3X2 coil support bracket?

[G A.]

My bracket has the threads stripped and so I have set off to find a proper replacement.
Through past ads (eBay) and questions/comments on other sites I was under the impression that L-68, L-71 and L-89 used a different coil support bracket than other cars.
I have searched the archives and not found an answer. I have combed the AIM and all I can learn there is that coils and support brackets were an assembly, and largely the determining factor as to which assembly was used was K-66 or not, except for L-88(?). The TIM&JG is silent also. All this leaves me with three options,
(A) the coil bracket on 3X2's was no different than others
(B) I missed the page with the answer (wouldn't be the first time)
(C) you guys know something I don't on this subject.

Dan

[John C.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Dan

The 3x2 coil bracket has a slightly different shape to the one tab to better clear the ignition shielding. See the attached pictures I got from Paragon's website. 3x2 on left.

John

[G A.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Thanks John. The 3X2 you show from Paragon is what mine looks like. However I can't find anywhere that this difference is called out.

[William H.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

I think the tri power bracket was sloped a little more to the rear of the engine

[G A.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

I think the tri power bracket was sloped a little more to the rear of the engine

This is one of the most often repeated differences I have heard. Not saying it is incorrect. I just can't find anything in the research of documentation I have available, to substantiate that a K-66 tri-power car received a different coil assembly, having a different coil support bracket, than say a single carburetor car that also had K-66.
Does anyone have something from Chevrolet that says the support is different??

[Joe L.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

This is one of the most often repeated differences I have heard. Not saying it is incorrect. I just can't find anything in the research of documentation I have available, to substantiate that a K-66 tri-power car received a different coil assembly, having a different coil support bracket, than say a single carburetor car that also had K-66.
Does anyone have something from Chevrolet that says the support is different??

Dan------


I agree. The coil ASSEMBLY, which included both the coil and the support bracket, used for all 1969 big blocks with K-66 was GM #1115263. As such, I do not understand how the bracket could have been different for L-36 and L-88 versus L-68 and L-71. If different brackets were to have been used, the assemblies would have had to have different part numbers for each.

Curiously, in SERVICE, GM did specify different brackets for 427 applications with K-66 versus those without K-66. The bracket for 427 with K-66 was GM #1968423. The bracket for 427 without K-66 was GM #1966876. Both of the aforementioned brackets were discontinued many years ago and both replaced by the GM #1970344, the last available SERVICE bracket for most 68-74 Corvettes.

[G A.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Joe, are you aware if either of those brackets (1968423, 1966876) had the angular cut on the tab shown in the pictures that John Carlson posted? I'll bet many here that have L-71's and L-89's would be interested to know what the poop is.

EDIT: Also, would the design of the 3X2 distributor shield have been different enough to demand a different coil bracket??

Dan

[John C.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Dan

I finally went down to my 68 L71 to look at what I have on my car. The angular cut tab is not required to clear the ignition shielding but it is to clear the intake manifold. See the attached pictures.

Looking at the cut it does look like it could have potentially been added on the assembly line. If this was true, it would then be possible to have only one part number for the each coil assembly as shown in the AIM and it was modified with the cut as needed if it was to be used on a tri-power car. Then for service GM created the two brackets Joe lists. This is all theory on my part, but it could explain what we are seeing.

John

[G A.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Great work John! I think you may have hit on the answer. All you say makes good sense, and your right about the intake clearance. Mine is the same as you have noted.

Thanks for taking the time and making the effort.

Dan

[Joe L.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Joe, are you aware if either of those brackets (1968423, 1966876) had the angular cut on the tab shown in the pictures that John Carlson posted? I'll bet many here that have L-71's and L-89's would be interested to know what the poop is.

EDIT: Also, would the design of the 3X2 distributor shield have been different enough to demand a different coil bracket??

Dan

Dan-----


I don't know what the difference in the brackets was. However, keep in mind that the different brackets were a function of K-66 or not K-66. They were not directly related to 3X2, or not. Of course, all L-71 and L-89 were equipped with K-66 so all of those would have had the with K-66 bracket. However, the same bracket would also have applied to L-36 and L-68 with K-66. Presumably, though, L-68 without K-66 would have used a different bracket.

[James R.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Below are pics of one I have had for years,whether it is correct or not I don't know.Definitely looks different to the Paragon one. That said,it does look the same as the one on my '69 L71

[Chris H.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Here's mine from my 69 L71, VIN 10255. Looks like James', not the Paragon one.

[Joe L.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Below are pics of one I have had for years,whether it is correct or not I don't know.Definitely looks different to the Paragon one. That said,it does look the same as the one on my '69 L71

James------


It appears to me that the "angled" configuration of the area in question of the bracket was a modification made to the bracket rather than something that was created when the bracket was manufactured. Note that this appears to have been ground, machined, or saw cut. So, I'd say it's very likely this was a modification made to the brackets at St. Louis to address a fitment issue with 3X2 installations.

[Joe L.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Here's mine from my 69 L71, VIN 10255. Looks like James', not the Paragon one.

Chris------


Assuming that the "angled" area on the bracket is a modification made at St. Louis, it could very well be that it was not consistently done. Also, the modification might have varied between 67 L-71 and 68-69 L-71 since the the 67 manifold was higher and may have required a greater "relieved" area. If so, the Paragon reproduction might be modeled after the 1967 configuration.

[James R.]

Re: 3X2 coil support bracket?

Well it would seem that all Corvettes of this era had one of these

I recently acquired another Vette('70BB),went outside and low and behold.........