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Old Jun 1, 2008 | 11:23 AM
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we just bought a 71 sting ray.it was in the process of being redone.the motor is a later model 454.what or can we use a later model distributor,and still hook the tach up to it ? or do i need to look into a different theory.
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Old Jun 1, 2008 | 12:14 PM
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dckerns,

The Corvette models didn't change over to electronic tachometers until the 1975 model. If you use a mechanical tach drive distributor before this year, you should be alright.
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Old Jun 1, 2008 | 04:16 PM
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You can purchase aftermarket HEI distributors with mechanical tach drives on them. Check some Corvette parts suppliers. If you want to stay 'original', you will have to go with the points distributor or find an early [rare and expensive] TI system.
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 08:34 PM
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thanks for the info. guys.
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 10:05 PM
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I had Lars (forum member) rebuild my original points distributor. When I got it back from him, it looked like brand new and the car runs great now.
If you do go with an HEI unit, you will need to run a new 12 volt power wire to it. On my Nova, I ran it from one of the spare terminals on the fuse block.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 09:28 AM
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Any pre-75 Corvette tach drive distributor, whether small block or big block, will work perfectly. You don't need HEI for outstanding performance and reliability, so stick with a standard points-type distributor that would be stock for your year.
Lars
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 12:17 PM
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I bought a MSD distributor with the mechanical tach drive connection for my 427, probably the same one you would need for the 454.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 12:39 PM
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You could use a tach-drive Mallory Unilite distributor.
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