Distributors, coils, wires, etc.

[Wags391]

I'm looking to replace my distributor, wires, and coil possibly. What are your opinions on which brand is best to go with? I like the MSD distributor 8367. You thoughts??

92 s10 Blazer, 4x4, 4.3 L TBI

Also, has anyone had any experience with the Edelbrock 3713 for the TBI engines??

[old_master]

What problems are you having with the original manifold and distributor?

[Wags391]

Originally Posted by old_master

What problems are you having with the original manifold and distributor?

I'm not having any problems with the manifold, but I've heard the Edelbrock version for the TBI 4.3s is better.

I've been getting a code 43 and I did the flowchart testing from my shop manual for that code. I came to the conclusion that the rotating pole pieces and shaft assembly, essentially the entire distributor, needs replacing due to the rotating pole piece not staying magnetized. I check the resistance of the pick-up coil and found it to be in spec, which it should be since I replaced it just this last summer. I need to wires, cap, and a rotor also, so I figured I'd go for the whole ignition system (Dist, cap, rotor, wires, and possibly coil). Your thoughts?

[old_master]

Along with what you already found with the distributor, the bushings can and do wear which will cause misfires, and reduce fuel economy and performance. Check with your local auto parts store for the price and availibility of a remanufactured or new distributor, (stay away from rebuilts). You'll be pleasantly surprised at the price difference compared to the MSD too. As far as the distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs, use AC Delco ONLY on the 4.3L engine. When it comes to spark plug wires, Autolite Professional Series have the best specifications of any manufacturer, and at a lower cost too. Unless the ignition coil fails the resistance tests, it should be fine. Standard OEM coils are more than adequate to do the job. Provided the cap, rotor, plugs and wires are good, "High performance" coils serve no purpose other than drain your wallet.

[Wags391]

Originally Posted by old_master

Along with what you already found with the distributor, the bushings can and do wear which will cause misfires, and reduce fuel economy and performance. Check with your local auto parts store for the price and availibility of a remanufactured or new distributor, (stay away from rebuilts). You'll be pleasantly surprised at the price difference compared to the MSD too. As far as the distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs, use AC Delco ONLY on the 4.3L engine. When it comes to spark plug wires, Autolite Professional Series have the best specifications of any manufacturer, and at a lower cost too.

Thanks for the advice. I know the MSD stuff is more expensive, but do you think along with other MSD products it's worth it? Why do you say AC Delco only? I hear that a lot, and though I don't disagree, I don't know why.

[old_master]

Normal coil output voltage while the engine is running, is approximately 7Kv to 10Kv. The OEM coil is capable of producing upwards of 40Kv. Why spend money on something that you'll never need?

AC Delco has something up on all the cap manufacturers... what it is, only AC Delco knows, but they perform better and outlast every other brand. The rotor terminal air gap is much closer on the AC Delco caps and rotors reducing voltage necessary to jump the gap and that also reduces radio noise. When replacing the distributor cap and rotor, always put a small dab of silicone dielectric on each terminal, inside and out, of the distributor cap.

[Wags391]

Originally Posted by old_master

Normal coil output voltage while the engine is running, is approximately 7Kv to 10Kv. The OEM coil is capable of producing upwards of 40Kv. Why spend money on something that you'll never need?

AC Delco has something up on all the cap manufacturers... what it is, only AC Delco knows, but they perform better and outlast every other brand. The rotor terminal air gap is much closer on the AC Delco caps and rotors reducing voltage necessary to jump the gap and that also reduces radio noise. When replacing the distributor cap and rotor, always put a small dab of silicone dielectric on each terminal, inside and out, of the distributor cap.

Ok I here ya on this. What about wires?

[old_master]

When it comes to spark plug wires, Autolite Professional Series have the best specifications of any manufacturer, and at a lower cost too.