Distributor question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Distributor question
I recently replaced plugs and wires, I should have done the distributor stuff while I was at it. Anyway, to minimize down time, can somebody tell me what parts I need before I tear it apart and find out I need more? Just the cap and rotor? (That may sound like a silly question, but I've owned a rotary engined RX-7 for the past dozen years, it has no distributor, all electronic with one coil per plug.) 
Thanks.
Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From: Scranton PA
Re: Distributor question (TJR)
I about to do the same with my 89, I want to change plugs, wires dist. cap, rotor but I also hear changing the coil to a higher output would improve performance..anyone have a opinion on this, plus what if any is a good one to get...
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Distributor question (Paul T)
I run the HyperTech coil/cap/rotor combo (40% more voltage), TPIS wires, and cut back AC Delcos cut back and gapped to about .045". This combo is worth at least 10HP, gives solid ignition up to rev limit and improves fuel burning for better mileage. Such a deal.
The HyperTech just plugs in, though you'll need to take a Dremel to the retainer ring to get it to fit over the larger top. It still fits under the plenum tail piece nicely. When you have the cap off and the plugs out is a good time to do the wires with minimal hassles.
The HyperTech just plugs in, though you'll need to take a Dremel to the retainer ring to get it to fit over the larger top. It still fits under the plenum tail piece nicely. When you have the cap off and the plugs out is a good time to do the wires with minimal hassles.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
Likes: 1
From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Distributor question (TJR)
I agree with the posters recommending aftermarket parts. I bought a GM replacement cap and it was made in somebody's basement in the far east and was a piece of junk.
I used a Davis cap / rotor / coil on my 89 and it is quality stuff, but have had some tack problems from the day I did the change.
In retrospect I would keep the stock coil and use aftermarket for everything else.
When swapping caps / coils pay attention to the directions on hooking up the ground strap and other wires. If using high voltage coil you may need nylon screws for the rotor to prevent arching. Reset timing when you are done according to the manual.
BTW, all your plug wire holders are going to break. Might as well get the set from one of the rags so you can hook everything back up. If you go to larger wires get the holders that fit your wire size.
Use anti-sieze from a tube on the plugs. Let the engine get cold before removing the plugs.
Good Luck with the project!
Pete
I used a Davis cap / rotor / coil on my 89 and it is quality stuff, but have had some tack problems from the day I did the change.
In retrospect I would keep the stock coil and use aftermarket for everything else.
When swapping caps / coils pay attention to the directions on hooking up the ground strap and other wires. If using high voltage coil you may need nylon screws for the rotor to prevent arching. Reset timing when you are done according to the manual.
BTW, all your plug wire holders are going to break. Might as well get the set from one of the rags so you can hook everything back up. If you go to larger wires get the holders that fit your wire size.
Use anti-sieze from a tube on the plugs. Let the engine get cold before removing the plugs.
Good Luck with the project!
Pete
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 1
From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: Distributor question (TJR)
How many miles does the car have on it? If its over 75,000, I would highly recommend taking your distributor out, clean the grease well and refill it.
Its a pretty easy job, it only took me an hour, but I was going slow and I lost the retaining pin and had to look for it. The grease is $6.00, its called, HEI Distributor grease. The only special tool you need is the right size punch for the cam gear, I ground down one of my punches to make the right size.
Other than this, a cap and rotor are must change items.
Its a pretty easy job, it only took me an hour, but I was going slow and I lost the retaining pin and had to look for it. The grease is $6.00, its called, HEI Distributor grease. The only special tool you need is the right size punch for the cam gear, I ground down one of my punches to make the right size.
Other than this, a cap and rotor are must change items.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: Distributor question (65Z01)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: Distributor question (TJR)
Cool, group purchase on that Hypertech in the Forum Mall, $75.95.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/corvette...pm-101-gp.html
[Modified by TJR, 11:49 PM 9/5/2001]
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/corvette...pm-101-gp.html
[Modified by TJR, 11:49 PM 9/5/2001]
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: frederick md
Re: Distributor question (NoWorries)
What is there to "refill" on a distributor? What grease are you talling about?
When I had my distributor out to replace my intake manifold gasket, I only put a little assembly lube on the distributor gear prior to reassembly. I have not fired it up yet, so I'm concerned that I forgot something critical.
Thanks.
When I had my distributor out to replace my intake manifold gasket, I only put a little assembly lube on the distributor gear prior to reassembly. I have not fired it up yet, so I'm concerned that I forgot something critical.
Thanks.