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?

[Jack Standz]

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?

First, which distributors are in that box?? Maybe there is one that could work with your carbs.

Next, what is your budget? Do you just want to use what you have or upgrade it to electronic? Do you want one with points or a modern electronic distributor?

The "914" distributors came with points for the fuel injection system. With carbs, you don't need that. And they have points for the ignition system. Points suck when compared with the awesome electronic ignition systems available today.

But, if you want to use what you have to save $$, go for it. You can convert a distributor from your box of distributors to electronic. And if you're going to ever upgrade to modern electronic fuel injection in the future, the 123 might be a good choice (although probably better to just install a crank trigger at that point). So, just suggesting you think about future plans, if you decide to buy a new distributor.

Personally, we like Mallory Unilite electronic distributors (either purely mechanical, although some don't Iike it, there is also a vacuum advance version. We have used both on the type iv motorand other motors.). However, they are NLA like many other older parts for our 914s. Finding one and finding consumables (like caps and rotors) is virtually impossible these days if you don't already have your own supply.

However, MSD also makes some very nice mechanical advance electronic distributors and electronic ignition boxes to compliment them. They are very pricy these days, something over $1,000 for the distributor and ignition box. But, you do get a built-in rev limiter. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)