Author Topic: 70 GT500 distributor swap  (Read 1082 times)

Offline AJ

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70 GT500 distributor swap
« on: September 07, 2023, 10:09:54 AM »
Any evidence of 70 GT500 Auto trans not receiving the distributor swap?   The distributor in my 02/26 build is a C8OF-J with date code 9B7 and has correct vacuum.  This distributor was in the car when purchased in 1979.    The numbers seem to corresponded appropriately with build date.   I can find no other logical explanation why or how a pre-swap, date correct distributor would be in place in 1979.   

I?ve had my eye out for a Dozf -G distributor with idea of selling my C8OF 12127 J.  But when i look at date code of my c8OF it appears correct for my build date.   The date code of 9B7 is just too coincidental for me to ignore.  Years ago i had tim oconner restore my C80f  back before i was aware the KK swapped out the dizzys. 
Adrian Jacobs
70 Boss 302  Dearborn, 11/22/69, original calypso paint,  original family ownership.
70 GT500 , 02/26/69, a/c auto, candy red

Offline Bob Gaines

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Re: 70 GT500 distributor swap
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2023, 04:31:57 PM »
Any evidence of 70 GT500 Auto trans not receiving the distributor swap?   The distributor in my 02/26 build is a C8OF-J with date code 9B7 and has correct vacuum.  This distributor was in the car when purchased in 1979.    The numbers seem to corresponded appropriately with build date.   I can find no other logical explanation why or how a pre-swap, date correct distributor would be in place in 1979.   

I?ve had my eye out for a Dozf -G distributor with idea of selling my C8OF 12127 J.  But when i look at date code of my c8OF it appears correct for my build date.   The date code of 9B7 is just too coincidental for me to ignore.  Years ago i had tim oconner restore my C80f  back before i was aware the KK swapped out the dizzys.
There is no logical explanation why KarKraft after being contracted by Ford to do a job to switch distributors would NOT do it on this one car ether .  ;)  The distributors had to be changed to comply with federal emission standards . Not complying with federal regulations would be a huge liability for Ford. Not changing the distributor was not supposed to happen.  Is it possible that a mistake happened ? Certainty but given the strict federal regulation and Ford/Shelby special effort to have the vehicles converted at Kar Kraft what is more likely, KK not doing the job or the distributor getting swapped out for some reason  during that almost 10 year period between late 1969 and 1979?  The car was meant to have the revised distributor by Ford .
Bob Gaines,Shelby enthusiast, Shelby collector , Shelby concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Offline Coralsnake

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Re: 70 GT500 distributor swap
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2023, 05:56:07 PM »
I agree with Mr Gaines

Unusual situation. Should have been changed out at KK...

Offline RoyceP

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Re: 70 GT500 distributor swap
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2023, 12:05:49 PM »
Unlikely that Kar Kraft would not have done it. More likely the distributor swap happened at a dealership later on.
1968 W code 427 Cougar XR-7 GTE Feb 23 Dearborn C6 / 3.50 open
1968 R code 428CJ Cougar XR-7 May 13 Dearborn C6 / 3.91 T - Lock

Offline specialed

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Re: 70 GT500 distributor swap
« Reply #4 on: September 09, 2023, 12:32:55 PM »
Distributor made 19 days before car was finished is unusual but not impossible depending on how the supply was handled and stored. The distributor was made and assembled then shipped to dearborn engine plant then it would have been installed on engine then tested then shipped to assembly line then installed at dearborn assembly plant all of which took time. We have a 13.000 mile 69 shelby that was also built in feb 69 and most engine parts were dated sept 68 but i think that since its a rarer scj engine (only about 10% were made vs cj ) the scj was made in smaller batches and sat around in inventory more before being used. The engine tag is 8k. carb 892  intake 8j2 water pump 8k and car was built  11B .

Offline AJ

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Re: 70 GT500 distributor swap
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2023, 12:55:50 PM »
Unlikely that Kar Kraft would not have done it. More likely the distributor swap happened at a dealership later on.

Royce,  i'll buy that.  Very plausible based on info i have on original owner and service history.  I'm satisfied 9B7 is just a red herring.
« Last Edit: September 09, 2023, 05:50:45 PM by J_Speegle »
Adrian Jacobs
70 Boss 302  Dearborn, 11/22/69, original calypso paint,  original family ownership.
70 GT500 , 02/26/69, a/c auto, candy red