i'm going to buy a new distributor for my 1986, 305, 4bbl and thought i'd ask which is the best for my money. any suggestions? any good ebay sellers?

THANKS!

 

"ebay sellers" = cheeeeeeep chinese junk, sometimes OEM parts won't even fit it. (for the most part... there are exceptions of course)

You get, AT BEST, what you pay for. Usually somewhat less. If you pay the least, you get, AT BEST, ... you do the math. If you chase the bottom dollar, guess what you get in the end. (the REAR end)

Best bang for the buck can be found here. http://performancedistributors.com/p...-distributors/ You need the one that looks like the one you have now. Check how your cap is held down and select accordingly.

 

Yes , I know $200 or $300 dollars per the link may seem a bit spendy , but I'd bet it outlives 5 of the $75 POS that would come from the Bay ....

 

ok, checking it out now, thanks!

is there an alternative? i can't pay $285.00 right now. i just want to get that stock pos out and get this thing started and running. i probably will not be keeping this car for the long haul.

 

i just want to get that stock pos out and get this thing started and running. i probably will not be keeping this car for the long haul.

In that case, then those $40.00 large cap HEI distributors on ebay do work. (I assume that is the type you are after)
If/when they fail, it is usually the module inside.

You could bid on this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Block-...xYFqcj&vxp=mtr

Or select from these: http://stores.ebay.com/KMJPERFORMANC...=p4634.c0.m322

 

Why not find a working used factory unit? It will probably work just as long as a Chinese disposable unit.

Stock distributors are not really known for being a "POS".... they actually are quite reliable.

GD

 

Are you still computer-controlled?

 

You could allways try a cardone it's hit or miss on quality.
Assuming you have ccc.

 

 

In that case, then those $40.00 large cap HEI distributors on ebay do work. (I assume that is the type you are after)
If/when they fail, it is usually the module inside.

You could bid on this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Block-...xYFqcj&vxp=mtr

Or select from these: http://stores.ebay.com/KMJPERFORMANC...=p4634.c0.m322[/QUOTE]

i'll check out those links. i did some troubleshooting yesterday. it started to run with the cap ajar! (i forgot to secure it) after i secured the cap, NO SPARK! $%$@#@%%^!!! if i get this pos running well with a cheap distributor and decide that i will keep the car for a while, i'll get a better distributor.

just one question: i don't think that i have a computer on this car. it's a 4bbl. so i look for a distributor without a computer? i do not have a vacuum advance. none of the cheap-azz distributors are compatible with my vehicle.

thanks!

 

ok, i think that this one will work. checking it out now...

thanks!

 

It's usually the icm that fails, whenever I do a icm I do a pu coil just in case.
The links are for a vacuum advance unit not computer controlled.

 

yeah, that was the first thing i changed. i did not however change that p/u coil. i should have just bought a drop-in, cheap distributor long ago.

 

i bought a CarDone distributor for about $80.00, dropped it in and the thing fired up! i wish i had done this long ago.