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I think I am going to replace the distributor in my 96 chevy 1500. Before I got it someone stripped out one of the holes that holds the distributor cap on and replaced it with a slitghtly larger screw. The last time I had it off the hole broke off when putting the screw back but half the hole was still there and tightened the cap down but I know it’s not reliable. Also I have recently gotten a po300 missfire code along with a gas smell in the exhaust once in a while. But only on bank one, and if I go to the exhaust on the driver side I can hear like a stumble in the rhythm of the exhaust. And last ever since I have gotten this truck (I have put about 19,000 miles) I have put 3 distributor caps on it(due to cracking from crossfire). It has new plugs wires cap and rotor. But I have not replaced the coil or dist. Shaft.
I can hear the rotor hitting the points in the cap if I listen close is that normal?
What would be a good distributor replacement or combo?
Would it improve performance at all?
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Is this a 5.7 vortec? I”m not sure on the 96 but I worked on a 98 5.7L and learned that you HAVE to have a scan tool that reads cam retard in order to set the timing. You get the distributor close +/- 2 degrees and then have to use the scan tool to set final timing. Most sub 500 dollar scan tools won’t read cam retard on these either. Just a heads up if this does apply to your engine also.
It is the 5.7 vortec would I be ok to put the distributor in then drive three miles into town and have a shop do the computer part?
make sure you are using the proper spark plugs in the engine. GM’s dont like autolites. learned that the hard way. AC Delco is recommended, even though i run E3 in mine because they fire in oil.also inspect the wires to make sure theres no cracks or breaks in the insulation of them. even new wires can have manufacturing defects in them. but if you are going through caps that fast i would say yes to the distributor replacement. google (or look on youtube) the procedure to see if theres anything out of the ordinary that is required for doing this swap. As for performance, you could call summit racing and talk to them about a distributor or jegs, but unless you are planning to hot rod your truck stick with OEM if possible.
Yes it has acdelco plugs, I’m not going to hot rod it or anything I just use it for getting around. I’m looking at a a1 cardone one that’s new it’s supposed to be oem but its kinda cheap and I’m skeptical about it. Also I think I would probably just go with a new coil to while I’m at it the truck has 215000 miles on it and the shaft and coil are probably original. Are the 45000 volt ones any good or would I just be better sticking with replacement parts?
i would stick with replacement. it makes it easier to replace if something happens. 300 miles from home and your coil goes out, a OE one you could go to any napa or autozone nearby and pick one up (or even a junk yard) and you be on your way. who knows if any of them would have the aftermarket one you installed. i have 175k on my coil no issues. its not a wearable part i dont think it either works or doesnt.
[quote=”Passey” post=53174]It is the 5.7 vortec would I be ok to put the distributor in then drive three miles into town and have a shop do the computer part?[/quote]
First google to see if your 96 will have the same issue as the 98 I worked on, I’m not positive if it is or not. Just giving a heads up if it is. If it does need the scan tool then yes you should be able to get it close enough to drive. There is lots of info on how to set the distributor to TDC which will get you close. Then call a shop and see what they charge to hook up the scan tool and finish setting the timing for you.
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