Installing new distributor, any tips?

[Glennster]

I can't get rid of this high rpm problem....So, we'll throw some more money at it. I'm replacing the Distributor, coil and the electrical box. I've never replaced a distributor, are there any tips or tricks?

[ShelbyDogg]

Just know that you can point the rotor in any position by turning the gear at the bottom and moving it one tooth at a time by turning it the SAME way of distributor rotation.  The gear rises up, you jump a tooth or two, then check alignment.  It helps if you want to keep your wires straight, going from side to side. I use a big screwdriver to turn the gear.

1. Before you start, put your timing marks on TDC AND have your rotor pointing to # 1 cylinder before you pull the old one out. Then you wont get it in 180 degrees out.

2. Have a timing light ready to re-time it when you are done.

Very easy to do if you follow my steps, don't sweat it. 

[Rare_T_A]

Make sure it's in time.....I couldn't resist!  Sorry!

[ShelbyDogg]

Before you change that distributor. Have you tried new spark plug wires?
 

[Glennster]

Just for giggles, I put my buddies on 850 Holley on it.... She ran just fine at high rpm's. It seemed to load up at low rpm's. Maybe it's not an electrical problem after all. I may just need to figure out how to get the Edelbrock 800 AVS Thunder Series to give me more gas as I leave my foot in it.

 I took it out for a short spin and all went well. I'll take it out again later and see if I get the same good results!

[dodj]

Although it seems like you have it figured out as a fuel problem, if you did have to start changing out electrical components, change them one at a time then test. Then if your problem went away you would know which part to throw away and not have three suspicious components on your work bench.