Distributor Recommendation for 2056 w/ Carbs Options

[andrewvolsen]

I am working on rebuilding the carbs and tuning the engine in my '74. What I know (or was told) about it:

• 2056 built on 1.8 EC case and heads
• aftermarket cam (unknown which)
• weber 44 idf carbs with 32mm venturis
• new aftermarket 009 distributor
• SSI 1.7/1.8 heat exchangers with bursch type muffler

From what I've gathered reading other carb and ignition tuning threads on this forum, the 009 is not considered a good distributor for this engine. I have a big box of stock 914 distributors to choose from - which one would be a good choice?

[Superhawk996]

You have a number of hurdles in your way.

The Weber 44 IDF’s are too large. You might want to consider selling those and replacing with 40 IDFs.

A 28mm Venturi is a whole lot more tunable and drivable than 32’s.

The aftermarket Bosch 009 distributors are pretty terrible. I struggled with one for years before I had it recurved to make it usable.

At this point in time, finding a good stock distributor that isn’t struggling with worn out bushings will be a better choice than a 009 but could be a challenge depending on what you have on hand. If you can spare the money, a 123 Distributor is the way to go.

Here’s the link to the Brad Anders site where you can find all the stock distributor part numbers.

https://pbanders.synology.me/914/DJetParts.htm

Here is a chart with various curves including the 009 which shows its lousy advance characteristics.


Note: you don’t specifically mention that your engine is built on a 2.0L crank and rods. Unless these were used, it would be a 1911 engine. (Still fun and that’s what I had my 009 distributor on)