Every time I take off the distributor cap on my 1985 1.9 L motor (which I did last night to replace), it's a big hassle for me to deal with that metal can with the ground strap which press-fits around the distributor cap, especially when putting things back on.� Do you need it?� I assume it's some kind of static-suppression device, but most modern radios have much improved filtering than their predecessors in the 80's.� Any other function of that can that I am missing, like interference with any of my engine electronics?� I took it off, van ran normally, no static on my radio on AM or FM.

(Oh by the way Scott, I did add a few drops of light oil to the felt pad under the rotor while I was in there, like I always do after you mentioned that!)

Rich
San Diego