I am converting my 86 Iroc-Z from carb to TPI. The TPI set-up I have included the distrubutor but not the cap and coil. Do the 86 TPI 305's use a tall cap with coil on top or the shorter cap and coil mounted on firewall? If you have the correct part number I would be greatful for that to. Thanks
Tony

 

No, and no.

The '86 HEI system in most cars used the "tall" cap with an integral ignition coil. '87 and later engines had the smaller diameter cap with a divorced coil. However, the '86 TPI just had to be different. since the TPI allowed little clearance, the TPI engines used a special cap that was lower, yet still had the coil mounted to the top.



Conrad/Wells DR2009G is a good unit for the price. It has a GRP body, deep arc chutes, and solid brass contacts. Don't get the regular 2009, but use the 2009G. The 2009 is just a plain old replacement cap, aluminum contacts, thermoplastic molded, and is a basic 10,000 mile cap. AC/Delco has the same type replacement, as does Standard Motor Products. Again, get the better unit.

 

Vader - you are an amazing wealth of information! You helped me a little while back when trying to figure out some vacuum lines. I am starting my carb to tpi conversion this Friday and this was my final purchase - I hope ;-) I really appreciate the help on this one. All TPI's I had seen were low caps and divorced coils but good old 86 had to be different. I will take your advice and buy that particular one right now. thanks again
Tony