I just bought an 87 TPI setup and the distributor I received with it has an external coil.
On my carbed 86 LG4 TA I have an MSD GM HEI coil located in the cap.
Can I use the coil and cap from my 86 or maybe just the MSD coil with my new setup?
I'd hate to have that $60.00 MSD coil just sitting around, I'd rather be using it.

Thanks,


High Speed Run: 157mph
Best 1/4 mile run: 14.94@91.67mph
WS6 Trans Am.

View My Ride @ thirdgen.org

 

as far as I know you'd have to swap the entire distributor over to use it... the HEI distributors are a bit bigger than the external coil distributors

If all else fails, pop it onto the classifieds if you can't use it, I'm sure someone else would be able to make use of it

 

The '85 and '86 TPIs usd the coil-in-cap style distributors, but the distributor cap was lower and wider to accomodate all the components and still fit under the TPI trim plate. That might be an option.

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Fear is how I fall, Confusing what is real..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

It sound to me you are going from carb to TPI.I have an 87 and if you bought an 87 TPI you will need the ECM to make your application work as well as the 87 distributor and the correct wirring harness,you will not be able to use the old HEI style distributor,the 87's ECM is programmed totaly different.Of course you can't use the ECM out of your carbed car if it has one,it's not set up for fuel injection.I might stand corrected on this,but I think I am right.Good luck

 

Yes, I am swapping from carb to TPI.
I have all the TPI parts as well as a set
of 87 heads for the 87 TPI.
I just wanted to be able to use the MSD coil instead of the stock one on that TPI setup.

Vader, will the 85-86 cap fit on the 87 Distributor? or will I need an 85-86 distributor as well?

Thanks guys