Distributor 91 L98
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 753
Likes: 1
From: Waynesville, Mo
Distributor 91 L98
Ok, I have a question and maybe looking for whatever is easier/popular to do. I would like to change stock distributor or ignition upgrade. Anyway does anyone make a drop in distributor or should I just use a MSD box as a upgrade. I am going to a new 383 but my old dist. has 180,000 miles of use and I fell it would be wise to do something. Thanks for the help/advice.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
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Cruise-In II Veteran
I'll let the others chime in for the upgrades,but I do know you can rebuild your distributor fairly cheap and easy.The pick up can be replaced along with new module and etc.I think the circuit board can still be bought from suppliers like napa and etc.Even a new gear can be pressed on if the old one is bad.
Theres a few new units(aftermarket) you can buy but have no experience to offer on them.I know others have used the msd and other units with success here.Im sure they will tell ya more.
Theres a few new units(aftermarket) you can buy but have no experience to offer on them.I know others have used the msd and other units with success here.Im sure they will tell ya more.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
It sounds like you are looking to waste some money. Unless the 383 has quite high compression pressures, or is going to be expected to turn very high rpms, your HEI is more than capable. Make sure it is in good condition. You can buy a rebuilt, but you will get a better quality refurbish if you replace the bushings and set the end play, yourself.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,153
Likes: 1,731
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
If youre going to replace with an MSD distributor, you can search and find several threads on it. Replacement GM will do just fine.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1087393
whether or not you NEED the separate MSD box depends on the combination
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1087393
whether or not you NEED the separate MSD box depends on the combination
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
It sounds like you are looking to waste some money. Unless the 383 has quite high compression pressures, or is going to be expected to turn very high rpms, your HEI is more than capable. Make sure it is in good condition. You can buy a rebuilt, but you will get a better quality refurbish if you replace the bushings and set the end play, yourself.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
-- Joe
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
7000 rpms is pretty high. I shift my stocker at 6000 and NO problems. I have a friend with an alcohol burning 406 that runs 10s on an HEI. He shifts between 7800 and 8000 rpms. He does have a hp module and coil. An ignition system will only supply the volts needed to jump the gap. If the HEI CAN supply 40,000 volts, the "Fancy" ignition 60,000 volts, and it takes 15,000 volts to jump the gap of the plugs, then BOTH the HEI and the "Fancy" will supply, only, the required 15,000 volts. I would test and verify a need, before I waste money on something I don't know I need and can't see the results of.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
7000 rpms is pretty high. I shift my stocker at 6000 and NO problems. I have a friend with an alcohol burning 406 that runs 10s on an HEI. He shifts between 7800 and 8000 rpms. He does have a hp module and coil. An ignition system will only supply the volts needed to jump the gap. If the HEI CAN supply 40,000 volts, the "Fancy" ignition 60,000 volts, and it takes 15,000 volts to jump the gap of the plugs, then BOTH the HEI and the "Fancy" will supply, only, the required 15,000 volts. I would test and verify a need, before I waste money on something I don't know I need and can't see the results of.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
The voltage isnt the big factor here. It's charging the coil.
-- Joe
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
No fair. I said it first. Read what you quoted me saying.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
-- Joe
