[fiftyfive210]

I'm running stock HEI with no issues, but I had a Pertronix conversion in my '39 Pontiac and it worked perfect :tu

 

[bigblock261]

Flipped out.

On this car, when we had breaker points, I kept a Pertronics as a backup. The Pertronics would work great for going breakerless, in the early Delco distributor.

We're running a Mallory Unilite distributor now, one of a long line of Unilites owned over time, very satisfied, no complaints.

We went to a Unilite distributor for breakerless feature and ignition timing curve versatility, for high performance.

A real advantage in going breakerless is during high engine speeds. More stable ignition timing, less spark scatter. Certain point sets can bounce at high speed. This can be proven with your own timing light. Hook it up and watch the crank damper at around 5000 rpm.

 

[Dragsix]

I have points in my 235 motors. I have also run a magneto but that another animal altogether. I use Napa HD point sets, run the motor to 5500 rpm no spark scatter or bouncing points. I don't mind the points and over the years they have been pretty reliable and very easy to change and adjust. To be honest, some guy's like to cut grass and garden in their spare time, me, I am happiest on a nice Saturday morning setting the valves and giving the motor a tune up, lol, so points work for me. I do keep a set of points, rotor, condenser and cap in the trunk, just in case.

 

[Muncieman]

Electronic distriutors

My choice of distributors is the Mallory Unilite. But there are considerations

For example if you leave the ignition key on too long (How long is too long?) it will either damage the diode or burn it out completely (I have done this)

Also on the very popular Eldebroack Carb there is not a proper port for a Vaccuum advance. So if you are running an Eldebroak Carb...NO vaccuum advance on the Unilite

gary

 

[jim_]

I gave up on points almost 30 years ago - still, there's nothing quite like the look of the old Mallory two piece distributor caps.

I rmember having to drill out the top half to get a decent sized wire on to the spike.

 

[Lloyd's 55 R.I.P 7-10-2016]

Talked with Carl at Pertronix, nice car guy, and ordered the pertronix igniter ii to use when I get tired of the points. FYI, if you have a 265 with/out the door on the distributor, use part # 1183 and if you have the adjustment door on the distributor, use part # 1181. Hope it helps someone. :bowtier:

 

[bobbybelair]

I'm still running original distributor, points, condenser. I have no plans to change, it has always been solid.

 

[airmentbob]

started off with a dual point mallory, ran good, but i've since gone to hei's. they seem to work pretty good.

 

[Rich Rogers]

And yet another for Pertronix. I've had nothing but good luck with the 1st series Ignitor in my 55. I get a much better burn, lightning fast starts and better mpg. This is on a mild built sbc with a double tunnelram WITHOUT progressive linkage and steep gears (4:33) . The only problem I had was a bad coil. I've been running it now for 4 years with no trouble..

 

[hddude]

like the pertronix, my uni-lite conversion is great. but i know, if it fails, it`ll be on the hook, going home.

 

[DraginMain]

I've had zero probs with two Pertronix kits installed. But, keep orig parts in a baggie in the glove box.
Best of luck
Jim

 

[Larry Thompson]

my car is running great (finally)!
in the past year changed to mechanical fuel pump and points.
this is my first restoration project.
i continue to consider electronic ignition.
i'm concerned about pertronix because I want the best to avoid problems.
no major issues at this time.
i have a stock 350ci and TH400. nothing too special.
any advice?
much appreciate.
Jeremy

Jeremy, Sounds like you have a nice car. Question, Did the car come with the 350 and the 400, or did you build it and install it? If you built it yourself, why did you go with a 350 instead of a 283? A 350 and 400 is a good combination, they work great, and it was your choice, not mine or anyone elses. I feel the same way about ignition, make it your choice. You have about every suggestion possible about ignition. Obviously the 350 is a great choice, but would your car be lacking if it was a 283, probably not. If you are wanting dependability, after all the research, if you look at performance and dependability the electronic ignitions seem to have the best record. Remember if it is mechanical you will probably have to work on it some time. Which one requires less work and gives you the best performance?
Larry From Tulare:12: Make it go strong

 

[MikeB]

my car is running great (finally)!

Then why change? Points and condenser are cheap and easy to change when you're far a way from home.

That said, I have never had any issues with stock GM HEI, GM HEI with MSD internals, or MSD 8360 and 8361 distributors. My car has been running the MSD 8394 Digital E-Curve distributor for 5-6 years now with zero issues. It has no weights, springs, or vacuum canister. The advance curve is set with dip switches.