I'm going to be pulling the TPI and intake manifold to fix some vacuum leaks here soon.

I noticed when I replaced the cap and rotor that the distributor shaft is pretty seriously rusted, to the point I had to break off the rotor from the shaft, and then clean the rust up a bit before installing a new rotor.

I also noticed the reluctor and pickup coil had a significant bit of surface rust on them.

Since the distributor will have to be pulled with the intake, it makes sense to deal with the rust---what methods would you use to clean this up, or would I be better to simply plan on replacing the distributor while I've got the original one out of the car?

If a replacement distributor is the smarter route, what should I look for in a replacement? Most of the "store brand" ones I'm finding have some pretty horrible reviews...and I'd prefer to do this once, and be done with it.

It's an L98 TPI, 1988.

 

Go to Rock Auto and buy a new pickup coil and shaft (has the star wheel attached to it).

Pull apart distributor, can use carb cleaner (2+2 works) to cut through the varnish to get the shaft out.

Clean the distributor body and base plate (w/ICM removed). Put back together with new shaft and pickup coil, shim for about .014" of end play.

Use the white heat sink paste and re-install the OEM GM ICM. If you want can also purchase a new AC Delco ICM. Note that only a GM ICM is to be used.

Done.

RBob.

P.S. the dimple on the drive gear lines up with the rotor slot in the top of the shaft.