New Distributor 89 350 tbi — choices!?

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Schurkey

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TBI distributor? FIRST thing to look at is the magnet on the mainshaft. They're often cracked, (usually across a rivet hole) creating a goofy signal to the ignition module. They're not replaced separately, you have to buy a mainshaft. I suppose someone could drill rivets, fabricate and replace the magnet, and then re-rivet; but I don't think that's a practical solution for a D-I-Y repair.

Make sure the mainshaft and bushings in the housing aren't scored/worn. Shaft should spin easily, but have no free-play in the bushings.

The grease-well at the top of the distributor housing generally has ancient, original "grease"* that's hardened and useless. If you screw-up the plastic cover/grease seal over the grease well, you'll have to make a replacement as GM has discontinued the plastic covers. Last I saw, the "Corvette" specialty suppliers were getting insane money for the few remaining grease seals. For the record, many aftermarket housings have a grease well and cover...but the housing isn't drilled so the grease has ZERO chance of lubing the upper bushing. There's no hole for the grease to travel through!

Assure that the vent screens on the underside of the housing are clean.

A fresh pickup coil is recommended.



*GM sold oil-wetted sawdust as distributor "grease" for awhile. They've also used white grease, and other products, too.
 

Kens1990K2500

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Thanks y’all for this forum and the amazing help.

So, my truck (stock 89 K1500 5.7 tbi) is a rolling project … but, pretty tight mechanically.

This morning, 8 am downtown, the truck abruptly loses power, then a sort muffled backfire comes through the carburetor, and a poof of gray smoke comes from under the hood. Not a ton of smoke, just a few tendrils.

Truck is dead — like, no spark type of dead. Turns over fine, but not firing at all.

Get it rolled over to a parking lot, and swap out the new coil for an older one that I preemptively replaced.

Nothing. Still no firing. Used gas and starting fluid to make sure.

The ignition has already been entirely replaced, but when I did that … I bought a POS distributor for $45 because I needed the truck going and it was available right then.

Had planned on replacing it anyway when I got some time— looks like it is time.

I’m about 90% certain that’s what failed.

I’ve gonna throw the old one in there to be certain, but regardless I am putting a new one in there.

Looking at options and suggestions on the forums here i am f’n confused.

I’m good and following instructions and such, but y’all get technical and it goes right over my head.

The AC/Delco 19179575 is about $280, which is fine, I guess — but if I’m paying that much is there a better choice?

Again, a stock 89 K1500 5.7 tbi

I see the Delphi CZ20001 Distributor recommended, but it’s not a bunch cheaper, although it at least cones w the cap and assorted pieces.

I saw a couple other ones recommended, but just wasn’t certain if those were for my specific.

Bottom-line, i want something bullet proof. I looked at like a marine one, but I just wasn’t brave enough to pull the trigger unless I’m sure it’s the right one for my truck.

If price was not a huge object, and you were setting up a 89 Chevy K1500 5.7 tbi for your grandpa, what would you choose for a distributor?
I'm surprised no one mentioned a Davis Unified Ignition (DUI) distributor. I installed one and it's a quality unit. Also great tech support.

I was going to try to rebuild my original distributor, but it was way too corroded.
 
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