Need help with distributor
#1
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS/1989 Vert RS
Engine: 355/350
Transmission: T-5/T-5
Axle/Gears: BW9bolt3.45posi/3.23 Posi
Need help with distributor
I don't think I have it sat in right.
The timing is correct but it seems like the wires are too short...
Where should the rotor be pointing too if it is tdc?
The timing is correct but it seems like the wires are too short...
Where should the rotor be pointing too if it is tdc?
#2
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS/1989 Vert RS
Engine: 355/350
Transmission: T-5/T-5
Axle/Gears: BW9bolt3.45posi/3.23 Posi
Re: Need help with distributor
someone has to knwo come on guys!
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Car: Trailblazer EXT 4.2 (Firebird Form)
Engine: 5.1 4bbl
Transmission: 700R4 Mega Raptor Level 4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Need help with distributor
I believe the rotor is suppose to be pointing at the distributor caps # 1 terminal... 18436572...
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Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: Need help with distributor
Correct - you can make any terminal on the distributor the #1 terminal.
Usually, folks find TDC on the compression stroke, and then stab the distributor so that the rotor is pointing towards the #1 plug. Then, they call that corresponding cap terminal #1, and run the wires accordingly by firing order.
But since you can call any terminal the #1 terminal, you don't necessarily have to restab the distributor - you just have to make sure your at TDC on the compression stroke, and wherever the rotor is pointing THAT terminal will be the #1 plug wire, then rerun the wires accordingly with firing order.
If having trouble with wire lengths, just start with your shortest wire, and run it to the closest plug, then plug that wire into the correct terminal for that plug, and so forth.
If you just can't get enough length out of the set for one or more plugs, then maybe you ended up with the wrong plug wire set - just because the auto parts counter person handed you that box, doesn't mean it was or right box, or that it had the right wire set inside - and you may be forced to get a new set.
Good Luck!
Usually, folks find TDC on the compression stroke, and then stab the distributor so that the rotor is pointing towards the #1 plug. Then, they call that corresponding cap terminal #1, and run the wires accordingly by firing order.
But since you can call any terminal the #1 terminal, you don't necessarily have to restab the distributor - you just have to make sure your at TDC on the compression stroke, and wherever the rotor is pointing THAT terminal will be the #1 plug wire, then rerun the wires accordingly with firing order.
If having trouble with wire lengths, just start with your shortest wire, and run it to the closest plug, then plug that wire into the correct terminal for that plug, and so forth.
If you just can't get enough length out of the set for one or more plugs, then maybe you ended up with the wrong plug wire set - just because the auto parts counter person handed you that box, doesn't mean it was or right box, or that it had the right wire set inside - and you may be forced to get a new set.
Good Luck!
#6
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS/1989 Vert RS
Engine: 355/350
Transmission: T-5/T-5
Axle/Gears: BW9bolt3.45posi/3.23 Posi
Re: Need help with distributor
Correct - you can make any terminal on the distributor the #1 terminal.
Usually, folks find TDC on the compression stroke, and then stab the distributor so that the rotor is pointing towards the #1 plug. Then, they call that corresponding cap terminal #1, and run the wires accordingly by firing order.
But since you can call any terminal the #1 terminal, you don't necessarily have to restab the distributor - you just have to make sure your at TDC on the compression stroke, and wherever the rotor is pointing THAT terminal will be the #1 plug wire, then rerun the wires accordingly with firing order.
If having trouble with wire lengths, just start with your shortest wire, and run it to the closest plug, then plug that wire into the correct terminal for that plug, and so forth.
If you just can't get enough length out of the set for one or more plugs, then maybe you ended up with the wrong plug wire set - just because the auto parts counter person handed you that box, doesn't mean it was or right box, or that it had the right wire set inside - and you may be forced to get a new set.
Good Luck!
Usually, folks find TDC on the compression stroke, and then stab the distributor so that the rotor is pointing towards the #1 plug. Then, they call that corresponding cap terminal #1, and run the wires accordingly by firing order.
But since you can call any terminal the #1 terminal, you don't necessarily have to restab the distributor - you just have to make sure your at TDC on the compression stroke, and wherever the rotor is pointing THAT terminal will be the #1 plug wire, then rerun the wires accordingly with firing order.
If having trouble with wire lengths, just start with your shortest wire, and run it to the closest plug, then plug that wire into the correct terminal for that plug, and so forth.
If you just can't get enough length out of the set for one or more plugs, then maybe you ended up with the wrong plug wire set - just because the auto parts counter person handed you that box, doesn't mean it was or right box, or that it had the right wire set inside - and you may be forced to get a new set.
Good Luck!
Last edited by JTNKTZ; 03-26-2010 at 10:19 PM.
#7
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Car: 1992 RS
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Re: Need help with distributor
They can cost more - but maybe try a cut-to-length kit - they come with 8 long wires, and ends to crimp on the dist side - you run them, cut them to size, crimp the end on, and viola! And the Taylor Made Spiro-wound come in a multitude of sexy colors (which they should at $65 a set!).
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#8
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Car: 82 S10, 83 280ZX, 84 Z28
Engine: 355 smallblocks..na, 2.8 turbo
Transmission: 85:th350, 84:700R4
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Re: Need help with distributor
here is the best video ive ever seen on installing the sbc distributor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjNS_PHTRog
#9
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Car: Trailblazer EXT 4.2 (Firebird Form)
Engine: 5.1 4bbl
Transmission: 700R4 Mega Raptor Level 4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Need help with distributor
well now, I just checked my birds firing order and indeed number 1 wire is point straight down the middle of the camshaft... is that acceptable, car ran like a champ... then again I haven't driven it in 5 years...
BTW, on the Harmonic damper/balancer whatever it's called, on the tab, my base timing is set 2BTDC, engine calls for TDC, but it runs like a worn out dog...
BTW, on the Harmonic damper/balancer whatever it's called, on the tab, my base timing is set 2BTDC, engine calls for TDC, but it runs like a worn out dog...
Last edited by KNBlazer; 03-26-2010 at 10:42 PM.
#10
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Re: Need help with distributor
This all helps very much. looks like I am reinstalling my dizzy tomorrow!
#11
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Re: Need help with distributor
KNBlazer - doesn't matter where the terminal is that is #1 on the cap - the rotor determines which terminal is #1 on the cap when the distributor is installed. You can have the rotor pointing towards the firewall at TDC, and the cooresponding cap terminal will be #1 plug wire - doesn't matter where the rotor points, as long as YOU make that terminal on the cap the #1 plug wire at TDC.
I think the habit of stabbing the distributor so that the rotor points towards the #1 spark plug on a SBC started because in the old days the distributors had vacuum advance cans on the sides, and if the distributor was stabbed this way, 1) it was easy to remember which terminal on the cap was #1, and 2) this allowed the greatest adjustment of the distrubutor (rotation-wise) because any other position and the vacuum can would get caught against the firewall, the intake vacuum tree, etc. while turning the distributor and restrict your tuning ability.
I think the habit of stabbing the distributor so that the rotor points towards the #1 spark plug on a SBC started because in the old days the distributors had vacuum advance cans on the sides, and if the distributor was stabbed this way, 1) it was easy to remember which terminal on the cap was #1, and 2) this allowed the greatest adjustment of the distrubutor (rotation-wise) because any other position and the vacuum can would get caught against the firewall, the intake vacuum tree, etc. while turning the distributor and restrict your tuning ability.
#12
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS/1989 Vert RS
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Re: Need help with distributor
I forgot to mention, this is a carb car with a vacuum advance MSD dizzy
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