I posted this question in Ferrarichat. I probably should have posted it here first. (I think that the crew here at Tom's board gives better, more informed answers.) Regardless, here's my question:
My nearside distributor seems to be making a clicking noise. I haven't checked inside it yet, but I'm thinking that because this car is a real driver, I should update the distributor to modern technology.
So I have two questions:
1) What could cause an audible clicking from the distributor? What Ferrari-specific things should I know before I take the caps off and look around?
2) Who has gone electronic? What "e-guts" did you choose, and why? How was the installation? If you have any other tips, I'd sure appreciate them.
Thanks in advance,
Matt
Has anyone tried electronic distributor conversions?
nearside
from the reference to 'nearside' distributor
(not to mention 'fchat' reference)
are we to infer this is a V8 application?
if Y:
I would tend to advocate the switch to electronic ignition
preferably with later model OE parts from a Euro version
(single Electronic Distributor)
if this will not work for your application
then I am under the impression
that lots of aftermarket (V8) stuff is available -
I would advocate cutting to the chase
and going to spark trigger / coil packs
(eliminate Distributor(s) all together)
just MHO
as for clicking sound
my car does it too (80 400i)
but I think it is the Alternator doing this
(internal Regulator?)
when the car is charging
(not to mention 'fchat' reference)
are we to infer this is a V8 application?
if Y:
I would tend to advocate the switch to electronic ignition
preferably with later model OE parts from a Euro version
(single Electronic Distributor)
if this will not work for your application
then I am under the impression
that lots of aftermarket (V8) stuff is available -
I would advocate cutting to the chase
and going to spark trigger / coil packs
(eliminate Distributor(s) all together)
just MHO
as for clicking sound
my car does it too (80 400i)
but I think it is the Alternator doing this
(internal Regulator?)
when the car is charging
Thanks for the responses, guys.
Fest, the engine is a Columbo V-12 with two distributors. Although because each one acts like a 6-cylinder distributor, I'm sure I can find a number of options, as you suggested.
I'll also follow sleeper's advice and look around under the cap this weekend. Is there anything Ferrari-specific I should know before I poke around under the cap?
I would still appreciate hearing from anyone who has installed electronic bits in their distributors.
Thanks again,
Matt
Fest, the engine is a Columbo V-12 with two distributors. Although because each one acts like a 6-cylinder distributor, I'm sure I can find a number of options, as you suggested.
I'll also follow sleeper's advice and look around under the cap this weekend. Is there anything Ferrari-specific I should know before I poke around under the cap?
I would still appreciate hearing from anyone who has installed electronic bits in their distributors.
Thanks again,
Matt
-
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Fri Sep 06, 2002 12:56 pm
- Location: San Diego California