I believe all he is talking about it is the ESC, Electronic Spark Control which is NOT only a CA emission. It may have came about on Cali trucks first, but ESC came about to help meet the Federal Manufactuer Fleet MPG requirement. Actually I think the Cali trucks came with CCC (Computer Command Control) Feedback carb systems as well as ESC while the Fed vehicles just came with ESC with non computer controlled carb.
At any rate, have you got this figured out yet? You can either replace your distrubutor as a complete unit, or you can by pass the ESC ECM by cutting the plug and twisting a couple wires together and still keep the same ICM (Ignition Control Module) until it dies, then you'd probably want to go ahead and change your dizzy out when that module goes **** up. Let us know, we have the help you're looking for if this is the case.
Though if the system is working, may as well leave it alone. All the ESC consists of is a knock sensor on the passenger side of the block, the ECM and the ICM that has the ability to advance or retard the timing electronically as well as with centrifical weights, and vacuum advance. The purpose is to allow the timing to be as far advanced as possible without pinging and/or detonation.
from N.E.
