What do you recommend for a replacement distributor?

PACEVETTE

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET CAMARO
5.7L
V8
2WD
MANUAL
99,000 MILES

What do you recommend for a replacement distributor on a 1996 Camaro LT1? Nobody has a good reputation. My next to last one was a Cardone installed by my dealer and lasted 3 years 30,000 miles. The last one I installed myself and looks like 3 weeks and 700 mile - waiting to hear if that's the problem. Thanks.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,323 POSTS

Yep, these are difficult to get right, here is a page from Rockauto.com that could help (copy entire link).

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/chevrolet,1996,camaro,5.7l+v8,1035931,ignition,distributor,7108

I wish AC Delco made one because that is the one I would use. Here are the instructions on how to install the unit in case you need it in the images below.

Numbers used below refer to image caption.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Check the distributor assembly ventilation system for proper operation.
2. Be sure the ignition switch is in "OFF" or "LOCK" position.
3. Water pump assembly.
4. Crankshaft balancer assembly.

NOTICE:
Make sure all coolant has been wiped off distributor and surrounding area before disconnecting any electrical connectors or spark plug wire harness assemblies.

5. Spark plug wire harness assemblies from distributor assembly (1). Refer to Ignition Cable.
6. Four-terminal Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connector from distributor assembly (1).
7. Vacuum harness assembly (24) from distributor assembly (1). Refer to Distributor Ventilation System.
8. Distributor bolts/screws (3).
9. Distributor assembly (1).
Pull distributor assembly forward until coupling (4) disengages from end of camshaft assembly.

CAUTION: The material used to construct spark plug wires is very soft. This wire will withstand more heat and carry a higher voltage, but chaffing and cutting become easier. The spark plug wires must be routed correctly to prevent chaffing or cutting. When removing a spark plug wire from a spark plug, twist the boot on the spark plug one-half turn while pulling on the boot.

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Distributor assembly (1) with new coupling shaft "0" rings. Replace the "0" rings on the coupling shaft or ignition system performance may be affected.

A. Rotate distributor coupling until camshaft sprocket pin slot aligns with camshaft sprocket pin.
B. Slide distributor assembly (1) onto end of camshaft assembly until fully seated on engine front cover.

CAUTION:
Do not attempt to fully seat distributor assembly (1) using bolts / screws (3). If distributor assembly (1) will not seat by hand, it is not properly aligned with camshaft assembly. Rotate crankshaft until engine is at number 1 cylinder top dead center (TDC) (camshaft sprocket pin at the 9 o'clock position). Rotate the distributor coupling (4) until the camshaft sprocket pin slot aligns with the distributor base timing mark. Install distributor assembly (1) using hand pressure to fully seat.

2. Distributor bolts/screws (3).

Tighten
Bolts/screws (3) to 12 Nm (106 lb in.).

3. Four-terminal PCM connector to distributor assembly (1).
4. Vacuum harness assembly (24) to distributor assembly (1).
5. Spark plug wire harness assemblies to distributor assembly (1).
6. Crankshaft balancer assembly.
7. Water pump assembly.

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Image (Click to make bigger)