Distributor??
I was wondering if changing the distributor makes that much difference? I have a warmed up 360 with 350 HP. I don't have any problems with the stock distributor so should I bother even thinking of purchasing a new distributor?
If you have the factory stock "smog curve" distributor, there is NO doubt you can gain performance, low end response, perhaps better mileage and generally all around "better."
ALL distributors (except heavy trucks) built 68 and later have some sort of smog curve, IE slower, longer, and in many cases, doo-dads in the vacuum line to retard vacuum advance.
As we progress into 71--73--76, etc, it just gets worse and worse.
If you simply take the stocker and advance the initial timing "a bunch" you can easily get into a situation where timing is over-advanced "on the top end"
There are many many many threads on here about timing, advance curves, etc. You CAN rework a factory distributor. Two choices that I know of
1. Weld up and file the slots so they are shorter
2. FBO makes a kit to recurve stockers, incorporating an accessory advance limiter plate. I don't know how good or bad these might be.
Here:
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=178584
