A previous post pretty well convinced me that I don't want to use the MP distributor on my daily driver '64 Valiant. To better understand the theory, I did a search and read about this topic until my head was spinning.

Since then, I have looked in vain for a new slant distributor and it doesn't appear there is any more stock, unless you find a NOS unit hiding in someone's garage.

Here's what I plan to do and please tell me where I'm going wrong and give me some good advice. Please keep in mind that this is not a race car and my sole interest is to upgrade the ignition for better reliability and efficiency, but only a mild performance increase. Currently, the only upgrades are a Super Six and it will be getting a better breathing exhaust.

I have a '79 Aspen distributor and I plan on using the heavy spring from that unit on the MP distributor, but I'm not sure about the vacuum cans. Both are adjustable. The Aspen part is marked 11R (which is apparently no longer available), while the MP part is 7R. Would I be better off to use the ancient Aspen part, or use the MP can and try to adjust it, or should I buy a new can with a number in the 8 or 9 range? The new can available at NAPA was marked 8R and the parts guy seemed to think they were all the same, but I doubt his brilliance.

It sounds like you have a reasonable idea of what needs done. I think with a light car you would be fine with either advance can. You are talking super fine tuning between them. What's a few degrees amoung friends at light throttle. Actually, I don't think you want a 11 can without an egr valve anyway.

These distibutors are not impossible to find, but it seems like it is helpful if you are willing to learn how to recurve them yourself. Getting one that's already curved for your light car isn't nearly as easy as for a 1976 dodge truck, but you'll have to reduce the mechanical advance so that you can increase the initial timing setting. It's pretty simple to rebuilt them so once you have a small hord,(as I do) you'll never be hungry again.

I've also developed the fine art of converting points distributors to electronic using the armature from a 318 electronic distributor and installing a slant six ruluctor. The electronic base plate and pickup are available new from my local parts store. You already know where to get an acceptable vac can, although I wouldn't worry, I'd use the 7r can.

Presto! you are electronic.

But then again I'm not all that picky.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

I would try the 11R vacuum can. If you don't get any driveability problems or pinging leave it in.....

You should get better mileage with the greater vacuum advance.

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

A lazy/ignorant counterman like the one you got can really spoil your project. In this thread I gave the numbers for a bunch of currently-available vacuum cans.

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.