What are the advantages of an aftermarket distributor?

 

If you're still running a computer, there aren't any advantages because aftermarket distributors aren't available. Upgrade parts, however, like a better coil, are available.

If you aren't running via computer, then the advantages are more precise mechanical operation and better electronics than the factory type units. But, your stock distributor can be made to work just as well for probably less money.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car. Rescued w/86 LG4/TH700R with all harnesses, sensors, ECM, etc. 2.73 open. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LB9 w/ZZ3 cam, exhaust, paint, etc.).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. Currently 396 .030 over, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

 

Yeah still have computer. So I would be best off just using my stock distrib with a new coil and maybe an MSD?

 

Also, I'm going to be running a compcam will I need to replace the distrib gear?

 

Five7Kid, are you sure about no aftermarket distributors? I think I remember seeing one in the MSD catalog for v8 f-bodies...

Oh and they make one for the Mustang I-4 2.3l, but none for the v6 f-bodies- what a shame!


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

Accel and MSD DO make aftermarket computer controlled distributors for our cars w/external coil...they're kind of pricey though at around $280.

The best thing to do with your stock distributor is to put a good ignition module and replace the pickup coil...also inspect the wiring going into the ignition module. Those are often neglected items and cause a lot of driveablity problems.

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1989 IROC-Z, ZZ3 shortblock with some bolt-ons.
13.20 @ 108.69, 2.2 60'

 

I don't think you will gain a lot of HP (for the cost) with an aftermarket distributor on a basically stock motor. Do as the others suggest and upgrade a few key parts, like the coil and pickup.

 

Holley now makes a performance module for the remote (and in-cap) coil HEI distributors... here's their web page, flip down until you see part numbers starting with P/N 891- ... their prices are comparable to Accel's.
http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLin...S/ISA/ISA.html


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

Well, it looks like the best cure for "hoof-in-mouth" disease is prevention - keeping the mouth shut. I've been educated. Thanks.

But, at least there's some support for the upgrade suggestion.

Only other thing not mentioned is some aftermarket distributors have bearings on the shaft instead of the stock bushing arrangement. But, with all the 150-200k+ mile cars out there with factory distributors, the longevity benefit doesn't seem worth the price.

 

I'm currently looking at a MSD Super HEI Kit from Jegs... comes with ignition control and coil... anyone else use this? Also how about the distrib gear? Do I need to change it from stock with the aftermarket cam?

 

Don't bother. aftermarket distributers really won't get you any more power than your stocker. a coil is good for a couple of hp...and aftermarket module only a couple more unless you're pullig very high RPM's. the dist. itself...nada.