What application delco remy cap do I have? It says on top Delco-Remy. then it says patent Pending R . Is this an over the counter replacement part, or a factory installed cap? Contacts are aluminum. Thanks in advance.

Frank
66 SS396
68 SS396 elky

Since Delco Remy has built distributor caps from the beginning of time, it's pretty hard to say what cap you have. Delco was installed at the factory; they also sold 'em over the parts counter. I have no expectation you could identify an original cap versus a replacement cap if they're both Delco.

How many spark plug terminals does it have? Male or female?
What holds the cap in place? Two screws? Two spring loaded spring retainers? Four spring loaded retainers?


In short: Got a photo or two?

Sounds like a D308R cap which is used for chevys up to '67-'68 as the pat. pen. cap was changed with the pat # on the cap around '67.
The raised letter NOS 308 caps are worth a few bucks and are correct if the proper one is used,ie.,D308,D308r, 308 pat. number. all raised letter delco caps are worth keeping espscially if NOS as this was what chevelles came with new.
I have a couple NOS raised 308 caps some alum.and some copper.
I bet DZauto[Tom] or someone can give even better info on which cap is correct per years.

So this V-8 cap is probably pre 68, It is one I creatively acquired from a friend of mine. Just checking on its application. These old GM caps are definately well made/beefy.

Thanks
Frank
66 SS396
68 SS396 elky

So this V-8 cap is probably pre 68, It is one I creatively acquired from a friend of mine. Just checking on its application.

GM didnt start making "R" caps until 1969. Had something to do with radio frequency static emission. Probably getting ready for the crappy 1970 and later windshield antennas.

I know 66 and 67 Chevelle should not have an "R" just Patent Pending.. if that helps ;)

Research on this has always been somewhat inconclusive. It is hard to determine if a car has its original cap or not, as Delco replacements sold through dealerships would be what was available at the time. Mike is correct, versions through 67 are definately Patent Pending without the R. 68-70 ,I have seen the most with Patent Pending with the R, and 71 up With the Patent and the number. When does it change for sure? I doubt you could come up with an accurate date unless spelled out in a Delco Remy document, and even then, would give only a date for change in production of the caps, and would not necessarily appy to when the cars would change. They would oviously use up what they had, etc. Wish there was a better way, but for our purposes, use the one most prevalent in that year.

Jeff Dotterer
Dated Components
Diamond Restored Judge

I wish my girlfriend said I was right as often as Jeff does :D

Thanks Jeff and Mike for the wealth of knowledge I have gleaned from you guys!

Frank
66 SS396
68 SS396 elky