Electronic Tach conversions

[Lorne G.]

My 67 BB distributor is worn out and causing premature tachometer cable wear. The gear is chewing up the cables.

Rather than rebuilding my old distributor I was thinking about using an aftermarket distributor that I have lying around that does not have a tach drive. To make the tachometer functional I was considering converting my mechanical tach to an electronic version. I see a few dealers like Roger offer this electronic conversion.

Does anyone have any experience with these new electronic conversions?
I welcome any feedback positive or negative. Thanks.
Lorne

[John H.]

Re: Electronic Tach conversions

My 67 BB distributor is worn out and causing premature tachometer cable wear. The gear is chewing up the cables.

Lorne -

Have you inspected the mainshaft gear and cross shaft gear? Is the square hole in the end of the cross gear where the cable end inserts rounded-out? It's a whole lot easier to replace the cross gear (or to rebuild the distributor) than it is to pull the cluster and send it out for a tach conversion. Dave Fiedler has an excellent article on rebuilding tach-drive distributors on his website (www.tispecialty.com).

[Lorne G.]

Re: Electronic Tach conversions

John, Thanks for rebuild article. I haven't had a chance to thoroughly inspect the distributor yet but I would believe a complete rebuild would be in order.

I have removed the cluster to replace various bulbs and disconnect the tachometer. Since the cluster is out I am looking at all options including the tach conversion.
I would be interested to see if these conversions are getting popular and if they provide any benefits.

Lorne