Distributor

[Ron R.]

Requesting opinions regarding weather to go with a point or electronic distributor on my 63. So if I could get some pros and cons regarding both, I will be most grateful. My car is NOM with radio delete.

Ron

[Carmen R.]

Re: Distributor

Oh boy. You're going to hear a lot from both sides. If you decide to go electronic, avoid the Pertronix 1 and 11 (if it has the magentic ring mounted under the rotor cap). Those little magnets have a tendency to fly off. It's happened to me and a few others. I'm currently using the Pertronix 111. This version has no magentic ring and no moving parts. You'll have to use a different coil, which Pertronix recommends and sells. Something to do with ohms and resistance, which I really don't understand.

Having said that, I also have a set of points and condenser with the proper coil, which I will use if I get my car judged.

Once the electronic ignition is set (timed properly), you shouldn't have to worry about it any more.

Points and condenser require constant setting, but very few of us pile on the miles like when these cars where used for every day use.

I'm guessing most of us drive maybe 1,000-1,500 miles per year, so therefore setting points is kept to a minimum.

[Mike F.]

Re: Distributor

I use this, http://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless_se.htm Single wire to coil looks stock.

[Duke W.]

Re: Distributor

Points and condenser require constant setting,

Hardly. Chevrolet recommended maintenance is to check point set condition, dwell, and timing every 12,000 miles as part of a normal tuneup.

One of the best things about these cars is that they are very simple and have no "black boxes" that can fail suddenly. Points issues usually give you plenty or warning that something is wrong before they leave you stranded by the side of the road.

I can't say that about the TI or HEI, and there have been many reported issues with these electronic points conversions.

Why not keep it simple?

Duke

[Philip P.]

Re: Distributor

Pertronix 1181LS can be installed in place of the points, no pickup or removal of the distributor is required. I have one installed with no problems (3+ years). Can use either stock or Pertronix coil. Will not pass judging as it has 2 wires an one is very red. The thing about this type of distributor the point adjustment is pretty easy with an allen wrench.. just remember anything electronic can fail and points are no exception.
If you use a Pertronix coil this will remove the ballast resistor from use and they are known to fail from time to time. This may be the one best thing about this type of modification.
My opinion
Phil

[Ed D.]

Re: Distributor

For NCRS cars I dont understand the need to covert to electronic ignition. We spend all kinds of money to keep and make the cars original, then put in an electronic ignition that gives us a false sence of security with no performance advantage, for cars that see very few road miles.

[Dan A.]

Re: Distributor

Part of the fun of owning one of these old cars for me is that you can still do things like adjusting the points, timing and carb. If the electronic ignition markedly improved performance I would feel differently.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Distributor

Ron,

If you don't mind setting dwell every year go with the points. I installed a Breakerless SE as in post #3 in my 67 300hp car and it uses the stock coil and ballast resistor and also the stock wire so you can't even tell it's installed. I am very happy with the product, it's like having new points all the time.

[Ron R.]

Re: Distributor

If I do decide to go the points route, which I probably will, can you recommend a reliable brand, such as mallory, accel, or others?

[William F.]

Re: Distributor

Great thread in archives and in print in "The Restorer" where author (Duke?) examined available points and made recommendations for various applications.It's all there.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Distributor

Ron,
I installed a Pertronix 1 in my 340 HP 62 Corvette when they first came out in August 1999.
15,000 miles later the car runs great and all the magnets are still were when I installed it.
I'm sure that the new units are probably better but I have never had a problem with mine.
I also run a old Accel dual point distributor in my 62 with Hilborn injection and again no problems.
In both cases I pop off the cap every year or so , make sure everything is tight and keep on driving.
If you do go with points there are plenty of new original Delco sets on Ebay.
One of these Fridays I need to get over to Milford and hopefully run into you.
Bruce B

[Joe L.]

Re: Distributor

If I do decide to go the points route, which I probably will, can you recommend a reliable brand, such as mallory, accel, or others?

Ron-----


For contact sets I recommend Standard Motor Products "Blue Streak". Standard Motor Products probably manufactures most of the contact sets on the market today, regardless of brand. The "Blue Streak" product line is their highest quality and, as far as I know, is not sold under any other brand.

[William C.]

Re: Distributor

In one of the immortal sayings from my racing years " Tricks are for Kids..." Stick with the points setup.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Distributor

Phill,
I actually use points because they are mechanical contacts.
I converted my vette distributer to electronic back in the 70's and am going back to points as they were stock and predictable.
I will say that I didn't have a problem with the electronic ignition but ALWAYS carried a stock distributor with points in the car for back up.

DOM

[Ron R.]

Re: Distributor

Thanks Joe, I will definetly check out!