L-98 Distributor Swap
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 2
From: Houston TX
L-98 Distributor Swap
What is involved with swapping to the smaller diameter (F-Body type) distributor in place of say an '89 large diameter distributor? I am looking for additional clearance behind the plenum area on my project. I run an MSD 6AL on the factory type distributor now, and will retain in the future. Doesn't the small diameter unit use an external coil from the factory?
A complete list of the parts required would be helpful. Wiring changes would likewise be great.
Any help would be appreciated.
Aaron
A complete list of the parts required would be helpful. Wiring changes would likewise be great.
Any help would be appreciated.
Aaron
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 2
From: Houston TX
Re: L-98 Distributor Swap (SloRvette)
How about a bit of direction. I have tried the search and have found nothing. I believe that you can use a factory (late 80's) f-body unit, but would like a bit of insight from someone who has been there. A link would be nice.
Thanks,
Aaron
Thanks,
Aaron
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 246
Likes: 2
From: Philadelphia Pa.
Re: L-98 Distributor Swap (AKS Racing)
On the advice of my engine builder, I changed my stock dist. to a MSD unit. I welded a bracket of of the right side hood lock and mounted an MSD coil on that. I was told that a dist. with a coil on top, and a high energy ignition (I also use a MSD 6AL) will scatter the spark at high RPM's. It runs great and more room at the back of my super ram.
Good luck,
Joe
Good luck,
Joe
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Panama City, Florida, USA Florida
Re: L-98 Distributor Swap (SloRvette)
:cheers: Hey Aaron, it is really simple to do.
1- You need the 87-up F-Body distributor
2- You need the GM GRAY DUAL PIN connector, this is the conector which provides the PINK (12 AWG) IGNITION POWER, and the WHITE (16 AWG) TACH output wire. You can get this from any junkyard from any 87-94 GM MID-SIZE cars, (LUMINA, CELEBRITY, and so on). You will also need the BLACK DUAL PIN connector which provides IGNITION POWER and ground to the IGNITION MODULE. You can get this from this same car.
3- You will need the small 4-pin connector that also connects into the 87-UP F-BODY IGNITION MODULE.
4- You will also need to cut off the 4-pin connector with about 6 inches of wire, from your current distributor, which will be spliced with the 4-pin F-BODY connector.
5- The real key to this swap is that you get a diagram on your 85-91 C-4 distributor and one of the 87-92 F-BODY distributor, and you will notice that you will need to SWAP the (A and D) pin location, because they are in reverse orientation. That is really it. I have done this many times, and also with the ACCELL 6.32 DFI setup. HTH's
1- You need the 87-up F-Body distributor
2- You need the GM GRAY DUAL PIN connector, this is the conector which provides the PINK (12 AWG) IGNITION POWER, and the WHITE (16 AWG) TACH output wire. You can get this from any junkyard from any 87-94 GM MID-SIZE cars, (LUMINA, CELEBRITY, and so on). You will also need the BLACK DUAL PIN connector which provides IGNITION POWER and ground to the IGNITION MODULE. You can get this from this same car.
3- You will need the small 4-pin connector that also connects into the 87-UP F-BODY IGNITION MODULE.
4- You will also need to cut off the 4-pin connector with about 6 inches of wire, from your current distributor, which will be spliced with the 4-pin F-BODY connector.
5- The real key to this swap is that you get a diagram on your 85-91 C-4 distributor and one of the 87-92 F-BODY distributor, and you will notice that you will need to SWAP the (A and D) pin location, because they are in reverse orientation. That is really it. I have done this many times, and also with the ACCELL 6.32 DFI setup. HTH's
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Re: L-98 Distributor Swap (6SSPD)
Aaron, I have made this swap on my 86, using an MSD 8366 distributor. got the wiring adapter from http://www.jimsperformance.com for $20.00 + shipping. Got the wire harness off a junk yard F-body and picked up the coil too because you have to drill out the bracket because the new coil does not come with a bracket. Get the MSD wiring harness adapter harness too and the 6AL plugs right into it color coded. Easy swap.
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