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Distributor confusion

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Old Oct 14, 2015 | 06:24 PM
  #1  
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Default Distributor confusion

Well i ended up with a crate 5.7 vortec engine same as from like a 1997 k1500 truck. Swapped oil pans and pumps timing chain cover got the right intake for the vortec heads. I did not know that the stock 87 corvette distributor would not fit and i have run into a snag.

Because i had the computer retuned and im running the tpi intake i would need an electronic advance distributor other wise the computer wont be able to advance the timing or retard it. The only problem with the stock vortec distributor is it does not look to wire up with the corvette harness. Can i modify a eom vortec distributor to work with my set up? or should i start looking into maybe an msd ignition system.

There has to be a way to get this to work if someone can swap an ls1 into these cars i should be able to get the vortec motor to work.

Car is a 1986 corvette had the distributor out of an 87 corvette.
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Old Oct 14, 2015 | 07:01 PM
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From: Lansing MI
Default

Originally Posted by sansonic
Well i ended up with a crate 5.7 vortec engine same as from like a 1997 k1500 truck. Swapped oil pans and pumps timing chain cover got the right intake for the vortec heads. I did not know that the stock 87 corvette distributor would not fit and i have run into a snag.

Because i had the computer retuned and im running the tpi intake i would need an electronic advance distributor other wise the computer wont be able to advance the timing or retard it. The only problem with the stock vortec distributor is it does not look to wire up with the corvette harness. Can i modify a eom vortec distributor to work with my set up? or should i start looking into maybe an msd ignition system.

There has to be a way to get this to work if someone can swap an ls1 into these cars i should be able to get the vortec motor to work.

Car is a 1986 corvette had the distributor out of an 87 corvette.
I would roll with the MSD distributor.
The tabs that the cap screws thread into break off with alarming regularity on the stock "vortec" plastic body distributor.
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Old Oct 14, 2015 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Amotoxracer
I would roll with the MSD distributor.
The tabs that the cap screws thread into break off with alarming regularity on the stock "vortec" plastic body distributor.
I agree on the msd distributor I just hate how there's not an easy electronic advance distributor to go into this motor for the corvette. Very weird why the corvette one wouldn't fit
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Old Oct 14, 2015 | 08:07 PM
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Weird I was messing with the 87 corvette distributor and I got it to fit In. I thought it was supposed to fit.
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Old Sep 19, 2017 | 01:17 PM
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Default L31

Hello,

pretty old thread here, but I'm looking to repower my '84 with a '97 l31 vortec myself.....

have any pictures of your setup?

I've looked thru the comments on various posts you've made regarding this car... it would be sweet if there was a general summary on your thoughts as to how this repower went.

thanks for any comments you can throw this way...

I plan on using an EFI system of some sort, and don't want to cut the hood if at all possible...

Regards,

Ken
1984 C4 , located in the UP of MI
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Old Sep 24, 2017 | 04:43 AM
  #6  
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Default 1984 vortec swap

Originally Posted by knikula
Hello,

pretty old thread here, but I'm looking to repower my '84 with a '97 l31 vortec myself.....

have any pictures of your setup?

I've looked thru the comments on various posts you've made regarding this car... it would be sweet if there was a general summary on your thoughts as to how this repower went.

thanks for any comments you can throw this way...

I plan on using an EFI system of some sort, and don't want to cut the hood if at all possible...

Regards,

Ken
1984 C4 , located in the UP of MI


I am actually looking to do the same ken. Have you found anything on doing the swap? What transmission would you be using?
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Old Sep 24, 2017 | 01:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeremy Darr
I am actually looking to do the same ken. Have you found anything on doing the swap? What transmission would you be using?
I'm sticking with the original 700r4, to see if I can destroy that...
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Old Sep 24, 2017 | 08:47 PM
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Default L-31 vortec

Originally Posted by sansonic
Weird I was messing with the 87 corvette distributor and I got it to fit In. I thought it was supposed to fit.
sansonic I know this is an old thread, but how much of a difference was there on performance. I'm hoping you still have the vette. Any info would be great. TIA
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