K66 Transistor Ignition

[Nick K.]

With 23 different configurations of TI distributors/p/n's used between '64 and '71, is there any info out there to identify the correct internal components for a particular model like my L72 '66? In particular the main shaft centrifugal weight cam profile, weights, springs and vac advance?

Also are there after market distributors available that would function at least as well as the original configuration TI distributors with a similar advance curve that would optimize the stock L72 engine performance? Thanks for any input. The TI equipment is missing from my '66 and I want to either replace with the correct components (very expensive) or use an after market unit.

[Keith B.]

Re: K66 Transistor Ignition

to keep the true integrity of your car you need the correct one don't settle for any thing less

[Duke W.]

Re: K66 Transistor Ignition

Any TI or single point distributor can be modified to optimize the spark advance map for any engine configuration and a repro number band can be procured. There is no need to obtain and "original" distributor for any given engine configuration. Don't buy and aftermarket unit.

The OE L-72 spark advance map is far from optimum. The ported vacuum advance should be converted to full time. The OE VAC is okay as long as it works, and the replacement is B26. The OE centrifugal is very lazy, and lighter springs should be installed to bring it in faster.

Search for my 2012 San Diego National Convention tuning seminar for all the whys and wherefores.

Duke

[Nick K.]

Re: K66 Transistor Ignition

Thanks Duke....your input is much appreciated.

Nick Kammer

[Nick K.]

Re: K66 Transistor Ignition

One more question. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the '65 to '67 big block distributor housing was different from a small block unit in the configuration of the area between the two shoulders that completed the oil flow circuit. It had a solid area between the shoulders that stopped or slowed down the bleed off of oil from the top end of the oil circuit. Am I making sense and is this early big block specific distributor really necessary? It would seem so...

[Wayne M.]

Re: K66 Transistor Ignition

One more question. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the '65 to '67 big block distributor housing was different from a small block unit in the configuration of the area between the two shoulders that completed the oil flow circuit. It had a solid area between the shoulders that stopped or slowed down the bleed off of oil from the top end of the oil circuit. Am I making sense and is this early big block specific distributor really necessary? It would seem so...

Like this one I have, an 093 dated 5 J 30 (early '66 MY, probably 450 hp decal). Even has what remains of the white paint dab.

[Nick K.]

Re: K66 Transistor Ignition

Thanks Wayne. I am slowly learning BB configuration after owning nothing but small block cars all my life.

[Duke W.]

Re: K66 Transistor Ignition

Yes, I'm aware of the housing difference. I know this has been thoroughly discussed in the past, and John Hinkley had the answers so you might try a search.

I ran a '67 L-88 TI system in my SWC (I reconfigured it to the 365/375 HP spark advance map.) from '68 to '75. I wasn't aware of the difference at the time, but there were no issues other than it died twice, but I was able to repair myself at no cost, and that system is now back on the "12-mile" L-88.

I can't say for sure if a SB distributor is okay for a BB, but John knows the answer.

Duke

[Nick K.]

Re: K66 Transistor Ignition

Duke...I found and printed your presentation on tuning from the 2012 National. You have a very interesting background and have given excellent advice. It's now my bible on how to tune an old school engine. Some of the things you recommend I've discovered through trial and error over the years such as converting a ported vac advance source to non ported. Thanks again....