MikeyB08 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I've been curious ever since I found the forums, but when it comes to Distributors, are they solely for advanced models (LVL 3) or is it basically adding the distributors to any model you see proper? I'm getting a 1998 Corvette Convertible and I will be doing some slight modifying. I want to add a distributor and line for a more realistic look. I've read this forum (http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=53737) multiple times. I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row and a game plan. I've done many models and always threw them away (Big Mistake Now) because I wasn't happy with them. I'm also assuming to take a look at real motors to see how the lines are ran as well as the true dynamics of the motor, suspension, interior, etc. Sorry for the run-on. Thanks in advance. P.S- I Love This Site. I've learned so much so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdurg Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Another Corvette builder. Having built many Corvettes in my life, and just getting back into the hobby myself, what I can tell you is that there is no need for a distributor for the 1998 Corvette. The engine used in the '98 Vette is built in such a way that you can't see the distributor in the engine compartment as it is covered by other parts of the engine. For some reference material, I HIGHLY suggest you check out http://www.corvetteimages.com. They have a database of thousands of images of Corvettes from every single year. You can use their filters to bring up images of the exact model year car you are building and you will get a LOT of reference material. For the '98 Vette, all the images of the engine compartment I have seen do not show the distributor. In fact, the spark plug wiring really isn't visible at all either. So if you are looking to get some engine wiring done, I would suggest an earlier year Corvette to try it on. Something from the C3 generation or earlier as once the C4 models came out, the distributor got hidden by other parts of the engine. The wiring can still be seen in the C4 models, but that's about it. (In the "On The Workbench" forum, you can check out my 1988 Corvette build where my first wiring job was done). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintagestang Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 No they are not only for lvl 3 models. Instead of looking at a real engine to figure out the firing order use this website http://www.boxwrench.net/specs_index.htm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyB08 Posted March 10, 2012 Author Share Posted March 10, 2012 Wow... Thanks guys. Now I am excited. I've been looking at building some older model Vette's anyways. Other things I am also considering doing is hinge doors. However, I've read that when it comes to convertibles, it's not really smart to do that simply because there is no roof top to add extra structure to the model therefor the model spreads apart and will be to wide to fit on the chassis. Can any light be shed on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Didn't Corvettes have a long chrome piece over the distributor? Distributor - use the Fatkidd style. Take a piece of styrene rod (could even be a piece of sprue). Drill a hole in the bottom and glue in a piece of brass rod. CA glue 8 pieces of telephone wire insulation (leave the copper wire in) around the styrene. Cover with shrink wrap tubing and heat to shrink it. Color the top of the styrene with a black marker. Drill a hole in the top for the coil wire. Insert the ignition wires, run them to the heads and bing bang done. Even Fatkidd has been bugging me to post a tutorial and I plan on after next weeks' Billetproof show in Ocala and if I can figure out how to take close up pics with my camera. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyB08 Posted March 10, 2012 Author Share Posted March 10, 2012 Ill def. have to get a model where I can try this out. Waiting on my vette to arive in the mail. Ive got a dodge viper im working on. Just not sure how to make glass for it (windshield/ back glass)... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdurg Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 Didn't Corvettes have a long chrome piece over the distributor? Only if the car had a radio in it. Without a radio, there was no need for the chrome shielding over the distributor. Still, even with the chrome covering, there are still many angles where you can go and see the distributor and the wiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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