First off, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Taylor. I have done a lot of reading for several months on this site without actually posting, this place is a gold mine of info. I have an 86 camaro z28 with the original 305 in it with a 5 speed. I am in the process of replacing some parts. Next up is the carb, I have a demon carb I am putting on it. Now for this carb, I understand this requires a new intake manifold (which I have) and mechanical distributor. I am assuming I will need a new coil as well. Or is there some way to make the existing one work. I am just making sure, this is my first carb car. I am just fixing this up to put it in my girlfriends camaro which was a v6 but the motor needs bottom end work. And i picked up an ls1 for my car for $200. (long story) So any help is greatly appreciated. I have done a lot of reading and people tend to tell people to keep the stock carb and not mess with it if it is working fine or to just rebuild it. I do not want to do this. Thanks guys.

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

The large cap HEI distributors used the same cap, rotor, and coil whether computer controlled, or vacuum/mechanical advance. So, if you find a vacuum/mechanical advance distributor, your existing coil will work.

Of course, the factory coil is one of the weak links in the ignition system, and a new better aftermarket coil is less than a new distributor, but, it will fit...

 

So are you saying I could change my existing coil and leave the factory computer controlled distributor?

 

No, if you use the Demon, you have to change the distributor.

 

Okay, that is what I thought. Alright thanks guys that clears it up perfectly for me.