Advance Curve Kit For Non-HEI Distributors

ChuckG · 02-19-03, 07:26 AM

Looking to buy an advance curve kit to fit the non-HEI distributor in my 69. Had a "snow day off" yesterday, and went to two local auto parts stores, PEP Boys and SALVO. Both had Mr. Gasket advance curve kits for 74 and up HEI distributors, but not for the "old" style. Anybody know where I can get one? Chuck

02-19-03, 08:56 AM

I just bought one at a local speed shop. It was a Moroso for a HEI but I'm sure a speed shop would carry both.

Summit or Jegs if all else fails.

I just noticed your in Maryland. I guess your not in a rush to get the vette on the street. Heard the weather was bad.

ChuckG · 02-19-03, 09:23 AM

28.5 inches. Set a new record. Highest snowfall in Baltimore since they started to keep records in the 1890's. MESS

Some areas of Western Maryland got 48 inches....that's 4 feet!. Thanks for the tip on JEGS and SUMMIT. Chuck

Jack · 02-19-03, 11:29 AM

some advance curve kits for chevy V8 POINT dist:

accel pn 31042 (kit w/o vac can)
accel pn 31034 (adj vac can only)
crane pn 99601-1 (full kit w/ adj vac can)
moroso pn 72310 (kit w/o vac can)
mr. gasket pn 927 (69-Up ... kit w/o vac can)

JACK

ChuckG · 02-19-03, 04:04 PM

Problem solved. Pulled my distributor this AM and took it to Tony's Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg, MD. Tony has an old Sun machine to set these things up. Also, bought a new "correct" vacuum advance can. To make a long story short, Tony has a number of these "kits" with different weights and springs. I thought I might need to provide a kit. Thanks to all for your help. Chuck

Jack · 02-19-03, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ChuckG
Pulled my distributor this AM and took it to Tony's Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg, MD. Tony has an old Sun machine to set these things up. Also, bought a new "correct" vacuum advance can. Chuck

That's the ticket! Not many SUN dist machines around anymore ... you'll be happy.
JACK

02-21-03, 03:36 PM

Out of curiosity can you tell us the numbers you set your timing too?

ChuckG · 02-21-03, 05:11 PM

Those old Sun machines have nothing to do with initial or static timing. They're used strictly to "set up" the distributor internally.

You put your distributor in the machine. It's driven/turned by a device. The machine has an RPM gauge, a vacuum source, a vacuum gauge, gauges to read the vacuum and mechanical advance within the distributor using a strobe light, and a dwell meter.

By playing with the distributor weights and springs, you can change the mechanical advance at various RPM's. You can also change vacuum advance units to set that up too. You can also "run in" the points and set the dwell or gap.

After this is all done to your satisfaction, you then put the distributor back in the car and set the initial or static timing. I use a timing light, but I'm "old school"....advance it till it pings, the back it off till it quits.

Chuci

ChuckG · 02-23-03, 11:07 AM

Picked up the distributor yesterday. Here's what they found. With the old vacuum advance and the old weights and springs, I had 2 degrees mech. at 700 RPM. I maintained that same 2 degrees till 2600 RPM, at which time I had only 16 degrees. Had 19 degrees by 3900 RPM, and didn't have full 20 degree mechanical advance till 4700 RPM. BAD

New specs. 2 degees at 700, 12 degrees at 1000, 18 degrees at 1600, and the full 20 degree mechanical advance at 2600.

My new "correct repro" vacuum advance is/was supposed to have 12 degrees of vacuum advance. It actually has 16 degrees. So much for "accurate repro's"

Anyhow, I'll set the total timing 20 + 16 = 36 degrees to be "all in" at 3000 RPM. Take it for a spin and see how it runs. SO...pulling and checking the distributor was worth it for me. Chuck

Jack · 02-25-03, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ChuckG
My new "correct repro" vacuum advance is/was supposed to have 12 degrees of vacuum advance. It actually has 16 degrees. So much for "accurate repro's"Chuck

Chuck:
Have you read the Lar's paper that's archived here at CACC that has litany of specs for vac cans (for both points & HEI) ... along with their associated napa/echlin numbers? ... if not, it's worth a look. Great guide to pick & choose vac can according what spec you need.
JACK

ChuckG · 02-25-03, 05:14 PM

Where is the paper archived? Chuck

Jack · 02-26-03, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ChuckG
Where is the paper archived? Chuck

Chuck:

Knowledgebase / Main Page / Browse Categories / General Topics / Electrical and Ignition /

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/c...y.php?catId=95

see:
Technical Article: Distributor Vacuum Advance Control Units - Specs and Facts for GM Distributors (Distributor Vacuum Advance Control Units Specs and facts for GM Distributors
by Lars Grimsrud )

BTW ... to clarify ... in the paper ... the "VC" prefix part numbers are the napa/echlin numbers

JACK