What distributors are these? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kcabbie · 07-17-2011, 12:09 PM

I bought a bunch of "performance" parts from a guy yesterday and one of these do look really nice and says "rpc" and so far the only thing i can find is a cheap distributor on ebay. I paid good money for this stuff.. hopefully i didnt get screwed. It did come with two sets of 8.5mm wires..
Heres a pic.
thanks for any tips

LUCKIN-FOU · 07-17-2011, 12:34 PM

The big cap Distributor is a HEI. Used for years by GM. The top one you have is for a big block or small block chevy. It is an aftermarket I have purchased a bunch of them on E-bay for $80 to & 100 a piece.

The small cap Distributor is also a Chevy used in the mid 80's to late 90's on EFI big block ans small chevys. They also run about the same price

kcabbie · 07-17-2011, 12:52 PM

Alright, so I will be using the large on then. Mine is HEI equiped. I also got a msd 6a with these so I will throw that on there as well. Thanks for the reply!

kcabbie · 07-17-2011, 10:05 PM

Just swapped these distributors. Got it all back together, put new wires on as well. Cranked it over and fired right up. Idle started at around 30* of timing, so i retarded it down to 12* and then it would not rev. Would pop through carb. Also, would not die. Cut the key off and it dieseled. I had to put it in gear and force the engine to stop.
180* off?
Ideas?
thanks guys.

**hatzie** · 07-17-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcabbie

Just swapped these distributors. Got it all back together, put new wires on as well. Cranked it over and fired right up. Idle started at around 30* of timing, so i retarded it down to 12* and then it would not rev. Would pop through carb. Also, would not die. Cut the key off and it dieseled. I had to put it in gear and force the engine to stop.
180* off?
Ideas?
thanks guys.

It sounds like you're setting the timing with the vacuum advance hooked up and the idle set too high.

kcabbie · 07-17-2011, 11:39 PM

vaccum is un hooked, and idel is set just high enough to keep it running at 12* of timing

BigRed76 · 07-18-2011, 12:37 AM

Sounds like the centrifugal advance under the rotor is sticking causing your timing to stay advanced, which can make it diesel when shutting it off.

kcabbie · 07-18-2011, 10:46 AM

Would this also casue the backfire? howcan i check it? Under the cap I can spin the rotor clock wise a few degrees.

when i was placing the dizzi back into the engine i could not get it to point directly at the number 1 plug. It was either at the number 3 plug or to far past the number 1 plug, but when it was pointed at the number 3 plug, I could spin the rotor(spun easy) just enough to have it pointed directly at the number one plug. That make since?
It is at tdc according to the balancer.

thanks!

BigRed76 · 07-18-2011, 11:14 AM

It doesnt really matter what point the rotor faces towards on the cap when setting it at tdc, wherever it is pointed will become cylinder #1. Most people just like to get it in the same spot since it points at cyl. #1. So as long as your rotor points at cyl. #1 at tdc then it'll work.

To check the centrifugal advance, take the rotor off and try to spin the shaft, it should twist a little bit to expand the centrifugal advance and then stop. When you let go it should contract all the way back.

kcabbie · 07-18-2011, 11:21 AM

Just pulled the cap off, and it works like you said it should. So don't worry about the timing?
Would it not run if it was 180 out?

kasey

jrcaprai · 07-18-2011, 11:32 AM

Beware of the Cheap Chinese Parts... if you look close you can see where the Distributor Melted through the center of the Cap and Rotor... This was after 3 hours of Use

kcabbie · 07-18-2011, 12:01 PM

Did that say rpc on the dizzy? Mine has the billet aluminum.. i hope its not the same thing.

