Correct Coil, Dist Cap & Muffler Replacement

[Norm C.]

Original owner of a 72 small block coupe. From what I understand, OEM/NOS coil, distributor cap and mufflers are almost impossible to find. or just don't exist any longer.

What are the acceptable replacements to minimize or have zero deductions for these items? Who are the recommended sources to purchase from?

Thanks in advance to all who have gone before me!!!

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: Correct Coil, Dist Cap & Muffler Replacement

you might try and find service replacment parts from GM on ebay. are get a catalog of you fav vender an buy what they have.

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Coil, Dist Cap & Muffler Replacement

Norm-----

You won't find an NOS or OEM coil for your application which is exactly the same as original. That's because the original coils used were a PRODUCTION-only part number. Therefore, by definition, there is not now nor was there ever, a coil available in SERVICE that was the same as original with respect to part number (which is the raised numbers on the coil that I think you're looking for). However, there are reproductions of the original coils now available. These reproductions are quite good. I could not tell you if they receive a "no deduct" on the judging field.

Original NOS distributor caps are "around". The come up on eBay quite regularly and usually sell for big $$$$. ALL distributor caps used from 1969-74 had "Delco Remy" and the "R" on them. There are also excellent reproductions of these caps that are now available.

Original mufflers used in PRODUCTION for 1969 were an ASSEMBLY which included the rear exhaust pipe and the muffler, welded at the muffler. These assemblies were NEVER available in SERVICE. SERVICE rear pipes are shorter at the rear end and SERVICE mufflers have an extension with a bell joint to attach to SERVICE rear pipes using a clamp at the connection. So, once again, by definition, the original assemblies are not now nor were they ever available. The SERVICE mufflers, themselves, were essentially the same as original except for some facets of "numbers" and other "debossments". These are very hard to find, but there are NOS units out there. For a 1972 with base engine, though, mufflers with 2" inlets were used. These are among the hardest to find of the NOS SERVICE mufflers.

[Norm C.]

Any Recommendations on Sources?

Thanks Joe... what great info and history lesson on my 72!!! Now that I understand the lack of OEM out there.... who would you recommend as sources for those higher quality repos for the Dist Cap, Coil and Muffler/Exhaust?

[Joe L.]

Re: Any Recommendations on Sources?

norm-----

I think that most of the Corvette vendors have or will soon have both the distributor cap and coil reproductions. These are GM Restoration Parts-licensed pieces. Frankly, though, as far as the coils go, I like the ones as reproduced by Goat Hill Classics the best. However, if you decide to go this way, the only way to get them is IN PERSON at one of the shows that Goat Hill attends. Carlisle is one of those. I would not recommend mail order. Otherwise, the GM Restoration Parts coils are just fine.

The mufflers are another story. You can obtain reproduction mufflers from Allen's Corvette Exhaust. These mufflers are EXTERNALLY very similar to the GM SERVICE mufflers. Allen's also manufactured a complete assembly of muffler and exhaust pipe, welded at the muffler, as original. However, the configuration of the pipes is not exactly the same as original. Still, it's the best you can do in a reproduction system. At least these assemblies do duplicate the welded-at-the-muffler configuration of originals.

[Gary S.]

Re: Any Recommendations on Sources?

Norm, Carlisle can be a great place for parts as well as scavenging in your local salvage yard. I bought two coils for my 72 LT1 at Carlisle a couple of years ago and they both work fine. Do a search of the archives and look for information on testing coils using a multimeter. I took along a small multimeter to test them and both coils tested fine. As others will comment on, I am sure, a field test, such as this, does not guarantee that the coil will work 100% in your car. However, it is a good beginning. I took the coils to my Corvette, parked in Corvette parking, and substituted the new (used) coils in for a quick run. Both worked just fine.

Keep your eye open on the piles of parts and you can often find the a "diamond in the rough".

Gary

[Paul O.]

Re: Any Recommendations on Sources?

Norm in the the last Driveline I had a left I think rear mid pipe to muffler NOS 2 inch in great condition. Paul

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: Correct Coil, Dist Cap & Muffler Replacement

Norm, For my 71sb I ordered my carbonized exhaust system from Corvette Central. I only loose 2-4 points for the system - no "W" on the mufflers. Distributor cap, I have a real cap, but missing the "R", loss of 1 point. I do have an original coil. So spend your money wisely.

Chasman

[Mark #28455]

junkyard for dist cap

I have bought several original dist caps and T3 headlights in the junkyard. The owner must have thought I was NUTS and let me have about 50 T3 bulbs for $10. He wanted a dollar for each dist cap and $5 for each 660 thermostat housing.

To him, they were a pile of stuff he usually crushes so it worked out great for me .

Mark

[Patrick H.]

Re: Any Recommendations on Sources?

Norm,

As noted in other responses, original (used) caps and coils are not hard to find. NOS caps are not hard to find either, and now the reproductions are coming out.

As noted there are no currently available exhaust systems which entirely mimic the originals in design and manufacture. So, you have to decide what you do or do not want to accept as a reasonable replacement.

I have an aluminized system from Corvette Central on my 72. It came this way when I purchased the car, and due to the cost of an original system (if I found one) it did not to me justify switching.

Good luck in your hunt.

Patrick