D-310 DISTRIBUTOR

[DANNY PANTUSO]

Re: D-310 DISTRIBUTOR

Joe-- So we got confirm that the D-310 Cap was around in 59 to 64, so why would,nt be safe to say that the D-310 did come with the 63 fuelie, thought you said there were only replacment caps that started in 64 fuelie and up, and you said the D-310 never were around in 63, I would like to put it rest Joe. Danny

[Joe L.]

Re: D-310 DISTRIBUTOR

Joe----

I don't recall saying that the D-310 was "never around" in 1963. To some, I may have implied that, but I never said that. I may also have said that I'm not sure if the D-310 existed in 1963, but I NEVER said that it did not exist at that time.

As a matter of fact, the exact same reference that I used to confirm the use of the D-310 for the 59-64 Olds applications also specifies that the D-308 was used for all 1963 Corvette applications. So, if it was right that the D-310 existed and was used for the Olds applications, it could be equally right about the D-308 being used for the 63 Corvette FI applications. The same reference does specify that the D-310 was used for 1964 and 1965 Corvettes with FI. Besides, as I mentioned previously, I used many different references to check and cross check this. All seem to indicate that the D-308 was used for 1963. The fact that the D-310 "was around" in 1963 does not prove that it was used on the '022' distributor; it just supplies one important piece of information in a research quest. The D-310 was, apparently, in existence at least as early as 1959, but it was not used for 1959-61 Corvette FI applications.

My THEORY is that the original '022' distributor was specified with the D-308 cap. This is the cap that was used for most 1958-61 Corvette FI applications. The D-324 dual window cap used for 1962 FI applications had the same tower height as the D-308. So, it would be possible and reasonable that the same cap height specs would have been used for the '022'. After assembly and service problems became apparent, St. Louis, dealer, and customer feedback may have resulted in changes. We know that the "straight" distributor-end spark plug wire terminals were changed during the 1963 model year to the 90 degree type. A change in the cap could have been part of the "evolutionary changes" which took place in this regard during the 63 model year.

As far as "putting it to rest" goes, that may not happen soon or, even, ever. There are many things, including those far more important and significant than whether a D-308 or D-310 cap was used on 1963 FI applications, that have confounded those of us in this hobby for years without final resolution. Besides, I don't see what your impetus is for "putting it to rest". You should be guided by what it says in the 1963 Judging Guide. If you plan to have your car judged, that's the basis for what it's going to be judged on. Certainly, theories that we kick around here aren't going to change that. Of course, if we were able to come up with strong information on the subject, it is possible that the JG might be changed in the future. But, that's of no concern to you now. If and when any changes are made, you can just switch caps. What could be easier?

Quite frankly, 1963 Corvettes, and certainly 1963 Corvette FI distributor caps, are NOT a "focus of interest" for me. I don't plan to comment further on this subject unless further credible information is developed.