Distributor stock vs. Accel

[thebabybrahma]

Pickup coil is bad on my distributor in my 85 GMC, 5 pin module HEI. Buddy has a complete Accel distibutor that he is not using that I can borrow.

Will it matter if it is a 4, 5 or 7 pin module in the Accel?

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by thebabybrahma

Will it matter if it is a 4, 5 or 7 pin module in the Accel?

Yes, it does make a difference.

I believe the 5-pin module was originally used on applications with ESC (electronic spark control). That system allowed the timing to be retarded based on input from a knock sensor. A distributor with a 4-pin module can be used in place of the 5-pin one but you'll loose the ESC.

Distributors with the 7-pin module were originally used on computer controlled engines. These distributors don't have any mechanical or vacuum advance mechanisms. Timing advance is totally computer controlled so they're not suitable for swapping into non-computer vehicles.