What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

Hey all just curious as what distributor you guys are using today in 2017? I've had the same one in my car for 7+ years, its leaking oil and was thinking of just replacing it.

What are you guys using, what would you recommend to buy? Anyone using the Jegs or summit branded dizzy? Is the MSD 8366 overpriced/not worth it?

Thanks for the information and advice!

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

I still have the factory original distributor in my car with the remote coil.


The coil is like my third one and the electronic internals have been replaced. Where is it leaking oil from? Where the distributor sits on the intake manifold? or the oil pressure sensor.

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

A friend was selling a brand new MSD efi distributor with remote coil so I bought it. Otherwise I would still be using an OEM style. Aftermarket distributors may help in more extreme situations but there is no real need for aftermarket distributors for us unless you fear the quality control of today's parts stores.

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

I have seen distributors wear out. Shaft seals wear out. Older large cap HEI distributors have the weights and mounting posts wear out or seize up.

Unless there's something mechanically wrong with it, changing to a new one won't change anything else. A 7+ year old distributor is nothing unless it was some cheap offshore brand made with cheap components. A factory OEM distributor can last many decades before needing a rebuild or replacement.

As mentioned above, where is the oil leaking from? A simple distributor gasket just means you'll need to readjust the timing after pulling the distributor to change the gasket. If it's leaking from the oil pressure sensor, replace the sensor.

I use a MSD distributor in my race engine but that's only because I needed some features that an OEM distributor couldn't give me. My timing is locked out to full advance and the distributor has an adjustable collar so that it can engage the oil pump drive more. I also use a crank trigger instead of the magnetic pickup inside the distributor to eliminate and timing variations through the timing system, camshaft and distributor. When I use a timing light, the marks don't jump around through the rpm range. They stay rock solid.

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

Well i believe its leaking from the oil shaft/dizzy gasket but it may be the oil pressure sensor. Is that a straight forward replacement job?

Thats kinda the reason i want to change it out. Theres nothing wrong with the unit itself, just the oil leak. It was a off the shelf replacement dizzy 7 years ago from autozone and im just kind of scared its going to go out on me soon. I havent done a resetting of a dizzy or resetting timing on a car yet so this would be my first run at it. Hoping i can do it by myself.

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

Here's an article from the How-Tos section on timing. Piece of cake
https://www.thirdgen.org/settingtiming/

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

I just recently installed a Autozone "Deralast Gold" in mine.
I like it for my basically stock engine.

I read the review this guy wrought and where he mentions replacing the "dialectic" grease under the ICM on the unit. I found this to be true.

Be sure to watch a video or two on YouTube on replacing one and rent the installation/alignment tool from Autozone.
It will help you line up the oil pump to the distributor rotor.
Not the other way around. Trust me you want this tool.

If you mark your old distributor and rotor positions with a marker at the right points before you pull it you can use those marks on the new one and it will be a simple drop in. You will not have to find top dead center on # 1 piston and all of that.

You will need to set timing to stock then set "minimum idle speed" again though. That means you will need a digital tack preferably on the timing gun.
( the min. idle speed procedure will include resetting the IAC Valve") That's a good thing.

I had to buy my Digital Timing Gun on E bay for "$70.00" on sale. The nice thing is that it makes the old gun of mine look like a dinosaur.

Duralast Electronic Components are made by "Wells" and they are a very reputable company.
The Distributor has a limited lifetime warranty. That means as long as you own the car they will replace it for free.

Any way,just click on the review button in this link.

= http://www.autozone.com/external-eng.../194262_0_4618

If you need a copy of the timing procedure or the Min. Idle Procedure just ask.

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

But Per Wells website i cant find any info stating they make a distrubutor for our car...

http://www.wellsve.com/parts/
Distributor Cap DR942 1
Distributor Cap DR942G 1
Distributor Cap and Rotor Kit DR2015 1
Distributor Cap and Rotor Kit DR2015G 1
Distributor Ignition Pickup DR132 1
Distributor Rotor DR901 1
Distributor Rotor DR901G 1
Electronic Spark Control Module Vin (E) ESC105 1
Electronic Spark Control Module Vin (F) ESC105 1
Ignition Coil Vin (E) C846 1
Ignition Coil Vin (F) C846 1
Ignition Coil Connector Grey Connector 243 1
Ignition Coil Connector Black Connector 244 1
Ignition Coil Mounting Strap Vin (E) GS2 1
Ignition Coil Mounting Strap Vin (F) GS2 1
Ignition Control Module DR140 1
Spark Plug Wire Set QW892 1

Also when i google the Autozone part number BDLG-GM04 a Spectra Distributor pops up...?

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

I just checked Rock Auto's website and they have a decent selection including AC Delco.

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

idk why i forgot about rock auto! lol, thanks for the info

Re: What Distributor to go with now in 2017? (external coil, tpi&tbi)
 

Their site is set up to cross reference to what they carry; Spectra has gained market share.

As for the ICM, there are more than one (originally); may want to go Delco on that.