C2 tachometer cable problems

[Randy S.]

I just reinstalled the cluster and distributor in my 66 small block. I purchased the Paragon 27" tachometer cable since the 25" service replacement is too short according to their catalog. The 27" cable seems too long, I have a cable loop dropping down beside the pedal bracket then back up to the tach. Is there a better routing of the cable? I have tried to re route it over the top of the pedal bracket but no go, too stiff.

Also the tachometer fitting/cable at the distributor is on the same centerline as the engine, 6 O'clock if you will. Is this right? Shouldn't the tach cable be slightly off centerline maybe 7 O'clock pointing toward the firewall grommet

I haven't had a chance to time the engine as the oil line blew off (what a mess) on start up but it did start so I don't think I am too far off timing wise.

Randy

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 tachometer cable problems

you don't mention what year c-2 you're dealing with, but the paragon speedo cables i've seen the last couple years will not pass muster on the ncrs judgine field. shop around at carlisle or old town fla for an original. mike

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 tachometer cable problems

Mike

Thanks for the reply. It is a 66 (see first line). I'll be at Kissimee. Is an original 27" long or 25". What should I look for to identify an original cable?

When evertything is correctly aligned should the tach cable be at 6'clock or slightly off center. Looks like too sharp an angle for the cable

Randy

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 tachometer cable problems

randy: look me up in old town and i'll try to find ya an original 66 cable assembly in the flea mkt. the big difference is the way the ends of the cable housing are swedged onto the main potion of the housing. originals have swedged ends which overlap the main porion. manner of swedging also differs. as far as cable entry angle to distributor is concerned, you may have to pull distributor and re-time to get the proper( ie, non-binding) angle of cable housing to distributor. mike

[John H.]

Re: C2 tachometer cable problems

Randy -

The distributor position (and thus, the orientation of the tach drive fitting) will be dictated by the position of the vacuum advance can, which will end up midway between the #8 intake runner and the plug wire support bracket with the engine properly timed (and the distributor correctly installed).

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 tachometer cable problems

John,

Thank you. Your article in one of the Corvette magazines about the "dimple" started this "punch list" of repairs My old distributor vacuum can was either against the coil bracket or intake mainfold. When I pulled the distributor the dimple was on backwards (and the bushing and shaft were shot too)

So now I am trying to install a properly oriented rotor-to-dimple distributor. I just finished setting dwell and timing. I'm finally there. #1 plug wire on #1 tower(see previuos post and thanks again for the picture), vacuum can properly straddling coil bracket and manifold gap.

All is right but why did GM design the tach entry to be on engine centerline when distributor correctly installed. Makes for a tight bend in the tach cable.

Can you tell me if proper length tach cable ( 27" ??) should make a horizontal loop across the top of the pedal bracket. Got more cable than I need.

Thanks again John.

[Page C.]

Re: C2 tachometer cable problems

Hi Randy,
I checked four tach cables. Two were NOS # 6480367 (AC# CC701) with black colored casings and measured 25 inches flange to flange not counting the the cable. I found two others that had grey colored casing. The casing on these was not swedged at the ends like the black ones. They just have the casing pushed on the end flanges. One measures 24 inches and the other is 22 1/8 inches. I also found a listing in an old AC Cable and Casing book from Jan 1975. They listed the 1963 & 64 Corvettes as an CC500 with a length of 22 1/8 inches. There is no mention of the 1965,66 or 67 cars. Then in a AC Cable and Casing book from Mar 1981 list the 1963 & 64 Corvettes with CC701 which is the 25 inch cable. None list a 27 inch as begin the correct lenght.
Hope this helps.
Page Campbell

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 tachometer cable problems

Page,
Thanks for all the research.
Looks like I have a bone to pick with Paragon. Their catalog states " for 65-67; 27" long w/black jacket. Current service replacement is 2" too short."

Paragon says the 63 to 64 are listed as 24 1/4" jacket gray or ivory.

That helpd me a lot and looks like I have another do-over.

As Doc Rebuild would say I got a repro of a repro.

Randy