[TR] TR7 with delco distributor question

[Anthony Rhodes]

Brad,  No it does not have a separate pedastal.  I wish it did.  It is nearly
impossible to get to one of the 2 bolts, and you need to loosen them to set
the timing!!!!   I took a US distributor wrench, cut off the wrench head
(because none I could find were the right size), and had a friend weld a new
head on.

As I am sure you know, the ignition module inside that special cast aluminum
"electronic coil" housing is a standard Delco module.  Unfortunately, the coil
itself is unique as far as I know.  Some are pretty similar, but I never
bothered to try to make an aftermarket coil fit.

On my Spider, I deleted the Stromberg carbs, and used the UK-type SU carbs.
they work VERY well.  SM needles, btw. (stock engine with tubular exhaust
manifold, no cat).  I tried the UK version of the Delco distributor for the
vacuum advance, but it is points only, I did not see an easy way to retrofit
it to the US reluctor.  I tried an aftermarket electronic ignition for the
points type, but it was terrible because it is hard to design the chopper to
fit in the delco.  Lucas is much easier on that account.  I went back to the
US Delco and deleted vacuum advance. Of course the SU cabs are not fitted for
retard, so the engine runs on mechanical advance only.  Not a problem.

-Tony

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>Message: 2
>Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:57:00 -0500
>From: Brad Kahler <brad.kahler at 141.com>
>Subject: [TR] TR7 with delco distributor question
>To: Triumphs <Triumphs at autox.team.net>
>Message-ID:
><f99bbf590912181557v3f715482je06a5298d5622687 at mail.gmail.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
>I'm installing the final bits on the new TR7 engine in Susan's 1980
>Spyder and have a question on the installation of a Delco distributor.
>
>The original installation was with a Lucas distributor which mounts to
>the block via a stamped sheet metal bracket that has two ears on it.
>The question is does the Delco distributor use this same sheet metal
>bracket or does it bolt directly to the block with the bracket
>removed.  Oddly enough I can't find any pictures of this bracket in
>the parts manual or service manual in use with either distributor.
>Hence the question.
>
>Any help would be greatly appreciated!
>
>Thanks,
>
>Brad