How expensive/difficult is it to replace the distributor? I wont be going with a Qjet since I've had some bad experience with mine, but I'm on a tight budget. My car's a stock 83 Z28 with the 305, New York car, smog exempt.

 

They run about $100-$150 from your local parts store for a general non-computer controlled version. Replacing it isn't hard, as long as you mark the position of the rotor when you remove the old one relative to how it is sitting in the car before you remove it. Line up the new one to how the old one was sitting. Otherwise, you need to crank the car over until the #1 cylinder is TDC and do some other measureing to make sure. So just mark it. Or, have a shop do it. THat would be my preference, that way if they screw it up, they can build you a new motor.

 

I wouldn't just scrap the idea of using the Q-jet because you now have problems with it. It's probably in need of a GOOD rebuild. Unless you have the ability to make sure that the carb isn't warped and can repair it, it's best to leave it up to a professional re-builder, not some local hack garage. I've had very bad experiences with national part store rebuilt carbs as well.

This is a cheaper option than having to buy a new carb, distributor, getting the ECM stuff removed and then tuning the motor. A new HEI dist - $90 (summit) to $170 (Mallory), New carb >$280

 

I had my Qjet professionally rebuilt and that set me back $370.00 by Cliff Ruggles at Cliffs High Performance. He is a maestro at the Qjet. So, I think the costs sort of off-set, however, I am a proponent of keeping the factory equipment if you can (Obviously some modified stuff can't) so I will always propose options to keep what you have.

 

As well as the carb, and distributor, you will have to take care of the lock-up of your convertor. If you are on a tight budget it will be cheaper to fix what you have.

 

converter is an easy patch with the correct brake light switch and some wire

 

Check out kmj performance, they got some hei's for like $70. Ive got one trouble free.