Fake TI distributor date and part number bands
 

Guess the fraud never ends. Sigh. Apparently someone is faking the bands that go on TI distributors. I see distributors for sale and the ad says that can put whatever part number and date you want on it.

So, have some questions about 1111491 TI distributors. First, what is the number on the cam?

Secondly, is there anyone here that can definitively tell me if the band is original vs. fake if I send you a clear pic. Just don't want to be taken.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Lynn

Unfortunately they have been faking these tags for many years.

Paragon Corvette supply has been making them forever. Unfortunately most of the Corvette crowd thinks there's nothing wrong with them..

Not doubting you, but I find this SO hard to believe. I thought the Corvette crowd was vehemently opposed to fakery.

It is rampant EVERYWHERE. They should all be locked up. Ruiining the hobby.

These are also the same people that are ok with engine restamps. Check their NCRS rule book.

Boy was I wrong. I posted on the Corvette Forum asking how to tell a fake band from an original. Apparently, I am the devil. I just didn't want to pay "real" price for a faked distributor. I probably wouldn't care, but this car retains its original engine, trans, rear, intake, carb, pulleys, etc. Only big things missing are the dist and the Alt. Found an alt.

Guess, rather than pay a premium for a correct distributor, I will just buy a generic TI with no band and leave the band off.

I guess they are also OK with re-stamped alternators. Had no idea.

I wouldn't generalize what the hobby is "ok" with. On a Corvette the distributor tag is nearly impossible to see with all the ignition shielding around it. The tag to me is no different than a sticker you would replace. Vastly different from an alternator, starter, engine pad, etc.

As I recently learned from one of the distributor experts, there are plenty of ways to tell a real distributor from repro/service distributor and TI vs non TI. I had a few original distributors that did not have tags and I was able to ID exactly what they were from the advice I was given. Those who know, really know. Of course in my defense, I sold them as is without the tag because to me it added no value.

All that being said, I do not condone anyone throwing a repro TI tag on a non TI distributor or a service distributor or a repro distributor and claiming it to be other than what it actually is.

Best,
Dave