Re: [Amc-list] AMC-List 76 Hornet distributor, Duraspark Fords, etc....

[Ken Ames <ameskg@xxxxxxxxx>]

"The distributor doesn't care; engine tune does. Ported spark reduces
emissions at idle, slightly. It can, for some setups, cause the engine
to run hot at low speeds (late timing so all the fuel_air energy goes
out the exhaust). If it's not doing anything bad now, just leave it."

My 304 Spirit didn't like manifold vacuum at idle - had a little misfire. Using
ported vacuum for idle smoothed it out. 'Course I have a bit more initial
advance than stock also. 

Ken 


Quoting tom jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>:

> 
> cc'ing the list cuz it looks more broadly applicable... I hope you don't
> mind...
> 
> 
> > ======== Ok, but how about the distributor? Does it just "drop in", or do
> I
> > have to change the gear on it, shim it, etc. ?
> 
> Any AMC six distributor drops in -- you do NOT use the Ford
> distributor... for the AMC six there were only these choices up til
> the 4.0... that change-gear business is to adapt a Chevrolet distrib
> to an AMC engine. Bu
> 
> * points distributor 1964-early 70's (small cap, the one you know and love)
> * prest-no-lite distributor, early 70's
> * duraspark mid-70's on
> 
> They all fit in the hole and clamp and are mechanically
> interchangable. I just don't know anything about AMC engines after 83
> or so, others here do.
> 
> 
> > -========= What distributor would I need for the Pertronix,
> 
> Any 232/258 AMC six POINTS distributor. No one want's em! But if you
> have to go seek out a distributor, box and all that, might as well go
> Duraspark. (I originally thought yu had a points distrib, that's wy I
> suggested the Pertronix.)
> 
> 
> > =======  So get the Duraspark distributor coil, or are you talking about
> > another type?
> 
> The EASIEST thing to do for you I think is to get an AMC six Duraspark
> distributor (AMC only),  a duraspark box (Ford or AMC, same part), and
> the connectors from a Ford or AMC donor junkyard car. AND use whatever
> coil is in there now. The Duraspark system will drive any reasonable
> coil, including dead stock all years. If your coil now has a resistor,
> continue to use it.
> 
> 
> > ===== Another reason I want to convert the old Prestolite to Presto! GONE.
> 
> GOOD IDEA!
> 
> >  One question on timing - some cars base the timing on ported vacuum,
> others
> > on direct - looks like this '76 Hornet went ported. Do the Duraspark
> engines
> > base it on Ported, too, or would I need to go back to full engine vac?
> 
> The distributor doesn't care; engine tune does. Ported spark reduces
> emissions at idle, slightly. It can, for some setups, cause the engine
> to run hot at low speeds (late timing so all the fuel_air energy goes
> out the exhaust). If it's not doing anything bad now, just leave it.
> 
> In either case, you should pull the vacuum hose off and plug it, THEN
> set static ignition timing.
> 
> Another good thing about the later Duraspark distributors is more
> aggressive mechanical advance. 1979 vs. 1970, for example, has a lot
> more ignition lead. Increases power, at the slight disadvantage that
> you need to set timing a little more carefully as it's more ping
> sensitive. That's a 50s, 60s mentality (easy, lazy) vs. emissions and
> mileage and such.
> _______________________________________________
> Amc-list mailing list
> Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list
> 


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