Just moved a tooth over for the heck of it. Hoping it would solve my problems. But apparently it does the exact same thing. Runs great with timing way advanced but when i set it at 12* it stumbles and pops like crazy. Still had trouble shutting off. I think i got the firing order off. The only chart i can find says start number 1 at 6;30? I thought it was 5;30?

kcabbie · 07-18-2011, 12:07 PM

Also, something i should note.. when i went to plug the dizzy back in to the harness, i found an extra plug. You have the three spots on the dizzy cap for plugs, mine originally only had the main one, and on the two small ones, only the little one closest to the front. When i plugged the other in, it would not crank.

BigRed76 · 07-18-2011, 12:14 PM

The engine will not start if the timing is 180 off.

CSGAS · 07-18-2011, 12:55 PM

I have an RPC brand in the box at home that I keep telling myself to drop into the truck. It's a Chinese billet, I paid $50 "brand new" at the Auto Fair swap meet from a closeout lot.

This engine in my truck will not need anything better but expect bushings instead of bearings like the MSDs. Also the advance canister is NOT adjustable but the module, cap, rotor, and coil are slightly better than stock HEI.

Not as good as a Skip White should be but should be better than a junkyard piece with a "rebuild" costing more than $50. I say again, it isn't IN the truck yet.

kcabbie · 07-18-2011, 01:02 PM

I'm thinking about swapping back to my original one for now. I cannot get this thing to run right. I've been out in the rain all morning trying to get it fixed and nothing. Anyone have any advice before i revert back to the old one?Thanks

CSGAS · 07-18-2011, 01:03 PM

Also, on your run-on problem...where does your "ignition unfused" power to the dizzy pull from? Do you have a one wire internally regulated alternator without a diode/warning light wired in? Perhaps even running with a junction to the same harness instead of the harness going to the ignition switch/fuse box?

motornut · 07-18-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrcaprai

Beware of the Cheap Chinese Parts... if you look close you can see where the Distributor Melted through the center of the Cap and Rotor... This was after 3 hours of Use

can we see more of the "junk" and what not to buy
top looks like one i seen used for sale on the weekend $50
"I mighta looked to long price wasn't goin down"

working threw sputtering with mine but wana go threw replace fuel lines/pump first
my dizzy weights were rusted and not workin right

kcabbie · 07-18-2011, 08:21 PM

Okay, finally got it figured out! Stupid balancer was not marked correctly.
That will be the next thing changed.
thanks for everything guys!

jrcaprai · 07-18-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrcaprai

Beware of the Cheap Chinese Parts... if you look close you can see where the Distributor Melted through the center of the Cap and Rotor... This was after 3 hours of Use

Mine was a Skip White Chinese POS....

mbgmike · 07-18-2011, 09:12 PM

The company is Racing Power Company. We sell their products as well as others
http://rpcproducts.com/
companies sell them for $125-150

kcabbie · 07-18-2011, 10:10 PM

Its a great looking distributor, and as long as it last's i would recomend it.

motornut · 07-19-2011, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcabbie

Its a great looking distributor, and as long as it last's i would recomend it.

won't be buying that..................yup my truck looks great too, till you look too close
but i wana make it home too

CSGAS · 07-19-2011, 05:46 PM

Well, it wasn't the manufacturer that was closing out then, when I got mine...Mike, do you keep the whole line available on order or just keep the most common stuff in stock?

I just realized looking at the catalog I've used some of their unbranded dress-up parts and liked them well (the wrinkle-finish is particularly rugged)

rfmaster · 07-19-2011, 06:25 PM

You can still find GM OE, Made in USA distributors at your local JY. You can rebuild a dizzy as along as the shaft does not wobble. Simple shims will keep shaft from moving up and down - 40 to 50 mill of end play.

All internal parts are still readily available - and as long as you are not trying to be a 1/4 hero stock parts will work for many years....
We do not need Commie Chinese made crap in our trucks!

