Went to replace points on my 57 Chevy 236 six and found dual points. Distributor has no markings, looks stock. I want to replace with a Pertronics kit, but don’t know what I have. Plate reads 25038
It's most likely an aftermarket dual point conversion, probably a Mallory. I'd keep it over a Pertronix, but if you insist, don't throw it away; someone will want it. My own personal opinion? Since you're going with a 6 cylinder (which is very traditional), keep the dual point conversion; it'll beat a Pertronix hands down in the long run.
Just so the O/P knows; aftermarket (including Pertronics) electronic ignition conversions are notorious for failing unexpectedly and at the worst times. A points system will degrade slowly and give you plenty of time to get home and fix the problem. You have inherited a nice piece of hot-rodding history; don't blow it.
didn't early Corvette 6 cyl motors have dual point distributors? - the Mallory distributors that I have used had a Mallory ID plate attached to body of distributor - if OP wants Pertronix for his unique distrib should contact them - I have never had a Pertronix set up fail - same with dual points - if anything, condenser has failed
If it was mine I would keep the dual points and use it to trigger a Ford thick film ignition module. The points will last practically forever, just check for wear every 20,000 miles or so.
Mallory didn't only supply dual point distributors, but they also offered conversion packages for stock distributors back in the day. I believe that's what this is. In 1959, the first piece of speed equipment that I ever bought was a Mallory dual point conversion kit for my '51 Ford. It consisted of two sets of points and a breaker plate to mount them on, all going inside the distributor. It did come with the big brass "Trash Can" condenser that mounted on the outside of the distributor for all to see. I could point to it and tell my buddy's that I had a "high performance racing distributor". Here's a picture of a an Olds "Rocket" distributor with on of the dual point Mallory conversions with an externally mounted "Trash Can" condenser. Unfortunately, good Mallory condensers are very hard to come by these days, so I am making quality reproductions. If you're interested, you can contact me. Kinda clever how I moved this thread into a promotion for my stuff, ehh.
Personally I'd far rather run that dual point rather than a Pertronix. The dual points aren't going to leave you stranded miles from town.
FYI; I converted my 230 distributor to late model Chrysler electronic ignition. I like the Chrysler ignition combinde with an MSD5 box, bullet proof reliability and great spark. Wiring diagram for my setup Stock setup. Remove everything shown here including the cam. This is what the points plate looks like ready for the Chrysler compinents. These are the parts you need from a junk yard distributor. Shown are roters for a 6 and a V8. Not shown is the chrysler electronic module. Available at parts store. Notch the case for the wire pass-thru I cut a window in an old distributor cap time the new electronic pickup. I can't remember but I think the cam is machined off the shaft which is sized for a press fit for the Chysler rotor.
Exuuuuse, me! Isn't this a forum about traditional hot rods? If someone wants to convert to electronic ignition, there are other places to go.
Moved from single points to dual on my Pontiac- starts more easily and the points stay making a good contact for much longer than a single set- in 3000 miles I've only had to adjust them twice and neither time they needed cleaning. When one decided to close up it gave me plenty warning. The dwell on a twin points setup is huge, too- much more reliable spark for high speed/passing/wide open throttle. Clean them, set them, enjoy the drive. Phil
261’s in big trucks had duel point distributors vettes had them also , but pretty sure all vettes where tach drive as well. keep it, run it. If your hell bent on going electronic, and this is an oem duel point distributor, sell it and buy a regular one to gaffer with.
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