I don't know how old my distributor cap and rotor is. Is there any improved performance if I replace them? When is a good time to replace them and is it hard to do? I'm new to this self tune up routine, so changing the spark plugs was a big step up. I noticed that the centre pole on the distributor cap is loose (I can actually rotate it). Is that normal?

I have found it quite a challenge to keep a good cap on the 2.8. Lots of oxidation seems to occur with even the best equipment. I run Accel caps and rotors since they have bronze contacts, and they do seem to be a little better than the cheesy aluminum junk. There are no points in these ignitions, so the cap and rotor are the primary wear items. I consider the condition of these components to be very important, and I replace mine at about 4k mile intervals.

Mike
88 Formula (108k)

The cap and rotor are the things that determine how much 'juice' is going to get to your plugs. Just like any other circuit with a contact, a good connection provides better transfer, if there is corrosion or wear down of either the contacts on the rotor or cap, you will transfer the electricity less efficiently. They are cheap and I try to replace them whenever I install new plugs.

I actually had a rotor break on me one time. I thought the timing chain broke. Turned out to be a $5 fix.

Just replaced my cap with the Accel and you should have seen the cap terminals... I would bet there was no bare metal on them. They were completely covered with white corrosion.

In answer to the question- yup, that center pole is supposed to be loose. Well, I dunno if loose is the right word; more like springey. That spring keeps the center conductor of the cap pressed up against the center conductor of the rotor.