Distributor Upgrade

[Arthur]

65 GS Skylark 401 with stock distributor and point system. In keeping a stock look what are my options and benefits of modifying my distributor?

 

[elagache]

Dear Arthur and mid-60s Buick caregivers with an eye to originality.

65 GS Skylark 401 with stock distributor and point system. In keeping a stock look what are my options and benefits of modifying my distributor?

Yes, replacing the points every 6 months is a serious drag.  That became my job somewhere about 1980.  Sometime during that decade, I found at J.C. Whitney an electronic ignition replacement that worked fine (if I recall correctly) for 25 years.  Alas, this was early technology and it required an external module.  My wagon now has a different engine and an aftermarket distributor (and EFI.)  So I'm out of the originality game.

I'm guessing that you want something like this PerTronix kit:

https://pertronixbrands.com/products/pertronix-1181-ignitor-delco-8-cyl?variant=31797176664100

It fits completely under the distributor cap and eliminates the points.  I know this will work on the 300 cid Special/Skylark engine.  Is anybody running this on a Nailhead?

Another curious mind would like to know!

Cheers, Edouard   

[red65gs]

Pertronix should work fine.

I used this many years ago when choices were limited on my nailhead:
https://www.holley.com/products/ignition/distributors/distributor_accessories/conversion_kits/parts/501 The Mallory has to be wired correctly or you lose the module.

Sound like Pertronix has made the hook up easier with full 12v.

[GreatScat1965]

Crane also makes a very nice points conversation that fits under the cap. Carmen turned me on to the Crane unit a few years ago

[WkillGS]

Another which is often recommended is the one-wire kit from Lectric Limited:
https://www.lectriclimited.com/conversion-update-kits-and-modifications/breakerless-se-electronic-ignition-conversion-85474
It costs more than the others but the single wire from the dist looks stock.

The Crane unit has a built-in rev limiter, a bonus for a manual shift car.

[Arthur]

Thanks for all the great input now I just need to decide. Will any of the conversions cause my old tach not to work and does the coil need to be upgraded. Still running the one that came with the car when I purchased it new in 65.

[GreatScat1965]

The kit you decide on will list the Ohm rating, typically 1.5 or 3 if memory serves me. You'll have to ohm your coil to know. As to the tach, as long as it doesn't have a multiple discharge ignition box it will work as it does now. . All the one's suggested here aren't multiple discharge ignitions.

[Arthur]

The tach is old school as I installed it in 1968 and it still works great. I do not want to ruin it by doing a upgrade that will not support it. Thanks for the information!