C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Small cap distributor options

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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 05:39 PM
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Default Small cap distributor options

What small cap distributors will work with an '89.... (The only one I've seen mentioned so far is > $300).

gp
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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 05:47 PM
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Distributors from Most F bodies and trucks of that era should work. Did you try the local parts stores ?
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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Spankyellow
Distributors from Most F bodies and trucks of that era should work. Did you try the local parts stores ?
No. I don't think the avg retail auto counter personnel would know that. So which F bodies/trucks use a small dist with the same plug config as our vettes? I don't know....

I saw a thread on an MSD dist that includes a reference to an expert who knows how to repin/remap distributors. I also see where small caps run $140 up.... I'm guessing some of the lower priced distribs will work, but a few threads that cover the subject seem to talk about the MSD 8366.
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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 09:04 PM
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Try posting a "Want to Buy" in the for sale section. Also, there are a couple of used 8366's for sale over in Thridgen.org.
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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 09:06 PM
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Someone sells the adaptor harness to switch to the small distributor, I cant remember who. Maybe Jims Performance ? Seems like it was $20. My 89 Camaro has a small distributor that I am sure would work with the adaptor.
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Old Mar 17, 2008 | 09:46 PM
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You need a small cap dizzy + coil from a 88+ fbody, or 87+ full size pickup, or TBI caprice, etc, etc. Might as well grab a section of harness and just splice the wires, unless you can find the adapter somewhere. You'll also need to splice or adapt the power + tach wires for the coil.

I imagine you want the small cap dizzy to decrease the amount of voltage required to jump the gap with more advance? I've run both setups over the years.

-- Joe
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 03:56 AM
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Originally Posted by anesthes
unless you can find the adapter somewhere.
-- Joe
www.eficonnection.com or Jims performance
do a nice custom adapter harness.
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
What small cap distributors will work with an '89.... (The only one I've seen mentioned so far is > $300).

gp
I just finished gathering up a small cap conversion for my soon to be done FIRST install. I bought a new small cap distibutor and associated harnesses from Tpi parts on Ebay, for about $250.00 all together. Distributor by itself was $170.00. I don't know if u can get it cheaper throgh a local parts house or not. I couldn't find a better deal. Hope this helps, Tom
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Z01#316
I just finished gathering up a small cap conversion for my soon to be done FIRST install. I bought a new small cap distibutor and associated harnesses from Tpi parts on Ebay, for about $250.00 all together. Distributor by itself was $170.00. I don't know if u can get it cheaper throgh a local parts house or not. I couldn't find a better deal. Hope this helps, Tom
I think reman units are $99 at autozone. I have a few in my shop with broken cap screws. They all oxidize and the screw breaks off into the bottom plate when you try to remove the cap.

-- Joe
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by anesthes
You need a small cap dizzy + coil from a 88+ fbody, or 87+ full size pickup, or TBI caprice, etc, etc. Might as well grab a section of harness and just splice the wires, unless you can find the adapter somewhere. You'll also need to splice or adapt the power + tach wires for the coil.

I imagine you want the small cap dizzy to decrease the amount of voltage required to jump the gap with more advance? I've run both setups over the years.

-- Joe
Will the MSD 8366 work on an 85 Vette?
Dave

Last edited by opel; Mar 18, 2008 at 11:54 AM.
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by anesthes
I think reman units are $99 at autozone. I have a few in my shop with broken cap screws. They all oxidize and the screw breaks off into the bottom plate when you try to remove the cap.

-- Joe
Well, that's good to know (in hindsight) . Mine is a new GM unit. Any idea what cause the oxidation and a way to prevent it?
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
What small cap distributors will work with an '89.... (The only one I've seen mentioned so far is > $300).

gp
got mine from White Performance on ebay...quality unit for less than $100....works great...

Cheers,
Michael
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by opel
Will the MSD 8366 work on an 85 Vette?
Dave
With the appropriate wiring changes, sure. 8366 is a small cap, direct replacement for small cap HEI applications.

-- Joe
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Z01#316
Well, that's good to know (in hindsight) . Mine is a new GM unit. Any idea what cause the oxidation and a way to prevent it?
No idea. I've seen it on trucks, fbody's, some older police cars. The screws are a way to small diameter so they snap the second you try and loosen the cap.

-- Joe
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 06:07 PM
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I have a small cap HEI for sale. To convert to a small HEI, you need the connectors and you will need to splice the 4 prong harness with one from an fbody or truck. Also you will need an external coil.
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