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HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

Hi, new poster here. Does anyone know a source for NOS parts for 1800s? I need the distributor advance unit for a 1971 w/ B20E engine, dealer can get it but long wait/back order. The part# I have is 243 276.

If anyone has a good used one they want to sell, please contact me to work out the details. Thanks in advance!








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    HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

    Most people just disable this defunct emissions control ploy by unplugging and sealing the vacumn line. For most B20E motors, performance is inhibited by this part, judging from my experience and other posts.

    Joel
    --
    Antique Swedish Steel 71 142E color V#102








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    HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

    It is probably a vacuum retard unit, not advance. For improved idle quality, throttle response, and fuel mileage, leave it disconnected or preferably weld the breaker plates together to improve breaker point gap stability. It will make a huge difference leaving it out of the system.








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      HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

      I agree. The only thing that timing retard ever does is make the car a bit sluggish from a stop, make the idel slightly slow to settle down. And all for some miniscule reduction in NOx emissions, but only at idle (the only way the cars were tested back in the 70's), so it's as messy as ever when you are driving it around.

      Leave it off, adjust the idle speed down via the adjuster under the throttle (more vac at idle - better engine braking) and enjoy the more immediate power off idle.
      --
      '63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic #1141 245 +t








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        HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

        Agree as well to the recommendations above. Leave off this vacuum retard. Cap off the ported vacuum fitting at the throttle. Set your dizzy initial advance to 10deg BTC and drive.

        Vacuum retard in my experience was an emissions tactic which increased exhaust temperatures at idle to help burn HC. Also, before EGR was added, some engines had tip-in knock when throttle was opened with poor quality or low octane fuels. Remember, the 1800E was a 10.5:1 CR engine! But also there was leaded fuel back then.

        Alternately, the 123 ignition distributor has a variety of advance curves, some including vacuum advance. But the vacuum signal must be taken from the manifold and not the ported vacuum signal at the throttle.

        Vacuum advance has advantages at part throttle for torque and fuel economy and throttle response. As long as you don't experience detonation/spark knock, you are OK. I was a calibration engineer at Ford in the late 70s. In those early years of EPA emission standards and CAFE, we would calibrate to just the threshold of light knocking. We call this "the sound of fuel economy" :-)








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    HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

    tt;

    "Distributor advance unit" is just not enough (for me anyway)...you need to explain if you are looking for an vacuum advance mechanism or some part thereof...or a centrifugal advance mechanism or some part thereof...maybe then someone can help you...without some additional info, I frankly don't know what you're referring to...

    Cheers








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      HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

      Hello,

      If you remove the vacuum regulator you will see a number stamped into the arm of the regulator.

      This number will help to identify the correct one.

      I probably have a good used one.
      --
      Eric
      Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
      Torrance, CA 90502








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        HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

        Eric, thanks a lot. It's a 399. I'll try to call you in the AM, I'm up the road in L.A.








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          HELP! Need distributor advance unit for '71 B20E 1800

          Hello,

          I found and tested a "399" vacuum regulator and it is a good used one.

          Call me on Monday after 9:00am.

          --
          Eric
          Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
          Torrance, CA 90502







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