Avanti Ignition Secrets: Why Your 60-Year-Old Distributor is Costing You Performance
Is your 1963-1964 Avanti running rough or becoming difficult to start? The original dual-point distributor has served for nearly 60 years, but mechanical wear in the main shaft and bushings often goes unnoticed. While many owners try to fix this with a simple electronic point-delete module, these "quick fixes" don't address the underlying mechanical sloppiness that causes inconsistent timing.
In this guide, Dan Booth introduces the definitive solution: the NOS-style Electronic Distributor Kit (Part #1557897R). This complete drop-in system includes a high-performance 45,000-volt coil and a fresh set of wires, providing modern reliability and a better fuel burn. Learn how this reversible upgrade remains completely hidden under your original stainless steel ignition shielding, and discover Dan’s pro-tips for a seamless installation, including the secret to maintaining clearance with the factory "dog house" cover.
The best part of this high-performance upgrade? Once your stainless ignition shielding is back in place, no one will ever know you've moved away from points. You get modern starting and reliability while keeping the 100% factory-correct look."
Studebaker Avanti 1963-64 and all Studebaker V-8 1951-1964 Distributor, coil & plug wires.
New aftermarket ready to run high performance electronic distributor, 45,000 volt canister coil and a set of silicone high performance spark plug wires. They come in 2 different styles:
One has a female socket on the distributor cap and coil
One has a male socket on the distributor cap and coil
Both will have a matching set of spark plug wires. This is the easiest and most cost efficient way to replace a 56-69 year old distributor that may have play in the main shaft and bearing and at the same time, eliminate these pesky points, condenser and that vacuum advance that is no longer available.
The distributor will still fit under the stainless ignition shielding. You might have to rework the coil bracket location, just a little, as the coil height on the male socket is a little longer, but the coil with the female socket should fit. The spark plug wires still snap into the rubber insulators. When you are done and the stainless ignition shielding is in place you won’t be able to see that it’s not the original distributor, coil and spark plug wires. Except the reliability, better performance, easier starting and just the peace of mind that the point won’t slip out of adjustment. Please look a the pictures of the distributor cap and coil ends, you chose which one you want.
Note: The Male (B) style cap & wire keeps the wires in the cap better, than the female (B) style cap & wire.
Electrical/Ignition Distributor, Condenser & Spark Advance Modifier 0601 0601-1 1557897