SC distributor options

[Sebscst]

Motor is 82 3.0 with carbs and msd6al ignition with msd coil. I need to have the 78 distributor rebuilt as it currently is not operating. Using it since it has no vacuum advance and read the curve is close for running it with carbs. I guess I can have it also recurved if it does make a difference. OR I was looking at the 123distributors since they have programmable curve and I am gathering parts to turn the 3.0 to a 3.2ss with different cams. Anyone using this style on a 3.0. Currently the car is “running” with the 82 distributor. Can I run it on the road temporarily with it? Only used it to diagnose the distributor problem. If I can what do I do with the vacuum, plug it? Does anyone sell rebuilt 78/79 distributor with a core exchange. Trying to get this motor finished up.

[jpnovak]

Yes, the 83 will work. The timing curve is matched to the torque curve which is primarily dictated by cam specifications. If you are running a stock cam then minimal changes will be required.

The 83 can be recurved to match your engine spec and use of carbs.

[Trackrash]

As Jamie mentioned your advance curve needs to match your compression ratio and cams. You don't say if you have an otherwise stock motor. Those who can rebuild your distributor can also re-curve the advance.

You might want to use a timing light and see how the advance is working now in your motor. On my '78 with out the vacuum hooked up the advance came in way too quickly for my motor.

I'm not sure there is a 123 that will work for that motor, but I've never dealt with them.

[Sebscst]

Yes I believe it to be a stock motor. So if I keep using the 82 distributor what do I do with the vacuum piece attached to it.

[emcon5]

I would use an adjustable timing light, and set the timing so full advance is where you want it, and not worry all that much about the actual curve, unless you have a reason to.

No, it won't be perfect, but it will probably be pretty close, close enough you might not be able to tell without a dyno.

Lots of folks have recommend over the years, for best performance on a stock SC, leaving the hoses hooked up to the vacuum can and setting the timing so full advance is 35º, and not worry about the timing at idle, let it end up wherever it happens to end up. If it pings, back if off a couple degrees.

If there are no hoses attached to the vacuum can, leave it that way. If you want, you can put plugs on them.

[Synchro Joe]

You can get some advice from Kurt at Parts Klassik, they also do core exchanges, etc.

[MBruns]

Have you looked at the 6 pin distributor from JB Racing ? we designed and built them when I was there, they are plug and play with MSD and you can create what you want for a curve, Ask for Jim Higgs
Mike Bruns

[Sebscst]

Hey Mike yeah I talked to them unfortunately they only offer a twin plug setup for now. It would have been great cause they’re in my backyard.

[Jonny H]

Or fit one of our CDI+ units. Plug and play, looks original and fully programmable for ignition timing, rev limiter etc. Multispark to 10000 RPM too.

You can keep the stock dizzy and just lock it with one of our dizzy locks.

[Marc Bixen]

+1 for Parts Klassic!

[Sebscst]

Yeah talk to Kurt from partsklassic today he was very helpful. I ended up ordering a distributor from 123ignitions(started another thread on this) I’ll have it Friday. Still going to send the 78/79 distributor to him for a rebuild.