Hot Rods Does anyone still make a decent American made distributor for a SBC?

For what it’s worth, I was a mechanic in a Chevrolet dealership during the 1990’s. I’ve seen plenty of Delco coils that would not work in cold weather, but worked fine as soon as you warmed them up a bit.

It sounds like Bubba has a bunch of experience with these things. Personally I would heed his advice and just install a new Bosch coil. That could very likely fix your problem.

I’m reading this thread with interest, as I just installed a Pertronix ignition on my rod as well. I’m hoping it lasts more than 3500 miles.

 

be careful just putting any old coil with the pretronics units, some [all?] need a special coil.

 

On Pertronix, you have to match the resistance on the coil to the number of cylinders. I believe on a four cylinder, it calls for a 3 Ohm coil. 90% of my Pertronix are installed on fours. I have one on a six, and one on a 351W. I think the 8 cylinders get a 1.5 Ohm coil.


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^and you have to match the coil resistance to the type of Pertronix igniter. Their site has instructions for all their igniters and distributors with advice on proper coil selection.

 

That was all done. That's not the issue fellas. If I had to buy a new coil, it would be good info to have. I bought the matched set.

 

Ask for a 70 Malibu rebuilt distributor at the auto parts, buy an extra set of points for the glove box and you'll be set.

 

yep the bosch works well with the pertronixs

 

I understand this sentiment, but the issue that arises is that if I want a quality piece and am willing to pay extra, I can’t find anything except the cheap junk.
r


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The answer is very simple; I'm surprised nobody has come up with it : Junk the Pertronix and get a good set of points and a reliable condenser (I can help with that). This has been covered so may times that it gets ridiculous. And this, on a TRADITIONAL "Hot Rod" forum.

 

Amen , tubman ......its all in marketing !! I get the request every day to modify or change a system thats working very well in a stock form......

 

Well, I am all ears. It used to be that most any set of points/condenser were "ok". That's definitely not the case any more. It used to be the gold standard was the heavy duty Echlin brand from Napa, back when everybody was running points, but even those arent the quality that we used to see. At least not the last few sets I've bought.
In the Model A world they sell what is referred to as a "burn out proof" condenser, made by a company called A&L, I believe, but I dont know of a good source for V-8 stuff.

 

Please re-read post number 1.

I don’t have a Pertronix conversion, it’s a brand new distributor.

I have points distributors collecting dust on the shelf. I ran them for years. I don’t want points distributors anymore. I also don’t want 6v charging systems, hand crank starters, mechanical brakes or mohair interior.

I just want a quality made, high efficiency distributor. Trust me, I understand this is a TRADITIONAL hot rod forum. I’ve been here since the beginning.

 

Ooops! Sorry. It's just that the stock points distributor in my Corvette hasn't missed a beat since I bought the car in 1987. I just thought that would qualify as "a decent American made distributor for a SBC".

 

I have a couple of old dual points I could convert with an MSD box using one set of points as a trigger, but then I have a box to worry about. I have a 57 pass car distributor and a later 67 version. I haven't had any luck getting quality points. I'm sure it has to do with supply and demand.

 

I have had the best luck with petronix 1 kits just remember to turn off the switch they don't like power to them when not running. Or you can go this route points last until the rub block is gone. http://www.gofastforless.com/ignition/points.gif

 

What is that “ECU” ?

Edit: okay, I went to the web site and read the article. Clever and knowledgeable guy!

 

It is using a Chrysler electronic ignition box. Easy to find and cheap.

 

Roothawg, I feel your pain. Even though it is not traditional, I finally went with GM large cap, but it is getting hard to find dependable and long lasting modules for them. I carry a spare. Thankfully it is an easy swap in the field, if it is not dark or raining.

Phil

 

Points in an '87? Or did you miss type the year?

 

Dealing with many of the same issues with regard to ignition with my inline 6 project and my son's 350 V-8 engine.

The answer for us has been a combination of NOS and good used American made parts we located on the HAMB classifieds and on e-Bay.

We are both running GM distributors (mine is NOS and the one I gave my son for his 350 V-8 is a vintage GM cast-iron distributor completely rebuilt).

I had both distributors recurved to suit our engines and both are converted from breaker points to a magnetic pickup (available at NAPA and other auto parts stores, nothing exotic).

We are both running vintage NOS (Made in USA) MSD 6A capacitive discharge ignition boxes and oil filled Mallory Voltmaster II coils. I have run this type ignition on all my carburetted engines since the 1970s. Its a good setup. No need to reinvent the wheel here.

Hope this gives you some ideas,

Harry

 

We are both running vintage NOS (Made in USA) MSD 6A capacitive discharge ignition boxes and oil filled Mallory Voltmaster II coils. I have run this type ignition on all my carburetted engines since the 1970s. Its a good setup. No need to reinvent the wheel here.

Best ignition going...

 

I don't buy new cars. The Corvette was 20 years old when I bought it.

 

They are available, sometimes on the HAMB classifieds and on e-Bay, as well. Here are the current e-Bay listings for NOS Echlin ignition goodies......

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nk...SubLocation=1&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_fosrp=1

Good luck,

Harry

 

As I remember points let you down about every 20,000 miles or less.

 

Mark, has Im not terrified of them. I just want something more efficient. Nothing wrong with them, I just don’t have a lot of free time these days, so any way I can free up time is a bonus. They have just kind of gone the way of the rotary phone, which I admit I have one of those too.

Oh and I just started the Produce truck and drove it around with no issues. I have no idea how it healed itself.

 

Was it or had it been very Damp ( high dew-point) prior to the truck refusing to start , , I have a DD truck that will not start especially if the weather has swung dramatically cold/to hot or if it's very Damp , 5 minutes with a heat gun aimed at the distributer and it go fires right up .It doesn't always refuse to start , but when it does ,drying it always starts it ..

 

Not really, but I have wondered about it. I have driven it in driving rain with no issues.