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

First post: Distributor in correct location?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 28, 2021 | 08:59 AM
  #1  
Swilliam85's Avatar
Swilliam85
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: South Daytona, Florida
Default First post: Distributor in correct location?

Hello all, first post,

My son and I purchased a 1985 Corvette ($1500)and our first order is to give it a tune up. When we first gave it a test run there was a rich fuel smell and the previous owner said be careful about flooding it. We drove it around and it seemed to be responsive yet definately in need of a tune up. Low and behold the day after aquiring it I noticed cylinder 6 spark plug wire was totally disconnected! I reattached it and when my son started it, he didnt have to give it gas and it started right up no more fuel smell.
So now that spark plugs, wires, rotor and distributor cap have been purchased, plus a few how to videos (I have done a very successful tune up on the 350 in my 99 Suburban but knew that the Corvette would be a little different)we got to work. When we removed the distributor cover I noticed that the top of the cap and distributor seemed off from the videos I watched. I have included two pics to show the almost 22.5 degree difference, also makes the wires to the battery a little harder to get to. Since it was running fine, I really dont want to change that position, any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.



our situation

example of what is normal?
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2021 | 09:29 AM
  #2  
VikingTrad3r's Avatar
VikingTrad3r
Oil Producer
Supporting Gold
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 2,736
Default

you don’t have to change the position if it’s working.

do u have an old school timing light? double check its base timing is correct. should be 6dbtdc

you need to pull the electronic spark control wire to do the base timing test. its a single connector btwn the master cyl and distributor that pokes out of the harness in a convenient location for you to disconnect.

be very very very gentle with your connectors.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2021 | 05:32 PM
  #3  
kanvasman's Avatar
kanvasman
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,815
Likes: 1,726
From: Summerville SC
Default

I just finished putting new wires on my ‘86 L 98 and they are positioned same as yours. The big issue sometimes is crossfiring between #5 and 7 so follow the diagrams and don’ t let them touch. As said above your order is correct just route wires correctlt. #2 and 3 go around the front. Have fun with the new toy and for that price you can’t go wrong.
Reply
Old May 6, 2021 | 07:26 PM
  #4  
Swilliam85's Avatar
Swilliam85
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: South Daytona, Florida
Default

Thanks for the replys, been busy so we not only had to complete the tune up, but had to replace the Alternator and battery. She fires right up and and an excellent surprise is that the reason we got this 85 for $1500 besides being rough around the edges is that the digital dash was said to be not working, the dash does light up now but cant be read with the naked eye, however with polorized sunglass, RPMs, speed, temp, voltage etc can all be read. Now for a dash refurb kit and to changing out the lifebloods.
Reply
Old May 7, 2021 | 06:53 AM
  #5  
kenmohr's Avatar
kenmohr
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 178
From: NE Ohio
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by Swilliam85
Thanks for the replys, been busy so we not only had to complete the tune up, but had to replace the Alternator and battery. She fires right up and and an excellent surprise is that the reason we got this 85 for $1500 besides being rough around the edges is that the digital dash was said to be not working, the dash does light up now but cant be read with the naked eye, however with polorized sunglass, RPMs, speed, temp, voltage etc can all be read. Now for a dash refurb kit and to changing out the lifebloods.
Send it to Batee.com. Had mine done and it looks and works like new.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To First post: Distributor in correct location?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:55 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE