electronic ignition choices

[Doc Pepper]

I have been mulling over upgrading to electronic ignition. I can't determine which of the following two options is best. The little chip that you put into the existing distributor, or the GM-like distributor with the HEI guts. If I go the former, am I supposed to get the hot-shot ignition coil also? If I go with the GM-like distributor, where do I get replacement part in case of failure. I definitely want to go electronic ignition, but it has to be both as reliable as points AND inexpensive to repair if it fails.

[charliemccraney]

The conversion for a stock distributor will be cheapest. If the distributor is in good condition, this may be the best option. You probably won't notice a difference in performance or economy with a basic conversion unless the distributor is worn. The magnetic pickup will be more forgiving than points because of the lack of direct mechanical contact that exists with points.

If the old distributor is worn, then I would opt for something that is completely new and a GM HEI based unit would be a good candidate. I would expect it to be able to use GM parts but if you get it from a reputable brand, replacement parts will probably be at least as easy to get as they are for the points replacement.

Get a hotter coil to go with whichever system you get. Refer to the instructions to determine which one. Plug wires may also need to be upgraded at the same time.

[Jerry D]

I'm on my third Pertronix. This last one is the Ignitor II. I think the issue I had with the first two, is that I wasn't running full 12v, as I still had the resistor wire in place. Haven't had any trouble with it at all. Simple way to go, and not hard to change back should you have an issue that might otherwise leave you stranded.

Jerry

[chris401]

I have been mulling over upgrading to electronic ignition. I can't determine which of the following two options is best. The little chip that you put into the existing distributor, or the GM-like distributor with the HEI guts. If I go the former, am I supposed to get the hot-shot ignition coil also? If I go with the GM-like distributor, where do I get replacement part in case of failure. I definitely want to go electronic ignition, but it has to be both as reliable as points AND inexpensive to repair if it fails.

I also run Pertronics. Seems it was 30-32 degree's of dwell whether gaped at .030 or .060".

[Toyz]

Just a few caveats, Doc!
I have unused HEI clones hanging on a shelf.
As a warehouse distributor; I was offered them for around $25 shipped!
My thought was, wow, how can they make them, test the quality and ship them halfway around the world for that?
Short answer; depend on the end customer for "part B"!
Thus, my accumulated "inventory"!
I will not knowingly sell nor install ANYTHING subject to do more harm than good!
I have closely examined the tolerances on these POS, as well as seen the results of many failures!
My standard remark is that I won't consider a distributor costing less than what I pay for the ARP/Ford driveshaft attached to it!
So, my humble suggestion is if you REALLY want an HEI clone, for whatever unknown reason, pay Performance Distributors for one less likely to cost you an engine!
If anyone wants to tell of their success with the offshore clone, save it, common sense has got you outgunned!
Remember, I'm the guy who will drag a 30 foot travel trailer across country on it's OEM 1966 tires, but some things just don't warrant taking a chance!
Buy a Pertronix conversion, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS, and never regret it!

[SLICKCOLLECTOR]

ford duraspark is my solution.

jim oberg