swap distributors faster then I could change a set of points with my 10 thumbs. Loosen the 9/16" clamp, take of the coil leads, pull the cap out of the way and pull that sucker out. The timing would be close if you were careful, if not you could time it by ear until you get home.

Mark

 

Thanks for all the input!

Wha MSD Distributor has both the vacuum advance and the tach drive???

I have searched and found that either option is available but have not seen both options on one Distr.

Cheers,
Lee

 

MSD # PN - 8572 , Avalable from Jegs & Summit. Note on my 66 big/block>>>>>>I have owned since 1995 & will not sell .... till the resthome calls or I kick the bucket>>> "IF" A component fails & if a 21st century product is available that will lead to better driveability , performance & throttle response I go with new tech.....the replaced parts gather dust in a plastic bag. :nopity (babling of the dog) example Endlebrock alum heads, MSD ignition, roller tipped rockers,Xtreme energy cam, & more........have led to a dependable powerfull/high tourque engine that pulls strong to 6,000 RPM & will lug down to 1,000 in 4th gear (3.08 rear gears).......& turn mid 13 ET ( possible low 13 if I had drag radials) in the 1/4 mile :eek: yes I go to the drags once a year on oldies day.the babling of the old Dog Woof woof :steering: :flag :auto:

 

I rebuilt the dist. on my 66bb and installed a electronic ignition from LECTRIC LIMITED.
It has the one wire hook up as the original points and is undetectable without removing the cap.
So far i have had no problems with the system, but it is so easy to change back to original, that i keep a set of points and condenser with me just in case.

 

more good solid solutions to a nonexistent problem :-)......

my advice? get a rebuilt std vette distributor, or rebuild your's, stick a spare set of "set" points under the seat in case of emergencies (as Duke said)...... and forget it (putting a spare condenser in the bag with the points would be a good idea as well).

just FYI, I've had/seen a lot more problems, in the last 30 years, with the TI set up than with the std. ignition system. now, there's hi-tech replacement systems..... but that's not my style

 

Its good to have a spare set of points, condenser, and a coil, with the cell phone :D

 

A TI Delco number 1111093 for 1966. I have one new one left. It is for the 425HP engine but is still correct for the year. :)

 

I put a Pertronix in my distributor years ago. Took out the points and condenser and put them in the storage area along with the distributor wire. Once every year or two, I have to remember to pull the cap off so I can clean the rotor and the crud off the advance weights.

 

Ironcross,

If the original poster wasn't interested, how much do you want for the distributor