Grounded Avanti!

[mfg]

On '80-'85 Avantis, the distributor is concealed under a black plastic cover...which is grounded to the engine via a braided metal strap.

Since plastic is not a conductive material, why did the factory feel the need to ground that distributor cover?

[r1lark]

Radio interference? 

[mfg]

1 hour ago, r1lark said:

Radio interference? 

Yes (sort of!).... what is actually grounded is a layer of metal (foil) paper glued to the inside of the plastic cover.

[Gunslinger]

I had a ‘78 Corvette that had that cover.  Prior to its use Chevrolet used a steel cover similar to that Studebaker used for the Avanti.  

[pantera928]

17 hours ago, mfg said:

On '80-'85 Avantis, the distributor is concealed under a black plastic cover...which is grounded to the engine via a braided metal strap.

Since plastic is not a conductive material, why did the factory feel the need to ground that distributor cover?

Interesting as my 1980 has a metal cover

[mfg]

1 hour ago, pantera928 said:

Interesting as my 1980 has a metal cover

Wasn't sure when Avanti factory began using plastic distributor cover.......perhaps '81?

 

[Gunslinger]

When Avanti Motors bought parts they eased them into the assembly line as needed...and they would often buy a larger quantity of parts for a volume discount...then it might be the following year before the parts were actually used.  They also didn't necessarily use parts stocked in order of delivery...the oldest part in inventory didn't always get to be used first...it could sit there for a long time before being pulled for use.  When it was used they could have been using updated parts for some time.  There are cases of Avanti IIs receiving tapered axles into the '70s when the flanged axles had been standard from the beginning or nearly so.

The cover was most likely a Corvette piece.

[mfg]

2 hours ago, Gunslinger said:

When Avanti Motors bought parts they eased them into the assembly line as needed...and they would often buy a larger quantity of parts for a volume discount...then it might be the following year before the parts were actually used.  They also didn't necessarily use parts stocked in order of delivery...the oldest part in inventory didn't always get to be used first...it could sit there for a long time before being pulled for use.  When it was used they could have been using updated parts for some time.  There are cases of Avanti IIs receiving tapered axles into the '70s when the flanged axles had been standard from the beginning or nearly so.

The cover was most likely a Corvette piece.

Well said!