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Napa RR157 has no resistor.

I would presume that all the Delco distributors for the V-8 cars of that era use the same rotor and cap. The rotors being resistor and non-resistor types. Here, in the states and Canada, we can go to our local auto parts store and match up a non-resistor using the resistor one for dimensions. This is probably not available in Germany. Did you check the Parts Cross-Reference under the Main Menu?

A few minutes later: Just checked the parts cross reference and it lists a D129 for the rotor. Do not know if this is a non-resistor type, but it is a start.

I added this listing to the Parts Cross Reference under ELECTRICAL. Let me know if it should be edited/changed:

Distributor Rotor, non-resistor
-
All
1951-54
RR157
NAPA
-
Information from Ross. Replaces original rotor with resistor, that can fail without warning catastrophically. May need to use reistor-type plugs
JeromeSolberg

Thanks Ross and Jerome, great info, and great that it is saved in the X-Ref. I'll put that rotor on my wish list. Since the two plugs most commonly used (Autolite308 and AC-R45) are both resistor plugs, then I think the plain rotor and solid core wires will be fine.

OOps, sorry Jerome: that would be 53-58 with Delco only. Before 53 the Delco dizzies were smaller in diameter and were not afflicted with the nasty flying resistor rotor.

Engine runs with the newish ignition system. I got some practice adjusting points, but didn't get it right yet. I realized I had my Meter hooked up wrong. Green goes to the points, and Black goes to ground. (Positive ground) I'll try again soon.

Uh, guess I am wrong again.
I think I understand after reading this.
mopar link

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Most of the gauges such as the one you showed are designed to run on 12v so it might be necessary to connect it to a separate 12v battery for its power.

Hi all,
The Timing light and dwell Meter work fine on 6volt. No need for an external battery.
This evening I adjusted the dwell to 30deg. Spec is 31, so I think I will leave it at 30 for now and see if anything changes after some driving.
My new vac can arrived today, and I shimmed the spring with 2 washers I took out of a spare autolite dizzy I have.
Adding the springs shifted the vac advance curve. Before, advance started at 4,5 in, and was all in by 6. Now it starts at 6, and is all in by 9 in. We will see how that behaves.
This weekend I hope to set base Timing at idle to 0 deg, and see if she idles well...then hope I can do a test drive.

So, I have a 359 engine with a 327 head , 327 dizzy and 4bbl carb with 327 jetting.
Today I set the base Timing at 4 degrees at 500 rpm and still have 18 inches of vacuum at idle with the air filter on. Seems to be running better at part throttle now that I have a vac advance. I chose 4 degrees because that should then line up to 20 degrees mechanical advance at high speed and load, which matches the Packard spec for advance on the 54 359.
At a nice steady idle of 550, The Timing was moving between 4-5 degrees. Think that is an indication of a stretched Timing chain, or just mech advance that was starting to kick in early?

I also put in this gauge Cluster. I only hooked up the voltage gauge so far. Sadly it says 8v when there is really 7.3 volt. It's hard to find gauges that have the right range for voltage and oil press....these will have to do.

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I got the vacuum gauge hooked up and drove to work today at about 45 degrees F. From the gauge, I have a nice 18.5 inches of mercury at warm idle, but noticed that on overrun I only get up to 23 inches of mercury. I was expecting 25, but that could either be from the gauge not reading exact numbers, worn piston rings, or I wonder if the vacuum reserve canister also buffers the vacuum level.
One other thing I noticed, the engine warms up to operating temp, but the heat is not very warm. I will check the bowden cables, but can the heater thermostadt also have a problem if that small copper bulb is not working properly?
The Passenger door was also not closing properly in the cold....guess the latch is gummed up a bit. The TLC list grows, but it is always fun to drive a packard to work.