//RF

07-17-2011, 12:34 PM	#2
LUCKIN-FOU I'M NOT SCARED I HAVE A PLASMA Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The PLACE Posts: 172	Re: What distributors are these? The big cap Distributor is a HEI. Used for years by GM. The top one you have is for a big block or small block chevy. It is an aftermarket I have purchased a bunch of them on E-bay for $80 to & 100 a piece. The small cap Distributor is also a Chevy used in the mid 80's to late 90's on EFI big block ans small chevys. They also run about the same price __________________ Lou Santiago US Navy Retired/World Traveler Car Builder/Welder/Airport Investigator garageinsidertv.com [FORUM] WORK IS FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T FISH. I GUESS I'M SCREWED BECAUSED I HATE FISHING.

07-17-2011, 12:52 PM	#3
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? Alright, so I will be using the large on then. Mine is HEI equiped. I also got a msd 6a with these so I will throw that on there as well. Thanks for the reply!

07-17-2011, 10:05 PM	#4
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? Just swapped these distributors. Got it all back together, put new wires on as well. Cranked it over and fired right up. Idle started at around 30* of timing, so i retarded it down to 12* and then it would not rev. Would pop through carb. Also, would not die. Cut the key off and it dieseled. I had to put it in gear and force the engine to stop. 180* off? Ideas? thanks guys.

07-17-2011, 11:39 PM	#6
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? vaccum is un hooked, and idel is set just high enough to keep it running at 12* of timing

07-18-2011, 12:37 AM	#7
BigRed76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,921	Re: What distributors are these? Sounds like the centrifugal advance under the rotor is sticking causing your timing to stay advanced, which can make it diesel when shutting it off. __________________ Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB

07-17-2011, 12:09 PM	#1
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	What distributors are these? I bought a bunch of "performance" parts from a guy yesterday and one of these do look really nice and says "rpc" and so far the only thing i can find is a cheap distributor on ebay. I paid good money for this stuff.. hopefully i didnt get screwed. It did come with two sets of 8.5mm wires.. Heres a pic. thanks for any tips Attached Images

07-18-2011, 10:46 AM	#8
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? Would this also casue the backfire? howcan i check it? Under the cap I can spin the rotor clock wise a few degrees. when i was placing the dizzi back into the engine i could not get it to point directly at the number 1 plug. It was either at the number 3 plug or to far past the number 1 plug, but when it was pointed at the number 3 plug, I could spin the rotor(spun easy) just enough to have it pointed directly at the number one plug. That make since? It is at tdc according to the balancer. thanks!

07-18-2011, 11:14 AM	#9
BigRed76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,921	Re: What distributors are these? It doesnt really matter what point the rotor faces towards on the cap when setting it at tdc, wherever it is pointed will become cylinder #1. Most people just like to get it in the same spot since it points at cyl. #1. So as long as your rotor points at cyl. #1 at tdc then it'll work. To check the centrifugal advance, take the rotor off and try to spin the shaft, it should twist a little bit to expand the centrifugal advance and then stop. When you let go it should contract all the way back. __________________ Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB

07-18-2011, 11:21 AM	#10
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? Just pulled the cap off, and it works like you said it should. So don't worry about the timing? Would it not run if it was 180 out? kasey

07-18-2011, 11:32 AM	#11
jrcaprai Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 365	Re: What distributors are these? Beware of the Cheap Chinese Parts... if you look close you can see where the Distributor Melted through the center of the Cap and Rotor... This was after 3 hours of Use

07-18-2011, 12:01 PM	#12
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? Did that say rpc on the dizzy? Mine has the billet aluminum.. i hope its not the same thing. Just moved a tooth over for the heck of it. Hoping it would solve my problems. But apparently it does the exact same thing. Runs great with timing way advanced but when i set it at 12* it stumbles and pops like crazy. Still had trouble shutting off. I think i got the firing order off. The only chart i can find says start number 1 at 6;30? I thought it was 5;30?

07-18-2011, 12:07 PM	#13
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? Also, something i should note.. when i went to plug the dizzy back in to the harness, i found an extra plug. You have the three spots on the dizzy cap for plugs, mine originally only had the main one, and on the two small ones, only the little one closest to the front. When i plugged the other in, it would not crank.

