Distributor recommendations
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Distributor recommendations
My 30 year old original distributor in my 85 corvette has officially disintegrated (Because plastic). I posted earlier because I couldn't get the vette to run with the distributor I bought due to summit telling me the wrong distributor would fit and my lack of knowledge on the subject. I am wanting to run the new distributor with an MSD 6A ignition box and an external coil (I have an MSD Blaster 3 coil but I can exchange that if need be). I just need some recommendations so that I can exchange the wrong distributor with the right one, especially now that I have no choice. If any additional wires or parts are required please include those as well, Thanks!
(Originally posted in tech/performance but got no replies)
(Originally posted in tech/performance but got no replies)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
First we don't know what failed on your original distributor...."because plastic". What does that mean? Most of all of the plastic parts in a distributor are easily and cheaply replaceable; cap, rotor, module.
Second, distributors last forever. One on my truck is 20 years/278,000 miles old. Not really a fail-prone part.
Third, what distributor did you get that's wrong? You need a large cap HEI distributor, to replace your original unit.
By the sounds of your technical expertise, I'd recommend passing on the MSD box. I think that will introduce more problems than it will solve (none). The stock ignition is way better than good enough for any stock, stockish, or even moderately modified engine.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,072
From: Lansing MI
If it were me I would just return everything and get my money back. Once I had done that then I would go and buy a replacement distributor that actually fits your car. This is most definitely the easiest way to get your car running again.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,122
Likes: 1,725
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Go back and get a new AC Delco/OEM unit, and do not bother with the other modifications to the ignition system.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,360
Likes: 2,729
OP - if you have a sound distributor shaft and housing you should be able to do with what you have vs a purchase of another. The only part I believe you can't service is the harness out of the distributor to the harness and many have either ignored it (let it hang), used RTV or another grommet of sorts to make do.
Someone mentioned returning what you have and I'd agree.
Someone mentioned returning what you have and I'd agree.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,361
Likes: 3,255
From: Hartford WI
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