C-3 Distributor

[John D.]

Where is the casting number located on a C-3 distributor? If the band is missing is there any way to tell if it is the right part or date for the car. How would you tell if it is TI.

I don't recall ther being much information on this in the TIM.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Distributor

John-----

There are no meaningful casting numbers to be found on 62-74 Corvette distributor housings. Usually, there is a 3 digit code the meaning of which I've never been able to determine. As far as I can tell, it is not a derivative of any part number or casting number that I have been able to discern.

If the band is missing, there is no positive way to determine the original part number for the unit and, thus, no way to determine if it's correct for the application.

A TI distributor is quite easy to identify, Simply open the point adjustment "window" on the cap. If there's an allen head point adjusting screw inside, it's a point type distributor. If there's no allen head screw inside, it's TI.

[William C.]

Re: C-3 Distributor

In general, the C-3 series distributors used a hole in the casting to allow the thrust washer to be retained in the tach crossgear cavity after it was added. It might also be somewhat possible to get a clue from the numbers stamped into the bottom side of the plate that supports the weights. Other than that, withour a taqg it is tough as they are pretty generic.

[John D.]

Re: C-3 Distributor

Joe, It sounds like you can convert a point distributor to TI and vis a versa?

I think it is the original distributor, but it should be TI. I thought TI had an extra set of wires coming out of it??

Thanks, John

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Distributor

John-----

Yes, you can "convert" point type distributors to TI. However, the "conversion" involves changing everything except for the housing, tach drive cross gear/adapter, vacuum control, drive gear, rotor, and cap. All else must be changed. That represents the majority of the distributor components.

TI has a 2 wire lead with a "plug"; points type has a 1 wire lead with spade terminal.

[Mark #28455]

if you're going to convert to TI

The stationary magnet and rotating pole piece are available from many sources. The newer parts usually have the wrong colored wires - original had one white and one white with green stripe, later replacements had one white and one green wire.

Make sure you don't forget the brass washer that mounts under the stationary magnet. I haven't commonly seen them on e-bay or in the parts suppliers catalogs.
Mark