The Chevy Impala hasn't had distributors since it came out again in 2000, but during its modest revival from1994 to 1996 it used distributors on 3.8L, 5.0L and 5.7L engines. From 1985 backward, it used distributors on 5.0L and 5.7L engines. You can change the distributor, if necessary, with a few tools you have around the house.
Track the spark plug wires to locate the distributor on top of the engine, and then unhook the battery's negative cable. Label and disconnect all connectors to the distributor cap so you will be able to reconnect them to the correct place.
Remove the vacuum hose, if your model has one, and push down on the distributor cap retainers and take off the cap.
Make a mark to show the position of the distributor housing to the engine block. Likewise, make a mark on the housing to indicate where the rotor points. These marks are crucial to putting new parts in correctly.
Unbolt the distributor mounting bolt with a wrench and take off the clamp. Pull the distributor from the engine block. As you do so, check the rotor mark you made on the distributor housing and make another on the housing, showing the rotor position. Again, this is important for later re-installation.
Take off the old O-ring from the distributor housing and lightly grease a new one before putting it on the distributor housing. The O-ring is a separate purchase from the distributor.
Line up the rotor with the second mark you made earlier. Put in your new Impala distributor, and raise it and turn, if necessary, so the distributor body mark lines up with the first mark in Step 3. You can order a distributor for your 1995 to 96 Impala from Parts Train, number 84171N. Parts numbers differ by store and manufacturer; know your engine size and year.
Replace the bolt in the holding clamp, tightening lightly. Replace the other parts in the reverse order of Steps 1 and 2. Once you're done, use the wrench to snug the bolt down tight.
