I have searched for this but cant really find a clear answer to it. My car is an 86 Iroc that originally had TPI on it, when i got the car it looked like the wiring had been on fire and someone had put a carb on it (I didnt care because i was taking the original 305 out for a carbed 355). So i put the motor in and its starting up but i read about using computer controlled distributors with carbs and that i need a vaccum advance one, i just want everything to be right before i get the car on the road. It has a delco remy dist. on it right now. So should i switch it out for a vaccum advance one before i run into any problems. I was going to just get a msd cap and blaster coil for it but then i read about the vaccum stuff and decided it might be a good idea to get a different dist. Thanks for any help guys.

 

Yes, you need the vacuum advance type setup. You can still use the MSD cap and rotor and whatnot, you just need the vacuum advance canister.

 

So i need to get a new dist. really. Another question is if i am going to run nitrous and a timing retard how would that work with a vac. dist.

 

No problem.

 

I called jegs today and the guy on the phone said that i dont need a vac. advace if i get the pro billet dist. he said that it had mechanical advance in it so i think i am just going to get the sb chevy ignition kit from there with the Dist., 6al box, coil and wires. I think that would be the best route for me to take because i want a 6al box and i need a coil anyway so i might as well go ahead and get the good stuff. If anyone sees anything that i am screwing up on let me know. Thanks.

 

The Digital 6 box has the retard capability built into it.

I would still get a distributor with vacuum advance. If the one you're looking at has it, fine.

 

I also vote for a vacuum advance dist. It was my impression that the vacuum advance improved fuel economy, and made for easier starts. Is that correct?

 

mostly better fuel economy. if you don't run vacuum advance, when cruising, you'll have like 30ish* rather then 50*ish degrees, so your mileage drops, and your plugs load up quicker.

Read the article on the main page of TGO, written by damon, about HEI timing, good info there.