88 vert,What small cap distributor to use?
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Instructor
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From: chicago Il
88 vert,What small cap distributor to use? MSD8366
Hey guys, I just put the ZZ383 motor with a First Fuel injection unit in my 88. I purchased the MSD 8366 distributor for it because MSD said it would be a direct replacement and wouldnt need a coil.The shop called me today and said that this distributor wont work with my car. Any suggestion on what MSD unit I should be using. All help is greatly appreciated. Tim
Last edited by CHISGT; Mar 7, 2008 at 12:19 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
application? Is it because there is insufficient physical space or because
the connectors appear to be incompatible? I do not know how much
room is available with the FIRST intake, but adapter harnesses are
available from aftermarket vendors like Jim's Performance.
Also, if MSD told you that the 8366 does not require an external coil
then my vote is that they are mistaken.
Here is LD85's MSD 8366. Note the remote-mounted coil.
.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: chicago Il
No There is plenty of room. But apparently the wiring doesnt match up. I am going to the shop to work on it tomorrow so I will have a better idea of what the problem is. Does the 8366 have a melonized gear? The ZZ383 must have a melonized gear per Gm
Last edited by CHISGT; Mar 7, 2008 at 12:18 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
"MSD said it would be a direct replacement and wouldnt need a coil."
Totally wrong
It is a direct replacement for a F-body remote coil setup which is what you are converting to.
Email Mike at sales@eficonnection.com
You need the HEI to small cap conversion harness and a small cap coil pigtail (pink / white).
Just supplied the same items to me at a very good price.
Obviously you need a remote coil and a HT wire from the coil to 8366 cap.
Totally wrong
It is a direct replacement for a F-body remote coil setup which is what you are converting to.
Email Mike at sales@eficonnection.com
You need the HEI to small cap conversion harness and a small cap coil pigtail (pink / white).
Just supplied the same items to me at a very good price.
Obviously you need a remote coil and a HT wire from the coil to 8366 cap.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: chicago Il
Rodj any chance they can overnight it? I didnt see a phone number on the website but then again it's late and maybe I missed it. Thanks for all the help. I am just trying to get it running before my wife see' s it at the shop on saturday. She doesnt know about the new motor.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Check the shaft diameter and then source the appropriate dist gear
following
ACDELCO
- #19052845 GEAR,DISTR SHF HARDENED GEAR FOR STEEL CAM SHAFT [Small Cap - .425”].
- #10456413 GEAR,DISTR SHF HARDENED GEAR FOR STEEL CAM SHAFT [Large Cap - .491”].
To adjust distributor end play, consider sourcing- #19052845 GEAR,DISTR SHF HARDENED GEAR FOR STEEL CAM SHAFT [Small Cap - .425”].
- #10456413 GEAR,DISTR SHF HARDENED GEAR FOR STEEL CAM SHAFT [Large Cap - .491”].
- Moroso #26140 Distributor Gear Shim Kit for 1/2" dist shaft. Set of 5
(I do not know of shims better suited for the 0.425” dia shaft)
Adapting the OEM harness to the F-body dist means sourcing the (I do not know of shims better suited for the 0.425” dia shaft)
following
- HEI to Small Dist Conversion Plug
(from Jim's Performance, EFI Connection or others)
- ACDELCO #PT166 Ignition Coil-Ign Connector, Grey Plug
(Alternates: GM #12101896 and Standard Motor Prod #S562 )
- ACDELCO #PT1909 $14.51 Ignition Coil-12 VDC & Tach pigtail, Black Plug
(Alternates: GM #88860464 and Standard Motor Prod #S563)
.
(from Jim's Performance, EFI Connection or others)
- ACDELCO #PT166 Ignition Coil-Ign Connector, Grey Plug
(Alternates: GM #12101896 and Standard Motor Prod #S562 )
- ACDELCO #PT1909 $14.51 Ignition Coil-12 VDC & Tach pigtail, Black Plug
(Alternates: GM #88860464 and Standard Motor Prod #S563)
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Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: chicago Il
I jusy wanted to thank everyone for your help. I had to have the connectors today so I ended up going to the Chevy dealer to get them. Let me tell you Jims Performance and EFI connections are priced much better than the dealer where I paid $33.00 and $88.00 for the connectors with Pig tails. I would like to give a big thank you to Jim from Jims performance who while even though he didnt sell me anything explained how to wire up the pig tails (GM's pig tails are not color coded they are all white wires and the heads are not letter coded) Thanks Jim, and as I replace my wiring on the vet I will be going threw Jim as he is obviously a true gear head and a great business man. Thanks again Tim Conlan Chicago
Race Director
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From: Indianapolis IN
I jusy wanted to thank everyone for your help. I had to have the connectors today so I ended up going to the Chevy dealer to get them. Let me tell you Jims Performance and EFI connections are priced much better than the dealer where I paid $33.00 and $88.00 for the connectors with Pig tails. I would like to give a big thank you to Jim from Jims performance who while even though he didnt sell me anything explained how to wire up the pig tails (GM's pig tails are not color coded they are all white wires and the heads are not letter coded) Thanks Jim, and as I replace my wiring on the vet I will be going threw Jim as he is obviously a true gear head and a great business man. Thanks again Tim Conlan Chicago
Jim at www.jimsperformance.com is #1 with wiring harness and electrical issues, this man will help you with your problems, not matter what!
He repinned my 1985 harness to match an 86-89 harness, and found an intermittent ground problem that I would never of found.
Safety Car
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From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Once again I was too slow... I hope it all works out...
Randy
Last edited by RandyJ75; Mar 7, 2008 at 10:50 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: chicago Il
Thanks Randy, Robbie from A-team speed shop explained that to me this morning. Also anyone looking for parts A-team is the place. He beats summit and Jegs and usually has the parts the next day. Very knowledgeable. 1-708-633-1320.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
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From: Edmonton AB
GM PART # 88860464 (ACDELCO #PT1909)
GM LIST: $26.16
OUR PRICE: $13.59
GM PART # 12101896 (ACDELCO #PT166)
GM LIST: $29.42
OUR PRICE: $15.31
GM PART # 12126487 (ACDELCO #PT757)
GM LIST: $50.80
OUR PRICE: $26.43
The first two were mentioned above in an earlier post.
The third P/N is for half of the adapter harness required to join the
the OEM connector for the large cap to the small cap dist. It consists
of the plug for the small cap dist with pigtails made of stiff wire with
white insulation. If there is a matching pigtal consisting of a receptacle
that the OEM connector can plug into, I do not know the P/N for it.
My vote is that the only useful purpose for this pigtail is where an
owner is prepared to cut off the OEM connector to make the conversion
permanent.
Jim's offers a complete adapter harness that comes ready-to-use with
both ends. Jim's wire has much nicer insulation which is more flexible
and colour-coded. It is also less money than the PT757. Making this
adapter from ACDELCO pigtails is expensive and impractical - which
is why I didn't suggest it.
.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 179
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From: chicago Il
Jims would have been a much better deal if I didnt need it right then. I am not sure of the part numbers I used I will have to look when I get beck to the shop on monday. Thanks again everybody
