cap - horizontal or vertical wires?

[sammy]

I currently have a dist. cap with plug wires attached to the top but.. I've seen them (4.3 motors in pictures) with the wires all coming into the sides. What is the difference? The cap I got at autozone was the same as the one that was on it. Is there an advantage to one (longer life, clearance, etc.)?
This is a motor from a 92 votec CPI, if that matters.

Thanks

[j894]

That is for the newer models, i believe the distributer is different.
Just get the OEM style for a 92, & be done with it.

[rat]

'95ish and up are the horizontal cap models.

[Hammer Head]

The cap w/ the plugs goin into it at a 90 degree is what's called a "crab" style cap. This should work on other distributors. You may, however, need to change the rotor. Small & big block Fords use a crab style cap to clear roots type superchargers/ blowers.

[rat]

The cap w/ the plugs goin into it at a 90 degree is what's called a "crab" style cap. This should work on other distributors. You may, however, need to change the rotor. Small & big block Fords use a crab style cap to clear roots type superchargers/ blowers.
No, they are not interchangeable on the 4.3 for the application being discussed.

Old stuff:
http://partimages2.genpt.com/partimages/81962.jpg
http://partimages2.genpt.com/partimages/50999.jpg

New Stuff:
http://partimages2.genpt.com/partimages/81971.jpg
http://partimages2.genpt.com/partimages/51007.jpg
http://partimages2.genpt.com/partimages/501762.jpg

[j894]

Rotor is different on the newer style.
Newer one is much bigger in diamter, & the new style you have to remove 2 screws that hold it down. As opposed to the old stlye you just pop it off

[Sparky2263]

The newer one is also plastic with a crossfire cap. 2 strikes against it right there.

[sammy]

Thanks for so many responses! Thats hugely helpful! Rat, the pics are great and make it obvious. Too bad too, I like the look of the side entry (crab style) cap. I am trying to clean things up under the hood. Now, where to vent the driver's side rear valve cover hole..hmmm.. details details.
thanks again!

[j894]

I'd rather have the old style.
New style cap & rotor, along with the wires are almost double what the old style is. LOL.
At autozone & advanced auto at least.

[rat]

I'd rather have the old style.
New style cap & rotor, along with the wires are almost double what the old style is. LOL.
At autozone & advanced auto at least.
I agree, try finding a fix to this, even msd was stumped, anybody else have ideas:
http://thumb10.webshots.net/t/18/18/5/7/57/2389507570076568790UyNALH_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2389507570076568790UyNALH)

[j894]

that sucks

[nomaboy]

I agree, try finding a fix to this, even msd was stumped, anybody else have ideas:
http://thumb10.webshots.net/t/18/18/5/7/57/2389507570076568790UyNALH_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2389507570076568790UyNALH)
i havent seen any different angles for this boot end style. only way would be to re-route the plumbing.