Daniel,
Sounds like a good plan.
I would first locate where #1 spark plug cable
is on the distributor cap. Remove the cap...
tap the starter (disconnet the wire to the distributor)
and make the rotor point to where the #1 terminal
would be.
Make a little sketch of this in your notebook.
Proceed with your test, install the pertronix,
MSD coil, etc.
When it comes time to swap in the NEW distributor,
make sure the OLD one was pointing to the #1
position first.
Now install the new distributor. Does the rotor
point to where you think it should? If does NOT...
stop and think about it for a little while. You
MIGHT need to rotate the wires around by TWO
slots if the distributor is pointing 180 degrees
off.
THe firing order is always, counter clockwise,
1-3-4-2. #1 wire is USUALLY in the back left corner,
towards the block when looking from the side of
the engine. It is easy to rebuild a distributor
180 offset from original... and most mechanics just
swap around the wires. Well, when you go to install
a NEW distributor suddenly the wires are different.
Other than that, it is an easy swap. Remember to
check the TOTAL ADVANCE at full throttle (vacuum
advance disconnected). Shouldn't be more than
32 to 35 degrees BTDC. You'll need a "dial back"
timing light to check this.
Cheers,
Tom
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