If this is an EFI car, it does not have a vacuum advance unit. It is quite possible to change this coil without removing the distributor, but you need to be blessed with long arms and excellent eyesight. You have to adjust the reluctor clearance after this repair, and this is much easier done with the distributor on the bench. Be sure to mark the locating before removing it, or be prepared to readjust the timing to spec after the repair. Dick Benjamin -----Original Message----- From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Stevan Miner Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 3:15 PM To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: IML: Quick distributor/pickup coil question Hi Rob, You could certainly replace the pick-up coil with-out removing the distributor but it would be alot easier with the distributor removed. The pick-up coil is fastened to the plate on these and the vacuum advance has to come off. You also have to remove the reluctor which would come off alot simpler on the bench. These distributors will only go in two ways so if you watch the direction the rotor is pointing and mark the housing, you wouldn't even have to reset the timing, although I'd have it checked as soon as possible after replacement. Steve Miner Miner Auto Service Winnebago, MN ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rob P" <fristpenny@xxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: IML: Quick distributor/pickup coil question > When your replacing the pickup coil/magnet in the distributor do you really > have to take the whole distributor out? The FSM says to pull the > distributor. I've done this dozens of times on FWD mopars on the car, but > their distributors are right up front. This thing is a pain all set back > there. Any tips? Thanks