Delco-Remy's window cap distributor...
Delco-Remy's window cap distributor was an engineering breakthrough. A unique breaker point design allows point adjustment through the cap's window. This can be done with the engine running, a timesaving, fine tuning approach. Another innovation of the window cap distributor is its spring hook hold-downs.
The postwar General Motors OHV V-8s were difficult to tune. Ignition distributors mounted at the firewall end of the engine, and the breaker points and condenser were difficult to replace. In the late '40s and 1950s, professionals turned to distributor strobe machines and worked on the ignition with the distributor removed from the engine.
As a solution to these tuning difficulties, the '56 Cadillac introduced Delco-Remy's innovative "window cap" distributor. The newly designed ignition afforded ready access for breaker point adjustment. Dwell angle settings and point gap changes could be made with the cap in place and the engine running. This eliminated the cumbersome, repetitive removal of the distributor cap while performing a tune-up in the engine bay. Other G.M. divisions adopted the window cap distributor, and by 1958, only the dual four-barrel carbureted, dual-point Corvette engines retained a non-window cap distributor. This '57-'61 #1110891 application is smaller in diameter at the cap to permit installation of two WCFB carburetors.
From 1958-'74, single-point Corvette distributors have window caps. (Most '58-'65 mechanically fuel-injected engines feature a unique, dual-point window cap distributor. Some later applications use a transistorized distributor.) The window in the distributor cap provides access to a set of redesigned points that use a horizontally positioned breaker-point adjuster screw. Window caps simplify and refine the tuning of breaker points.
This Corvette #1111493 distributor...
This Corvette #1111493 distributor shows years of wear and various aftermarket, non-OEM parts. The performance goal is to restore the reliability of the distributor. To enhance the car's value, this 350 horsepower, 350 V-8's ignition will also receive authentic detailing. The distributor has wobbly bushings and general wear.
Breaker point Delco-Remy distributors were well crafted and durable. Engineering innovations, like a window cap distributor, were aimed at ease of service. In addition to the window cap, the breaker points have a pivoting feature that enables external adjustment of the point gap. Using a dwell meter, the point gap is set without needing to remove the distributor cap several times. These point sets can be adjusted with the engine running!
Unknown to many tuners, the window cap distributor's breaker points can often be adjusted without a dwell meter. In the earlier service data, one approach called for adjusting the points roughly, enough to start the engine. Gap the points with a feeler gauge or by eye then install the cap. Start the engine. With an Allen (hex) wrench inserted into the adjuster screw, turn the screw clockwise until the engine begins to misfire. Back the screw out 180 degrees. This brings dwell within specification in most cases.
Trackside, this fast breaker point adjusting method proved a boon. It also works nicely when the points fail while cruising through a deserted neighborhood at night. If you carry an extra set in your road kit, you can install points and adjust them with nothing more than an Allen wrench. You can confirm dwell with a meter once your Corvette is back in a secure environment-with access to more tools.
Rotor removed, the centrifugal...
Rotor removed, the centrifugal advance mechanism is visible. Congealed and crusty grease prevents weights from moving freely. Spring length and tension determine the rpm at which spark advance occurs. The weight movement swings the distributor cam in the advance direction. A limiter bushing (below the drive flange) sets the total degrees of advance.
Traditionally, these point sets were packaged with the points preset, often close enough to start the engine. Slots at each end of the point set allow easy installation of the points without removing either hold-down screw. The starting gap is approximately 0.016 inch, which can be eyeballed if a feeler gauge is not available. As soon as the engine starts, adjust the points with a dwell meter or use the "turn-in-to-roughness then back out 180-degrees" technique. Accurate dwell angle must be set with a dwell meter.
Tuning must be performed each 12,000-15,000 miles, even with the long life point sets available. Some owners opt for installing an electronic breakerless conversion, and this is not difficult with the kits available. The choice is simply owner preference. Most kits permit restoring the distributor to stock if necessary.
Tach-Drive Distributor Rebuild
At higher mileage, a C-1 through 1974 window cap distributor likely needs rebuilding. For restoration or rebuilding purposes, a tachometer drive distributor has some additional wear points. The distributor illustrated is distinguishable by its iron housing and no drive for the fuel injection. The 1111493 distributor tag number indicates a '69-'70 350 horsepower 350 V-8 application. This design is typical of '62-'74 non-transistorized, non-fuel injection units.