Changing the curve in stude dist.

[studelover]

Has anyone on the forum ever changed the advance curve on a 289 studebaker distributor? Is it possible and who does it?

Studebakers forever!

[Mike Van Veghten]

Sure it's possible...!

If it's a Delco, it's very easy to change the springs and or weights. Remove the distr. cap and rotor...there you go...
If it's the Prestolite, it's exactly the same process...except that it takes, taking the point plate out of the housing, change the springs and or weights, reinstall the point plate, rotor and cap.

There are a thousand+ ways to alter the advance.
The easiest thing for you and your engine (in my opinion), heavy weights and the lightest spring you can find.
There are "kits" (three sets of springs, weights and normally bushings) I believe you can still get thru Jegs and Summit.

Set the total mechanical to be in full by about 1800rpm to 2000rpm.

You can also adjust the maximum total, e.g., 18 degrees, 20 degrees, 21 degrees...etc. That's a little tougher to do...but still easy.

One requires an old "distributer machine". Sun was the most popular, but many brands were made.

Who does this work...most anyone that has one...AND remembers how to use it!
That's just a phone call away.

The quick and dirty method, follow the instructions in the spring kit.
Even if you mess up, you don't hurt anything but maybe the power and or milage. You can always put in another set of springs and give that a try! 10 minutes worth of work.

Note, your timing (at the crank) MAY need to be adjusted.

Have fun.

Mike

[studelover]

Who does this work...most anyone that has one...AND remembers how to use it!
That's just a phone call away.
Please give me a number. You can PM it if you like. thanks!

Studebakers forever!

[Mike Van Veghten]

Don't have a clue what state / city you're in.

Look in this wonderfully large internet...or phone book, in your surrounding cities for performance machine / tune-up shops.

Mike

[52 Ragtop]

Contact Bud Alenick in Hawthorne Ca. He has a Sun Distibutor machine, AND knows how to use it! He also plays with Studes.

Jim

[leyrret]

You can also set it with a tach and adjustable timing light. I used this method on mine, but distributor machine whole lot easier.