Re curved distributor
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
For C3 production (up through 1980), the factory set the mechanical advance at about 26-28 degrees, all-in around 4000 rpm. That is a far cry from 34-36 degrees, all-in around 3000 rpm.
Yes, you can fine-tune those details (and the vacuum can selection) specifically for your engine. But, not unless your engine is on a dyno or you have the patience of Jobe, lots of extra money for fuel, and a place to do regular acceleration runs if you do NOT have a dyno.
If you know what dizzy parameters you need set in it and the vendor can comply with those details...accurately, great; that will get you close enough for most folks needs. But, the most important aspect of buying a new distributor is the QUALITY of the distributor.
Yes, you can fine-tune those details (and the vacuum can selection) specifically for your engine. But, not unless your engine is on a dyno or you have the patience of Jobe, lots of extra money for fuel, and a place to do regular acceleration runs if you do NOT have a dyno.
If you know what dizzy parameters you need set in it and the vendor can comply with those details...accurately, great; that will get you close enough for most folks needs. But, the most important aspect of buying a new distributor is the QUALITY of the distributor.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke VA
My last post was about a performance recurve. Stock build might want 36 degrees all in @ 2500 where a Performance build with good heads might want 32 degrees all in @ 3000. The performance difference between these is noticable. Vacuum can selection will vary depending on the build and cam, dozens of options are available as well as adjustables. Recurving a distributor for optimal performance is not a one size fits all and I have done dozens without a dyno in 1-2 hours work max. It is the best, low cost, power upgrade you can get if done correctly to compliment your specific build.
This is a good average for most applications, but of course if you have access to the time and equipment, you can optimize for exact rpms for an individual application.
We can/and do set distributors for specific applications when the customer knows what they want, or have sought our expertise to help them determine what they want
We also find that not all distributors will re-curve as well as others. Some just won't total as low as 2500.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Battle Creek MI
Thanks Terry! My question wasn't because I was trying to support the melonized stuff...it was simply that's the only term I'd heard used in reference to factory hydraulic roller cam compatibility.
Wish I had seen this ad 2 days ago before I ordered a non recurved distributor from somewhere else for the same money
Wish I had seen this ad 2 days ago before I ordered a non recurved distributor from somewhere else for the same money
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke VA
Thanks Terry! My question wasn't because I was trying to support the melonized stuff...it was simply that's the only term I'd heard used in reference to factory hydraulic roller cam compatibility.
Wish I had seen this ad 2 days ago before I ordered a non recurved distributor from somewhere else for the same money
Wish I had seen this ad 2 days ago before I ordered a non recurved distributor from somewhere else for the same money
Melonizing is a fine process, but often someone hears a term and get all excited and convinced that is the only way to go. In reality the gear needs to be hardened and treated to withstand the abuse, and Chromoly has been around for a very long time.
We can re-curve your distributor if you send it to us, or call in to see us and we'll do it while you wait (assuming you have it off the car).
Last edited by TerryWalters; Mar 14, 2013 at 05:18 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke VA
We change/adjust the weights and springs, and set the vacuum advance. Adjusting the weights involves machining/grinding them, and this is done if and exact match isn't available off the shelf.
We have several thousand weights and springs in stock in different ratings to suit any distributor.
We have several thousand weights and springs in stock in different ratings to suit any distributor.
