Looking for any strong recommendations for getting my '73 distributor recurved and checked out. I'm having high RPM problems and everything is leading back to the distributor. If possible, some shop in the No.Vrginia/Baltimore area who knows what they're doing with old distributors. Thanks, Tim # 26883
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Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
Hi Tim:
In my opinion and many others here , there is only one source for expert distributor rebuilds in the nation, Hi Tech Innovations in Florida, 727-942-4003 I know this is not exactly the area you had in mind but they will do it right the first time at a reasonable price. I am sure there are many competent shops around who can do a respectable job but these guys do it correctly all the time.
jerry -
Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
Jerry and Tim-----
Also, Hi-Tech installs new distributor bushings and JIG-BORES them to perfect alignment. As far as I know, no other rebuilder offers this service.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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A word of caution....
'73 was well beyond intial Federal mandates for emissions control. If you've built the engine to factory concours (got the correct emissions control components installed and operative), 'tweaking' with the distributor can generate erratic side effects....
The TCS and dual mode curb idle solenoid components interact to 'play games' with the distributor's vacuum advance mechanism. There's a rather delicate balance of vacuum vs. mechanical advance at work here to deliver a lean emissions profile AND smooth, dependable curb idle operation. Exactly where the distributor's vac advance kicks in (RPM and timing advance) is reasonably delicate, provided you've got the rest of the engine's spark and carb system setup right.
Problems often errupt when folks 'beef' the engine on rebuild, then apply tried/true 'soup up' methods for the ignition system that worked fine on pre-70 era engines. It's possible for the emissions system to be out there running what it 'thinks' are stock components only to have things clashing (curb idle that won't tame down, erratic curb idle return on decel to stop, Jeckyl & Hyde performance -- power plant has one profile under initial cold start and another set of characteristics under engine warm/stable conditions).
So, I'd advise taking things one step at a time. Verify you have correct original mechanical advance weights/springs and the P/N for the vac advance (stamped on mount bracket on backside of can) agrees with distributor P/N for the original engine. Also, check that you're setting up the carb and it's adjustments in the step/sequence defined by the factory. Bottom line, emissions controlled babies are slightly different beasties from earlier non-emissions controlled Corvettes (not to say/imply you don't have experience here -- just want to check square pegs are in square holes....).Comment
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Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
I've got a SUN old fashioned distributor machine. Been rebushing, honing, recurving, aligning & adjusting distributors for years. My machine also tests resistance and allows for vacuum advance calibrations. I can spin it to 7500 RPM referenced to crankshaft. (3750 rpm actual) I also fool with transistorized ignitions. I will HELP anyone with a problem. This ain't for profit and offered as assistance to others in the hobby. We all don't have Sun Distributor machines and I will SHARE the use of mine.
Dale PearmanComment
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Now That's..
Puttin your money where your mouth is, Good guy.
I don't have any special services to offer, no talent to speak of, little money to hand out BUT I can offer a place to store any exotic spare parts anyone wishes to hide away. Dig out all those fuelie units, tri powers, ZL1 blocks, big block aluminum heads, NOS anything and I will give em' a new home indefinitely.
Dale has moved me to a level of compassion I did not know I was capable of. :)
jerComment
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Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
It would help if you mention what high end "problems" you are having. If the ignition is breaking up it could be bushing wear, a wobbly breaker plate, or using the low breaker arm tension points on a high RPM engine. If the engine is detonating at high revs, it could be a worn or missing advance limit bushing.
DukeComment
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Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
Duke: I'm having an intake backfire over 5 grand if the timing is at factory specs., usually that indicates a lean condition.If I advance the timing 4 degrees, the problem is masked and the car runs as it should at that RPM. The car has 35,000 mi. original on it. True mileage, I've owned my 73 for over twenty years. Most of the factory distributors were knocked out and never set up properly, so I'm looking to get it blue printed to run well at factory specs. The carb is also on my list to have reworked. Thanks to all for the help. Tim #26883Comment
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Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
Tim I recommend that while it is apart that you ensure that the grease cavity at the top of the distributor is seviced. A distributor that old would have old caked and baked grease. Thanks for the offer of your distributor machine Dale. When I visited your "church" some years ago I remember seeing your Sun distributor machine sitting in your shop. I live in Jackson and will give you a call sometime to check out one of my distributors.Comment
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Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
Hi Jim:
We will hold a service at my church on April 22 at 11:00 am for the purpose of consuming un-Godly amounts of pit barbeque and bud longnecks. The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the NCRS will pay for the barbeque. The longnecks of your choice should be secured, iced, brought, and opened by you. We'll toss the emptys at the train when it goes by. (local sport). But seriously folks, we will have a meeting to yak about Corvettes and everyone is invited.
No Jim, a longneck won't fit in a Sun Distributor Machine, in spite of its sumptious curves.(pun intended)Comment
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Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
Hey Dale what a great offer. Can a Canadian from Montreal come for a visit? I may be in Memphis visiting the Memphis Corvette Club guys. Can I bring my distributors and some cold Canadian suds?Comment
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Re: Distributor Recurve & Setup
BRING THE SUDS!Comment
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