Correct Distributor - 65 GTO
 

2 related questions:

First, I have a 65 GTO with an all original drivetrain (WT block, 4 speed, points) built in 5th week of June in Pontiac. Distributor in the car is #1111078 with a 5 E 3 (May 3, 1965) date stamp and red band.

I believe this to be original to the car but Resto books show it for 1966. Is it likely to be correct given late production of car or is only the 1111054 considered correct?


Second, I have another 65 GTO with an all original drivetrain (YS block, auto, points) built in 3rd week of Feb in Fremont. Car does not have correct distributor. Is only the 054 correct given Feb production date?

Both cars are not concorsed judged but I like them to be as correct as possible if reasonable to do so and I have an opportunity to buy an 078 distributor which is date code correct for my Feb built 65 GTO but may not be p/n correct?

Thoughts/Opinions?
Thanks
DV

My MPC shows the 1111078 correct for 65-66 GTO/Tempest/Full size with 4bbl and w/out T.I....unless it is a M.T. WITH A.I.R.

My MPC (March 1972) does not show a 1111054 at all, so it's possible the 054 was superceded to a different P/N.

So according to my parts book, the 1111078 "might" not be original, but is correct.....It's kinda like how a SR block is for a car.....not original, but correct.

I show the 1111078 as for a A-body with 2 bbl in 1965. For big body cars either 2 or 4bbl. (used in 1965-66)
I may have to check some other notes on this. May be for a 4 bbl also?

The 1111054 is for 389 4bbl in 1965. (also used in 64-66)

the 054 could be correct.

:)

Eric White's book - (GTO identification guide) lists standard as 1111054 w/ Transistorised Ignition as 1111047, 111080(late)

Thanks for all the thoughts guys

Johntal1 - if you do have any other notes pls let me know what you find. You are involved with the Wallace Racing website correct? If so thanks for all your work there especially on the part numbers and calculators, much appreciated. Could you tell me what P/8 and T/8 under application stands for?

DV

Pontac 8 and Tempest 8.

I've had both my '64 GTO's judged for restored concours. The distributor was not mentioned in either case. I know the numbers are not correct for '64, but both cars were judged Concours Gold, one by POCI and one by GTOAA.

You need to read the rules for judging. I've never heard of anyone being docked for a wrong date code or wrong distributor model. What matters is that the parts are correct appearing for the year of your Pontiac.

Both our cars have '67 HO exhaust manifolds, for which points were deducted, but still judged Concours Gold.

Thanks Dick for clarifying those abbreviations. I am not planning on getting anything judged, its just a personal thing that I like them to be as correct as possible within reason.

Congratulations on your Concours Golds! Seeing cars at that level really shows a great deal of dedication and a great example of correctness for the rest of us to learn from.

In 1965 only Pontiac B-body w/389 2 bbl. carb uses the 1111078 distributor.
All 1965 Tempest A-body w/389 uses the 1111054 distributor.

Info from Delco Remy Application Index.

HTH

My ‘65 Unrestored Survivor still has all of the OEM components as it left the assembly line in Baltimore.

389/335 Automatic with a 1111054 distributor.

Your late build 5th week of June built ‘65 may already have the 078.

Thanks Kenth and 60sstuff

Thats what I tend to lean towards on my late June 65 build, that it may have been given an 078 distributor which was correct for 1966 GTOs with WT block.

Will have to be on the lookout for a 054 from Q4 64 or Jan 65 for my other 65

Wow, that is a remarkable looking survivor. The wheel covers really set it off!

Seems like my ‘72MPC can probably useful as a doorstop instead of looking up old parts….��

You can make ANY 64-66 cast iron body points distributor be whatever you want it to be.
The aluminum ID bands are easily swapped.
I haven't checked lately , but they were reproducing those ID bands for 054 with various date codes.

On late June , and July , PMD plant GTOs - all the date codes run really really tight to the build date.
I don't think that is the born-with distributor , by the date , or the 078 ID.
It's a 2 month spread , actual should be about 1-2 weeks on a car that late.

What is the billing date on your PHS ?
And date codes from intake , heads , and block ?

All the dates on my 07A PMD car are very late June to early July
Billing date 7-14-65

Time Built Code = 06E
Invoice Date = 7/6/65

Block Date = 6/26/65 (F265)
Intake Date = 6/18/65 (F185)
Heads Date = 6/22/65 (F225)

When did Pontiac begin stamping Distribtor bodies with part # and date?

1967 and they were aluminum body.

Any photos of these ‘65 GTO’s ?

Thanks 60sstuff

Black 65 - Pontiac build 06E, originally sold in Orlando, FL
White 65 - Fremont build 02C, originally sold in Fullerton, CA
65 GTO Race Car - Pontiac build 01D, originally sold in Chesaning, MI - not numbers matching, lol

All purchased when we lived in FL, now in East TN

You have some nice cars. Congrats man.

The billing date usually - is either the day it was completed , or one day afterwards.
There are exceptions , but majority of the time , that is the case.
A lot of people just roll with the billing date since it is printed out.

I think it was Parts Place in Illinois that was doing the distributor ID bands.
Ames might carry them also.

Thanks Baron and for the info too!