The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 61 Apache carb and distributor

Just got a 61 Apache and am looking to upgrade the carb and distributor on the 235, for a little more performance and reliability. This is a project truck my 14yr old son, with my help, so I'd like to keep it simple. Looking for something that can basically be bolted on without needing a whole lot of tweeking. Any suggestions on pointing us in the right direction?

Also need to replace the radiator, so any recommendations on an affordable replacement would help also.

Thanks for the help.

I don't know how much more performance you think you will get that makes it worth while. I would just rebuild what you have for a carb. They are reliable and simple. If you are trying to get away from points (cheapest way), then a costly electronic ignition is the answer. Colletsbro will most likely have a stock radiator for you.

Bernie,

If you like that carb. rebuild it or have it rebuilt. BUT the dist. will be off if you change out all of the old points and plugs and switch the guts to a Petronix electronic ig. I have a GMC 305 V-6 and did the switch for $77.00.

http://www.pertronix.com/

My truck starts in about 2 seconds flat or sooner since I switched. The unit is sealed and humid conditions won't affect it (Katrina Flooding aside).

Jake

Thanks for the info. I asked about a replacement carb because the carb on the truck isn't the orginal. The previous owner said the original carb didn't work so he found one that fit and plugged all the fittings that weren't used! In fact he even put some kind of putty on the fuel line fitting so it wouldn't leak at the carb. So what would be the correct carb to put in?

Modelman, thanks for the info on the distributor kit. I thought I had to replace the entire distributor. According to pertronix.com, I would use kit 1168. Correct? Does the dist. need to be removed? Also, should I use their Flamethrower coil also? Sorry for all the dumb questions, but I'm eager to learn and wanna get it right.

61chevy,

There is a First Time for All Things (Spock Moment)

No you don't have to remove the dist. You follow the dir. and simple remove and replace just parts of the guts. I had a engine shop put mine on when I had them do a tune it up for the new ignition because I have never done that before and was a bit intimadated. Email me direct and I'll send you a pictures of the gut for the new petroix unit on my dist.

[email protected]
Fill in the subject line "Petronix Dist." or something so I won't thing it's junk mail

I was told that unless your wiring is in real good shape you may not want to put a high power coil on because of the increaed voltage that is made available. It may cause some issues with too much volage. I'm rewiting the truck this summer so I'll add the new coil then. But, please check with some of the folks on the electrical section of the BB for thier opinion, I'm not an expert.

Jake

I would recommend using the correct Pertronix coil with the Pertronix ignition. The Ohms value is what you want to be correct. If you use the original coil you'll probably have 1.5 ohms. The Pertronix coils vary depending upon application. I ended up need ing a .6 ohm coil for a 6 volt truck. Research the Pertronix website linked above and be sure.
You should probably get your truck running properly on points first. Then you will have a good baseline and know that any malfunctions aren't being caused by new additons. Your NAPA dealer probably has everything you need for a tuneup in stock. If not, he'll have it the next day.

I JUST PUT A PERTRONICS IGNOTOR (P/N 1167) & FLAME THROWER 40000 VOLT COIL. AND MSD SUPER CONDUCTOR 8.5MM WIRES.ON A '62 W/235. GET A UNIVERSAL SET FOR A V-8 @ CHECKERS AND CUT THEM DOWN TO LENGTHS YOU WANT. CHEAPER ($99.95) THAN ORDERING TO FIT 235($156.95). COST $250.00 TOPS. MAKES IT RUN LIKE A DREAM, EASY TO INSTAL IF YOU CAN INSTALL POINTS. ELIMINATE THE RESISTOR WIRE TO THE COIL FEED & COME OFF OF FUSE BLOCK ON AN IGNITION CONTROLLED FUSE.

I JUST PUT A PERTRONICS IGNOTOR (P/N 1167) & FLAME THROWER 40000 VOLT COIL. AND MSD SUPER CONDUCTOR 8.5MM WIRES.ON A '62 W/235. GET A UNIVERSAL SET FOR A V-8 @ CHECKERS AND CUT THEM DOWN TO LENGTHS YOU WANT. CHEAPER ($99.95) THAN ORDERING TO FIT 235($156.95). COST $250.00 TOPS. MAKES IT RUN LIKE A DREAM, EASY TO INSTAL IF YOU CAN INSTALL POINTS. ELIMINATE THE RESISTOR WIRE TO THE COIL FEED & COME OFF OF FUSE BLOCK ON AN IGNITION CONTROLLED FUSE.

I HAVE a timing light so was able to reset timing myself.