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What have you guys found to be the best brand of parts for plugs and points. My 69 has begun running rough, and I think it's time to do a tune-up.
Thanks in advance.
tom
Thanks in advance.
tom
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Re: Best Plugs/Points...69 350/350
For engines with redlines over 5500 I recommend the 28-32 oz. breaker arm tension points rather than the OEM 19-23 ounce set. The high breaker arm tension set is available in all the major brands, and some are exactly the same set made by the same manufacturer.
The Borg-Warner A112HP, Standard Blue Streak DR-2371XP, and the NAPA/Echlin CS7860 qualify, but the NAPA number should be verified as there may be some erroneous data in their catalog and web site.
According to my AC spark plug catalog the OEM plug was and extended tip heat range "4" (AC R44S), but one heat range hotter (R45S or equivalent) is better suited for normal street and highway driving and will be more resistant to fouling while not increasing the risk of plug overheating.
You should also measure your plug wires for resistance and look for a uniform amount of resisitance per foot. Also, check that the distributor shaft end and side play is snug, and check that the breaker plate moves freely under control of the vacuum can and fits snug without wobbling.
The distributor is an often neglected component, but a properly functioning tight clearanced distributor is necessary to provide reliable ignition, especially on high revving SHP engines.
Duke -
Re: Best Plugs/Points...69 350/350
If you are going to remove the distributor to check the end play you could go a step farther and replace the lubricant in the distributor housing and also put lubricant in the tach gear cavity where the tach gear engages on the distributor shaft.Comment
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Re: Best Plugs/Points...69 350/350
Given that the distributor is probably one of the most neglected components on ANY car, I would not hesitate to recommend a complete distributor overhaul for any car that is over 20 years old, to include checking all clearances and replacing any wear items that are not near new.
When disassembled, most distributors will have nothing but what appears to be dust in the upper bushing grease well - the remants of the solids in the grease, and lack of lubrication is why the upper bushings are prone to wear, which creates excess shaft side clearance that can lead of erratic operation and ignition break-up at high revs.
DukeComment
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Autolite #86 *NM*
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Re: Best Plugs/Points...69 350/350
Duke I agree with you on the most neglected part of a Corvette that should have regular maint is the distribtor. If GM had included this maint in the owners manual and service manual my 68's tach drive gear would not of failed. When I removed the distributor for repair I relubed the upper cavity. The dried out and caked lubricant was removed and lubricant was packed into the cavity with a new plastic seal. I have since read somewhere that 20 weight non detergent oil is what should be used.Comment
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Re: Best Plugs/Points...69 350/350
Actually the orginal grease for the dist. upper bushing grease well is GM #1960954, which is also what they used for starter motor bushings, but I believe it is now discontinued. As an alternative, a full synthetic multipurpose grease is probably the next best bet.
DukeComment
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