C2 distributor weights and springs

[Richard S.]

I am looking at purchasing distributor weights and springs for my C2 340HP car. I would appreciate if someone could provide some info on what the distributor weight difference is between the various piece selections. I assume I will be able to make this measurement. For springs I assume the physical difference should be adequate to select between the various options, I assume the metals are the same.
Any information on the number of weight/spring selections available is appreciated along with a good source for purchase.

Thanks
Rich

[Mark F.]

Re: C2 distributor weights and springs

call Dave Fiedler T.I. Specialties - he does non-TI as well
(765) 962-4265
http://tispecialty.com/

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 distributor weights and springs

Try the source above. The colors and weights of the springs should be obvious and may be in the instructions included with a tuning set. Many of those aftermarket sets do not have hardened springs and they can go out of spec quickly; e.g. IIRC that's the case with the Mr. Gasket set.

[Richard S.]

Re: C2 distributor weights and springs

call Dave Fiedler T.I. Specialties - he does non-TI as well
(765) 962-4265
http://tispecialty.com/

Thanks I will look into the web site.

Rich

[Dan B.]

Re: C2 distributor weights and springs

Try the source above. The colors and weights of the springs should be obvious and may be in the instructions included with a tuning set. Many of those aftermarket sets do not have hardened springs and they can go out of spec quickly; e.g. IIRC that's the case with the Mr. Gasket set.

Where did you hear that?
I've set up several for myself and others with that kit and have not had a single problem after 5+ years so far.

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 distributor weights and springs

Where did you hear that?
I've set up several for myself and others with that kit and have not had a single problem after 5+ years so far.

I should have said hardened "weights" not springs and SWDuke has brought it up often:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1595940829

Below his post you'll see several members refer to the Mr. Gasket spring kits as "hot rod junk".
I don't use them after some bad experiences. You're certainly welcome to if you like them.

[David M.]

Re: C2 distributor weights and springs

Ill pass this along. Its only a recommendation with 40 years of engine tuning behind it. Im not trying to be a know-it-all or insulting, just passing along some experience.

Are you a seasoned wrench with deeper knowledge of IC engine timing events?
If no, which is ok, my recommendation is to have the dist rebuilt and tuned on a SUN distributor machine by someone who knows how to use it.

The rate and amount of timing offered by the vacuum and centrifugal events is not something you should guess at or attempt to do with basic tuning skills. You risk detonation at higher RPM which is difficult to detect, especially with off road exhaust.

All three distributor timing events need to work in harmony(Base, Vac, Cent) with the fuel system (this the definition of super tuning).

Guessing will only lead to frustration wasted time and $$$.

You can get close through trial and error with a good tach and timing light. You need professional OEM weights, springs and stop assortments. Not the cheap off shore junk offered by all the big box houses of china.

A professional distributor tuner will ask for info about the car. Important engine specs...Such as current max vacuum signal, cam profile, compression, fuel octane, rear gear, stick or auto et al.

Ultimately after the dist is rebuilt and dialed in, dyno time will allow ignition & fuel events to be optimized(super tuned). But I understand what that means to most of us here. Seat of the pants dyno works well too.

Bottom line is save the headache and have it tuned. They will disassemble, inspect the shaft, bushings, breaker plate, vac can and wires.

It will come back new. Stab it back in, set base timing and carb A/F mix and off you go. You will be rewarded with smooth acceleration throughout the RPM band and rubber in all 4 gears (3 in a tight automatic).

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 distributor weights and springs

My tuning seminar provides guidelines on setting up the spark advance map for ANY Corvette engine, stock or modified. For the 327/340 the best map is the same that was OE on '64-65 365/375 HP engines. I implemented this on my 340- HP SWC in 1965 and not only did it solve the idle stability/stalling problem (due to the fact that the OE 201-15 VAC did not pass the Two-Inch Rule), but low end torque and fuel economy improved due to the more aggressive 24 degrees centrifugal that is all in at 2350 rather than 4600.

There are only a handful of OE weights, but at least a couple of dozen OE springs. Of course, virtually all these OE parts are discontinued, but you can probably get close to the above with any set of weights and the black springs from the Mr. Gasket spring kit and the 8" B28 VAC (Airtex 4V1053).

I have 55 years experience setting up small block spark advance maps. In addition to my tuning seminar search for threads started by me, download and read "L-79 distributor Blueprint Overhaul". It may be easier to find the tuning seminar with a Web search - search words duke Williams tuning corvette engines for maximum performance and fuel economy

Duke

[E S.]

Re: C2 distributor weights and springs

Hi- I took these 37's out of my 63 340 in 1967-I can't say for sure they came in that car,but I bought the car from the original owner(30k mi.)
E.J.IMG_20201008_174947390.jpg