I'm not sure how to ask this. If you have a better distributor, like Accel, what exactly does it do? And, what model or distributor or whatever of Accel works with an 86 IROC w/305 TPI?

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86' IROC-Z
5.0L TPI
Stock(for now)

 

The model number for the TPI-style distributor from Accel is 60109 and is $240 from Summit last time I checked. MSD has one (model number 8366) for $290. I'll be getting a brand new GM distributor (GM part number 1103952) for about $160 from Dal at VanDevere. PaceParts has this one for $155, but I'm ordering a bunch of other stuff from Dal that he was cheaper on.

As far as if the aftermarket distributors are any better, I don't know, but I don't think they're any better than getting a new GM distributor. If someone knows more than this, please let us know, but I like saving $80 on one part. As my wife would think, that's like getting it for 33% off.

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Greg Westphal
'87 IROC 305TPI/A4

 

I believe the stock GM distributor gives out around 5500rpm. Aftermarket ones, like MSD are good for 7000+.
At least thats what I understand, could be wrong.

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Rob
'86 TA 305 TPI

 

Stick with GM. Accels products have to be the worst quality I have ever seen.

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92 Formula
305 TPI 5speed
1LE package
Mods: SLP headers,SLP catback,SLP air foil,ported plenum,K&N, Crane AFPR (47psi),MSD6AL, MSD wires, AC DELCO cap/rotor/plugs, Bosch O2sensor, 3:73s,JET fan switch, Macewen white face gauges, Intellitronix Digital Gauges

 

Some aftermarket distributors have ball bearings in the housing for the shaft to ride on. The aftermarket ones also have better modules and coils than the stock ones that alow them to keep on putting out full spark energy at higher rpms. The aftermarkets are blueprinted too. GM has high performance distributors that have these qualities too, but they cost more too.

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'82 Firebird, dead stock, 9 bolt disc rear, over 200,000 miles and still going strong, more to come...

 

I had two brand new Accel distributors right out of the box that were bad once. Very frustrating...no more Accel's for me.

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90 TBI 305 Formula
Original Owner
Auto Trans, T-Tops
Completely Stock Except:
--Flow Cooler water pump
--180 T-stat

 

Contact Performance Distributors in Tenn. I don't have their number,but it can be found in most magazines. By the way,I'm using my factory distributor from my 1986TPI on my stroker motor. It pulls to 6800 with No Problem!

D&Z Performance
"Putting Power to the Pavement"

 

You can also change out the stock ignition module in your distributor. It is the little moon shaped piece with the wires running to it. Look in Summit or Jegs and you will see these parts in the ignition section. According to MSD, the stock unit starts dropping voltage at 4500 rpms. With their module your ignition will be stable up to 9000 rpms. Keep in mind that if your car is stock and a daily driver, replacing the distributor or this module would probably be wasted money. Not to mention that most people aren't going to be revving past 5000 rpms very much.

 

Mallory makes one as well...don't know how much they cost though. I got the Super Shops going out of business and losing my job-special.

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87 IROC-Z, 5.7, auto, 3.27, leather, !cat, Holley fpr, K&N'S, SLP 1-3/4" Jet-Hot coated headers, SLP .218/.224 .495/.502 cam, Comp 1.5 roller tip rockers, $uperPITAram, Edelbrock lower intake, Holley 52mm tb, Dynomax\Flowmaster catback. Coming Soon(?)- Fasttrack/Accell DFI

1989 Pontiac 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am - 161,000 miles, !cat, 9" K&N