07-18-2011, 12:14 PM	#14
BigRed76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,921	Re: What distributors are these? The engine will not start if the timing is 180 off. __________________ Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB

07-18-2011, 12:55 PM	#15
CSGAS optomistic ah-so Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 544	Re: What distributors are these? I have an RPC brand in the box at home that I keep telling myself to drop into the truck. It's a Chinese billet, I paid $50 "brand new" at the Auto Fair swap meet from a closeout lot. This engine in my truck will not need anything better but expect bushings instead of bearings like the MSDs. Also the advance canister is NOT adjustable but the module, cap, rotor, and coil are slightly better than stock HEI. Not as good as a Skip White should be but should be better than a junkyard piece with a "rebuild" costing more than $50. I say again, it isn't IN the truck yet. __________________ Rubbing is Racin' Ribbing is Bench Racin' 1970 C-10 lwb Fleetside. Originally 350 2-bbl 3-on-the-tree, m/b, m/w, m/s no a/c. Currently running on a '76 Camaro 305. Last edited by CSGAS; 07-18-2011 at 12:57 PM. Reason: legal disclaimer for liability and all that complete load of bs :-D

07-18-2011, 01:02 PM	#16
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? I'm thinking about swapping back to my original one for now. I cannot get this thing to run right. I've been out in the rain all morning trying to get it fixed and nothing. Anyone have any advice before i revert back to the old one?Thanks



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07-18-2011, 01:03 PM	#17
CSGAS optomistic ah-so Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 544	Re: What distributors are these? Also, on your run-on problem...where does your "ignition unfused" power to the dizzy pull from? Do you have a one wire internally regulated alternator without a diode/warning light wired in? Perhaps even running with a junction to the same harness instead of the harness going to the ignition switch/fuse box? __________________ Rubbing is Racin' Ribbing is Bench Racin' 1970 C-10 lwb Fleetside. Originally 350 2-bbl 3-on-the-tree, m/b, m/w, m/s no a/c. Currently running on a '76 Camaro 305.

07-18-2011, 08:21 PM	#19
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? Okay, finally got it figured out! Stupid balancer was not marked correctly. That will be the next thing changed. thanks for everything guys!

07-18-2011, 09:12 PM	#21
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: What distributors are these? The company is Racing Power Company. We sell their products as well as others http://rpcproducts.com/ companies sell them for $125-150 Last edited by mbgmike; 07-18-2011 at 09:19 PM.

07-18-2011, 10:10 PM	#22
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: What distributors are these? Its a great looking distributor, and as long as it last's i would recomend it.

07-19-2011, 05:46 PM	#24
CSGAS optomistic ah-so Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 544	Re: What distributors are these? Well, it wasn't the manufacturer that was closing out then, when I got mine...Mike, do you keep the whole line available on order or just keep the most common stuff in stock? I just realized looking at the catalog I've used some of their unbranded dress-up parts and liked them well (the wrinkle-finish is particularly rugged) __________________ Rubbing is Racin' Ribbing is Bench Racin' 1970 C-10 lwb Fleetside. Originally 350 2-bbl 3-on-the-tree, m/b, m/w, m/s no a/c. Currently running on a '76 Camaro 305.

07-19-2011, 06:25 PM	#25
rfmaster Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: OC CA Posts: 1,374	Re: What distributors are these? You can still find GM OE, Made in USA distributors at your local JY. You can rebuild a dizzy as along as the shaft does not wobble. Simple shims will keep shaft from moving up and down - 40 to 50 mill of end play. All internal parts are still readily available - and as long as you are not trying to be a 1/4 hero stock parts will work for many years.... We do not need Commie Chinese made crap in our trucks! //RF __________________ "The Beast" 1975 Chevrolet C20 longbed 350/700R4! with 3inch body lift Dual Flowmasters Super 40's! TBI retrofit completed (2007-07-29) New 383CID (+030) 08-304-8 9.5:1CR x36,005 (2012-12-17)

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