'73 Distributor Number

[Christopher K.]

I'm looking for the correct distributor number for a 1973 L82 4 speed, since the band is missing. NCRS guide says 1112130, Dobbins book says 1112150 for both manual and auto trans. Is there any way to tell what I have without the band?

Thanks, Chris

[Joe L.]

Re: '73 Distributor Number

I'm looking for the correct distributor number for a 1973 L82 4 speed, since the band is missing. NCRS guide says 1112130, Dobbins book says 1112150 for both manual and auto trans. Is there any way to tell what I have without the band?

Thanks, Chris

Chris-----

For all practical purposes, there is no way to positively identify a Corvette distributor if the band has been removed, There are certain discernable features that might narrow it down, but not positively ID it.

It is possible that very early 1973 L-82 did use distributor GM #1112130. I doubt it, but it's possible. However, I believe that most, if not all, used the 1112150. I do not know what differences might have existed between these 2 units.

One discernable feature that might narrow it down is the installed vacuum control. Assuming it's still original, it should be a GM #1973448 (stamped "448"). The 1112150 used this vacuum control. Of course, so did a lot of other distributors, so this does not positively ID the distributor.

[Christopher K.]

Re: '73 Distributor Number

Thanks Joe, I should have just asked for you by name!
I changed the vacuum advance can out a few months ago, and of course saved the old one. It says MS 201 15. I think the guy who owned the car just before me put this on though, I seem to remember him saying that. Any idea what those numbers are for?

Thanks again, Chris

[Joe L.]

Re: '73 Distributor Number

Thanks Joe, I should have just asked for you by name!
I changed the vacuum advance can out a few months ago, and of course saved the old one. It says MS 201 15. I think the guy who owned the car just before me put this on though, I seem to remember him saying that. Any idea what those numbers are for?

Thanks again, Chris

Chris-----


The '201' vacuum control was used on a LOT of original distributors. However, it was only available in SERVICE for a short while in the mid-60's. The '163' vacuum control was used for SERVICE of most applications originally using the '201'.

The specs for the '448' and '201' are quite a bit different.

[Christopher K.]

Re: '73 Distributor Number

Joe,
I replaced the 201 with the correct NAPA Echlin part, VC1765 for the high perf small block. I adjusted the timing and carburetor and now it runs well. Is it possible to find a working 448, possibly at a swap meet...Carlisle?
Thanks, Chris

[Joe L.]

Re: '73 Distributor Number

Joe,
I replaced the 201 with the correct NAPA Echlin part, VC1765 for the high perf small block. I adjusted the timing and carburetor and now it runs well. Is it possible to find a working 448, possibly at a swap meet...Carlisle?
Thanks, Chris

Chris-----


The VC1765 has specs almost identical to the '448'. So, it should work well for you. The configuration of the VC1765 is almost the same as the original GM piece except for the stamped numbers. Is it possible to find an original '448'? Of course. They're not common but they're out there. You'll probably pay dearly for it if it's NOS and, basically, all you'll be getting will be the stamped numbers compared to what you've got now.