Distributor Compatability '71 T,E,S

[Brent Seidel]

Currently running a Marelli in my '71T

Just purchased a Bosch 0 231 159 007 removed from a '71T parts car.

After some research it looks like this Bosch part # is for an S

The correct # for a T is 0 231 159 008

Anyone know how compatible they may or may not be?

Maybe the advance curve charts for these would be helpful?

I'm hoping that this distributor had the springs and/or weights replaced for use in the T. But, I believe I should make sure before just plugging the thing in.

Thanks!

[Steve@Rennsport]

Brent,

That distributor will certainly work, but it really should be checked in a distributor machine to see what advance curve it has in it before you install it. "S" distributors generally have a little quicker advance curves than a "T" that helps compensate for lower cylinder pressures at low RPM.

Without knowing where you live and what local octanes you have, I would not venture a guess about whether its suitable for your engine or not.

[911pcars]

I would follow Steve's suggestion, just to make sure the advance curve is to spec.

FWIW, I had this distributor in my stock 2 liter T for years before it was rebuilt. Worked fine. T engines have lower compression ratio/same effective CR as S engines due to differences in valve timing, so detonation shouldn't be an issue. It depends on the fuel octane you use.

S distributor:


This particular distributor has some resale value. If you don't plan on upgrading your engine, you could sell it, then source a more compatible distributor and have some loose change. Or just keep that in mind.

Sherwood

[Brent Seidel]

Thanks Steve and Sherwood.

I pulled the plate out that the points secure to and it appears that the springs and weights have not been modified.

Steve, I am in Northern California and use 91 octane.

Sherwood, By a more compatible distributor do you mean a '72-'77 machined down with the vacuum plugged and advance set to T specs? And what does FWIW mean?

I found an old post on one of the PCA website where someone referred to the advance graph for the 008 distributor in the factory shop manuals. Maybe someone has access to these?

[Flieger]

FWIW= for what it is worth

[911pcars]

"By a more compatible distributor do you mean a '72-'77 machined down with the vacuum plugged and advance set to T specs? "

Yes. A Bosch distributor with the same/similar advance curve as your stock distributor. I'm sure your S distributor is fine, and since it has a shorter advance curve, you could advance your initial timing slightly to arrive at 30-32ºBTDC by 6000 rpm for slightly improved mileage and torque.

However, you may have to rejet (richer) to take advantage/compensate.

Sherwood

[C4 Pazzo]

Originally Posted by Brent Seidel

I found an old post on one of the PCA website where someone referred to the advance graph for the 008 distributor in the factory shop manuals. Maybe someone has access to these?

T Bosch Curve (008):



(c) Dr. Ing. h.c. Ferdinand Porsche

[304065]

Steve nailed it (he's the hammer, after all). all the curve does is try to get the peak pressure point the same degrees after tdc, the crank and rods being same between t and s.

Advance curves for Modified Engine

so it can be used but remember the high cyl pressures of the t

[Brent Seidel]

So if I were to make this distributor available what would the approximate fair market value be? It is complete and in good condition with no play in the shaft.

And what would be a good compatible distributor for my '71 T be and where can I get one?

[Brent Seidel]

Ah the silence is deafening...

[911pcars]

Didn't C4Pazzo's response (#7) answer it for you? Why sell it and look for a like distributor? Set to factory specs, confirm advance curve with a timing light and you should be fine.

Sherwood