Wedge TR7 PI Parts Trivia

[MichaelF]

This is specifically about the fresh air duct on an 81 TR7 PI ....

My '81 came, as so many do, without a fresh air duct in place. Some PO had removed it and never put it back. I bought a repro which is exactly like the original on my 76 coupe with the exception of the clips (as expected).

No matter what, it will not fit the '81 without fouling the delco distributor. It's also &$%^^$% difficult to get even close to position.

1) Though the part # is the same for all later 7's -- is the fresh air duct shaped differently for this one year? Only those of you who have an early and later model may be able to tell.

2) The bonnet latching mechanisms seem offset differently between the '76 and '81. Are they meant to be or is this another 'repair' by a PO come back to bite?

All in all, I'd love to get a fresh air duct to fit my car and cold use the insight of some fellow PI owners.

 

[ObiRichKanobi]

My 1980 has the delco ignition, and a standard-looking original duct. The one I have looks the same as the original ones I've seen on EBay (as far as I can tell from the pictures).

 

[philman]

don't know, my '76 came without the fresh air duct. when i get home next month i will see if the one off the '81 fits the '76 if you like.

 

[Mark Beiser]

My Unipart book only shows one part number for it from '79 on. I don't have the book for before 79, so I don't know if it is a different part number.

I do know the hood latch was offset a little on the FI cars. I have an extra one with the latches on it I would be willing to part with. Needs paint and the seal replaced though.

 

[Mark Beiser]

Did you ever determin if the plenum panel is the same in a FI car as a carbureted one? Both of the ones I have are the same, and both clear the Delco electronic distributor on my '80.

 

[MichaelF]

Hi Mark - I'll check this weekend and try out a few things further. There's a longer story to it as I investigate.

 

[MichaelF]

Hi Mark -- I've had adventures in the PI over the last two weekends (recounted in another wedge forum) which may relate to this question. Some rascal played played sparkplug roulette with my wires. In the process of getting it fixed I see that the distributor itself is installed 30 degrees off. This may create the fouling. On the weekend I intend to pull the beast and set it right.

 

[philman]

I had the pin on the jackshaft idler gear break causing my timing to drift, and yes the car still ran without overheating and with oil pressure because the center bolt provided enough binding friction to drive the jackshaft, but under heavy load the gear would drift in and out of time. If your distributor drifts out of time again you may want to check the pin on the jackshaft.