Installing Late Model Distributer

[dsnyder]

Got a ton of work done on the 1978 Spider today. Brakes are fixed! No pulling no burning... the new front suspension and shocks are really tight! Also installed electronic Ignition, coil, and distributer off of the 1982 parts car.

Here is my question, I have the distributer installed but when I have the timing set correctly, the distributor is in a very awkward position. Unlike my old VW Beetles, it would seem that the distributor can be installed at various angles. On the beetle you could only make it fit two ways correctly or 180 degrees off. Are there steps to getting it at the perfect angle for clearance, performance etc...? The angle I currently have it at makes it impossible to tighten the adjustment bolt and the vacuum advance is hitting against the heater hose.

Thanks,

Dave

[manoa matt]

There is a casting mark on the side of the distributor just below where the cap mounts that is in line with the #4 plug wire contact. Remove the cap. Line the rotor tip up with that mark. With the distributor in hand place it over the cam box hole. With the rotor and distributor body lined up together and you hovering over the passenger side fender, orient that mark at the 1 O'clock position. Keep the rotor and casting mark lined up and drop the distributor in rotating clockwise as you drop it in so the gears mesh.

The vac advance makes placement of the distributor critical in order to access the hold down nut. A 17mm stubby wrench works great. You may have to drop it in several times to get it right. With the cap on, the plug wire terminals will be pointing to the 2 O'clock position. Snug up the hold down nut so the distributor will turn, but not easily. Hook up your timing light, warm up the car and disconnect and plug the vac advance hose.

2 ways to time: Set it at 10Deg. at idle, OR set it at 36 deg at 3500 rpms, you will need to either mark the crank at 36 deg. or have a timing light with an advance dial.

[dsnyder]

Thanks- Should the engine be at top dead center? Does that matter?

Dave

[manoa matt]

Ops, almost forgot the most important part.

1. Take out all the spark plugs and remove rad fan.

2. Car in neutral, use a 38mm or 1 1/2" socket and turn main crank clockwise until all timing marks line up. Alternate method is to put pressure on alternator belt and use that pully nut to turn engine over.

3. Do with distributor, as previously stated.

Car is timed with #4 set to fire at TDC.

[dsnyder]

OK the new distributor/coil set up is in. The old dual point distributor had two green wires going to it that on most cars would go toward the coil. They instead go through the firewall into the passenger compartment. Should they be taped up apart or connected together? My guess is that they went to some of the smog equipment that has now all been removed.

[So Cal Mark]

they would go to the relay that switched current between the two sets of points