HEI large cap to small cap swap

[MPoore]

I have an 85 that I have substantially modified. The original coil-in-cap distributor will no longer fit unless I rework other stuff. A small cap distributor with a remote coil would fit fine. Can anyone point me to instructions on making this swap work? If I'm going to have to change the ecm, I'll rework the other stuff. But, if it's just some rewiring, I would do the swap.

Mike

 

[thirdtimevetteowner]

From what I have read, late model Camaros and/or Friebirds use a smaller version distributor that will work. I am considering an LT1 intake conversion for my 89 Vette which also requires a small distributor, and was told those ones will work.

Rich K

 

[bossvette]

I have a adapter for large cap to small cap made by holley I will see if I can dig up the part number I got it from summit racing.

 

[MPoore]

From what I have read, late model Camaros and/or Friebirds use a smaller version distributor that will work. I am considering an LT1 intake conversion for my 89 Vette which also requires a small distributor, and was told those ones will work.

Rich K

I think it will fit physically, but I need to know how to wire it up. A pre-made harness adapter would be perfect.

Mike

 

[RWDsmoke]

The wiring color codes are the same, just different connectors. I have a small cap dist on my 86 with lt4 intake. I went to pick-n-pull and got the connectors from a camaro. Make sure you get the short two wire harness that runs from the dist to the coil.

 

[thirdtimevetteowner]

RWDsmoke,
Just out of curiosity, what's the difference between an lt4 and lt1 intake? And what heads are you runnin? I am thinkin of buying an lt1 intake from the guy who makes 'em up, for around $400 and change (but it requires the smaller distributor we've been discussing. Aren't the lt4 engines a completely different animal, w/their own particular heads? TIA.

Rich K

P.S. What kinda rpms you gettin, and what cam, if you don't mind tellin?

 

[bossvette]

the holley part number is 534-47 dist adapter GM
sorry it took so long
Craig sr.

 

[RWDsmoke]

thirdtimevetteowner, I'm using the lt4 intake because the ports line up with my vortec heads. And with the hotcam it gets to 6k rpms really quick.

 

[MPoore]

the holley part number is 534-47 dist adapter GM
sorry it took so long
Craig sr.

Thanks for the part number. I found an excellent picture of the part, which confirms RWDsmoke's info. I found a small cap distributor with harness connectors at the junk yard and made my own adapter. I am waiting for my new ignition box and coil to arrive before trying it out.

Thanks again, Mike

 

[thirdtimevetteowner]

RWDsmoke, thanks for the info. Those vortecs flow pretty good, especially for the $. Do they require a specific header? I'm struggling between Hooker Super Comps or Exotic Muscle (both have 1 & 3/4" primaries, and are supposedly "tuned") and Random Tech has dual, high flow cats with an x pipe built in, from the headers back to the mufflers, to fit either one. Then I am looking for a muffler w/ZR1 style tips (which I think Exotic Muscle sells, but expensive), which should make for a nice sounding and flowing exhaust system.

Rich K