Electronic ignition upgrade recommendations

[Purepony]

I wouldn't mind changing the distributor. Original is cool but I prefer convenience

[dodj]

The factory type conversion is the way to go. It was designed by the Factory for your car..
Bolt on, trouble free and the factory replacement parts are everywhere. And someone doesn't have to match up another brands etc...
Put an extra ecm and ballast in your tool box. Covers 99% of any possible problems on the road. Very inexpensive.

While I agree with what you say here, it was designed circa 1970 and more modern designed ignition systems are far superior.
But original style is easy on the wallet.

[njsteve]

Have the Petronix upgrade installed in your original distributor. No boxes, no extra stuff. Only way to tell is that there are now two wires instead of one coming from the side of the distributor. I just had Joe White redo the original 1970 dual point from my Cuda and it runs like stink! He had previously restored the distributor and its dual points and set the timing curve (for the prior owner). I sent it to him to upgrade it and it is wonderful. Quick turnaround too.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/331984517742209

[Purepony]

How challenging is the install on that one ? And if any parts go bad where or how can I replace them ?

[njsteve]

The upgrade was done by Joe White. Anyone can do it themselves with the right Pertonix kit. but I used Joe becuase he restores the disrtibutors and replaces all bushings etc., and then sets the advance curve on an antique Sun distribtor machine.

[FE5CUDA]

How challenging is the install on that one ? And if any parts go bad where or how can I replace them ?

One of the simplest things you can do, easier to take the distributor out of the car.  Mark where the dizzy is indexed in the car making note which way the rotor is pointing (take a picture).  Follow the installation instructions for the Pertronix (crazy simple).  Keep the ballast resistor, take it apart and remove the coil and install a wire between the two connectors that way your car still looks stock while jumping out the ballast.

Buy the Pertronix for your single point distributor and also get their "Flame Thrower" coil.  I've used Pertronix exclusively for years and the only difference, from original, is the extra wire going to the coil with no modifications required to your car other than modifying the ballast resistor.  I can literally do the complete installation in 30 minutes or less.

[Purepony]

How does this compare to the gm hei upgrade ?
I'm being told the gm hei module is better. Is that true.?

And gear kit are you recommending because there's about three. Petronix 1 2and 3?

[dodj]

How does this compare to the gm hei upgrade ?
I'm being told the gm hei module is better. Is that true.?

And gear kit are you recommending because there's about three. Petronix 1 2and 3?

I know nothing from personal experience about the HEI conversions, but have heard they have trouble with higher RPMs where they start dropping cylinders. Again, not personal experience but I would research it a bit if you are going that way.

[JS29]

Petroniix 1 is what i was referring to. 

[JonH]

How does this compare to the gm hei upgrade ?
I'm being told the gm hei module is better. Is that true.?

And gear kit are you recommending because there's about three. Petronix 1 2and 3?

Pertronix is a simple bolt in, replacing your points and needing nothing else for your upgrade. A GM hei module still needs something to trigger it. IE your existing points, magnetic or other style pickup assembly. Other solutions become more involved and expensive. Based on your questions I assume you have limited knowledge and or abilities therefor I would recommend the pertronix system. It is the simplest solution to what you are trying to do. FYI the GM hei module works fine. When they came out in the 1970's they had their problems but the design has evolved over the years and have no issues currently. I currently run one on my 440....

[MoparLeo]

Even though the factory system was designed in the70's does not take away the reliability and functionality of it. Using that logic, why even use a distributor at all since current ignition technology and computers have eliminated them. They are still as viable now as when they were new. Factory designed, available everywhere. Stock design. Was ok for the race cars of the day. Same engines now that were designed and made back then.

[njsteve]

The main issue with the old Mopar conversion is having to find a place to locate the orange box. There's nothing worse than seeing that thing bolted to the firewall on a car it didn't come originally on (I am guilty of doing this very thing back in the day. UGH!)  Is your original distributor a single or dual point? The Pertronix kit part numbers are different.

Also make sure you buy the right ohm-rated coil for the Pertronix. Check the instructions. If you use your original ballast resistor you will use a different coil than if you get rid of the ballast resistor (Or hollow it out for looks and run a 12 gauge wire inside it).

[dodj]

Even though the factory system was designed in the70's does not take away the reliability and functionality of it. Using that logic, why even use a distributor at all since current ignition technology and computers have eliminated them. They are still as viable now as when they were new. Factory designed, available everywhere. Stock design. Was ok for the race cars of the day. Same engines now that were designed and made back then.

Hey Leo. Like I said, I agreed with what you wrote down there. And you are right, they were good for the race cars of the day. But not any more. We have better stuff now.

[ZippyZoo]

@JonH - What components are you using for your 440 HEI conversion?  Distributor, coil, HEI module, etc.??  Are you happy with the results?
I have been considering the http://www.designed2drive.com/ adaptor mentioned by @Skdmark which mounts directly to the Mopar Performance electronic distributor plus an e-coil but never ran across anyone who used that configuration.  Thanks.

[7E-Bodies]

Is this where a rev limiter can be utilized?