C2 distributor ID

[Randy S.]

My distributor is missing the metal ID tag. For 1966 300HP 327 it should be 1111153. I would think the major variation in these distributors are the springs and weights. Is there a way to ID a distributor without the tag??

I'm not trying to fool a judge, just confirm I have the functionally correct distributor

Randy

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 distributor ID

Randy-----

It's virtually impossible to positively ID a distributor from which the tag has been removed (or changed). The only real difference between 62-74 Corvette point-type distributor part numbers are the weights, springs, auto cam (brazed to the top of the main shaft), and the vacuum control. Various combinations of these parts produce all the distributor variants. There were a few other differences over the years, but, essentially, these parts determine the final distributor part number.

The weights are not marked, although there really weren't that many different weights used. It may be possible to identify the springs based upon coil count. Some, but not all, of the auto cams have a number stamped on them and, presumably, if one had a chart, that could be related to mainshaft part number. All-in-all, though, trying to do this would be very difficult. The vacuum controls can be easily identified, however, assuming that the distributor has an original, Delco-Remy manufactured control on it. For these controls, the last three digits of the part number are stamped on the lower side of the bracket.

The best thing to do is to have someone with a distributor machine calibrate the distributor to the original specs for that part number. In this way, the internal parts are made to conform and produce the original specs rather than making up the distributor from the parts which "define" a particular part number. If the distributor is completely original internally, the "calibration" will be easy. Virtually all of the internal parts are discontinued, anyway, so going this route to achieve an original spec distributor would be virtually impossible. Of course, if one had an NOS "stash" in the original part number-identified packaging of virtually every mainshaft (with attached auto cam), weight, spring, and vacuum control, then one could make up any original distributor configuration in exactly the same way as the folks did once-upon-a-time in Anderson, IN. Not too many folks have such a capability, though.

[Wayne M.]

Re: C2 distributor ID

The variables I can think of are: main housing, vac advance, main shaft w/automatic cam, cam w/weight base, weights and springs.

Check for absence of hole in main housing for nylon thrust button for tach drive; indicates pre-'71 housing.
Next easiest is check stamping on vacuum can; should be a "355" for the 153 distr, or a "236" for the 156. These cans were used on MANY other distr's, though.

Most unique part is the main shaft: part # is 1967241, and is shared only with 1111153 and 56. There will probably be a (different ?) number stamped on the top or underside of the automatic cam, and you will have to have others with known original 153 or 156 distributors advise this #.

Cam w/weight base: again probably a # stamped on top or bottom of weight base plate; the GM part # is 1966994, but this part was shared with at least 4 distrib's, incl the 153 and 156. Someone to provide stamp # from known original.

Weights differ between 153 and 156, and springs probably differ, but you'd need to visually compare with known original 1111153 distributor.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 distributor ID

Wayne and Joe,
Thanks for the info.
My housing has the hole for the nylon thrust bearing so I have a "post-71" in there. The vacuum advance says B1. What is the correct aftermarket vacuum can for the 1111153. Also what is the best aftermarket set of points to get. I'll check the archives but if you have it handy would appreciate it.

Randy

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 distributor ID

Randy-----

Post-1971, or so, SERVICE distributors, even of the original part number, will have the nylon button for cross shaft thrust. So, while it's not possible to have an originally installed distributor which was equipped with the button, it's very possible to have an originally configured distributor of the original part number with the button. It's also possible that someone added the button to an original distributor, but it's not real likely.

The original vacuum control for the distributor is GM #1115355. It's long-sice GM discontinued. I don't know the aftermarket part number for it, but it may be cross referenceable from this number.

The best aftermarket points for this distributor will be those manufactured by Accel. Filko are also excellent, but I think thay may be out of business now.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 distributor ID

Thanks again Joe. You are better than "Ask Jeeves".

Randy