I just got an hei distributor that doesnt have the silver vacuum thing hanging out the side. Does that mean it is computer controlled? I cant use it if it is. thanks for the help.

 

Yep, should have a much smaller diameter cap as well. Then that would be the computer controlled version. PM me with details if you need to get rid of it, please.

 

Does it have a a terminal or 2 out the base or a small lead with a weatherpack connector coming out of it?

 

You dont mean that the distributor cap will be smaller do you? It looks normal size. I can double check when I get home to make sure. I gotta check the distributor again because there should be terminals going to have wires to hook up to the car's computer right? Im just po'ed that I gotta put the non cc distributor in because I heard that its a pain to line up correctly

 

One word of warning, I'm not sure which type of distributor you initially had, but if it was a vacuum advance distributor and this one is computer controlled, you won't be able to use it without totally replacing your wiring harness and computer to one designed for a computer controlled distr. set-up....

 

I think it's the stock distributor because my engine came with centerbolt heads, so I guess its 1987 or newer. I still havent checked the heads or block for numbers because its been so cold outside. When I got the car most of the computer's wiring was missing and the cumputer was gone too so Im swapping the compuer controlled carb and distributor and try to pass the emissions test.

 

Then you'll probably need a non-computer controlled distr with the vacuum advance since nothing can control the timing otherwise.

 

Is the vacuum davance the silver thing? I got an accel distributor with vacuum advance on it that I havent installed yet. The computer controlled distributor and carb are still on the car. Hope to swap them out asap!

 

Yep, the vac adv is the round silver disk about 1.5 " or so in diameter sticking out the side fo the distributor.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks I'll do a search for install tips for the accel HEI and get rid of the computer controlled carb and distributor.