65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
Electrical => Electrical => Topic started by: 35chevcoupe on February 15, 2016, 08:04:40 PM
-
Just wondering guys what,s everyone using for distributor internals ? are you converting them to a type of breakerless or are you still using the points and condenser type ?
-
Pretty reliable system, I have been running it for several years.
http://www.pertronix.com/ (http://www.pertronix.com/)
-
Had mine converted to Pertronix breakerless by Carmen Faso a few years ago. And curved for a 2x4 with 4 speed. Works great!
:cheers2:
Chuck
-
Carmen did mine with a Pertronix and recurve.
Mark
-
I used to have the Pertronix but now run the MSD Pro Billet distributor for nailheads.
-
Dear John, sjfd04, Chuck, Mark, Jim, and mid-60s Buick "stealthy technophiles, . . . "
Just wondering guys what,s everyone using for distributor internals ? are you converting them to a type of breakerless or are you still using the points and condenser type ?
[url]http://www.pertronix.com/[/url] ([url]http://www.pertronix.com/[/url])
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink_smile_triangle.gif) . . . you guys are *SO* behind the times. (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/rolleyes.gif) Why my trusty wagon had some sort of electronic ignition in the early 1990s! I don't remember the brand but I bought it from J.C. Whitney and considering the dubious source, it lasted for almost 20 years.
In 2010 that old system in my wagon was replaced with a the Pertronix setup which worked just fine but it was abandoned with her original engine in 2013.
She is about to enter a whole new world of ignition control and I was starting to write it up today to post on this forum but it is rather involved. I ran out of time before I could include all the juicy details! :laughing7:
So stay tuned!! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/tune_in_TV_emoticon.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
-
Does the petronix use the stock ign coil ? and how much of a modification to the wiring harness ?
-
John,
If I recall correctly, the Pertronix system uses a new 'high energy' coil from Pertronix as well, but it's a look alike for the stock coil. And I don't remember any modifications to the wiring harness. Perhaps Mark can confirm, but I remember it being a painless conversion.
:cheers2:
Chuck
-
Here are a couple of pictures of the distributor and coil installed. By the way, the blue distributor cap will not return. I'm getting a new black one from Carmen. :icon_thumright:
Chuck
-
Thanks guys for the info.
It sounds like a good system . I,d like to keep it stock appearing as much as i can . I used to( and still do ) like tinkering with points BUT kinda old technologies . I really like the idea of having the dist. recurved . :icon_thumright:
Chuck , especially for the dual quads .
-
Yeah, having the distributor recurved for the duals made a noticeable difference in power and drivability. I believe with the duals there is about 10 more degrees of advance added to the curve and the nailhead just smiles and purrs....then roars! :laughing7:
-
Lots of options. What are your goals?
Adding more initial advance (from 2* to 10*) and limiting total advance to 30-32* (initial + mechanical) noticeably helps the low end power. Add lighter advance springs to get the advance in sooner helps too.... up to a point. Too much advance too soon and the engine will ping.
An adjustable vacuum advance from Crane can fine-tune your part-throttle advance to improve economy.
Easy way to get the 10* to 32* mech advance is to find a distributor from a 425 dual quad engine or an earlier Dynaflow-equipped 401. Without that special breaker-point plate, you'll have to either weld up the advance slot or put an offset bushing in it. Tom probably knows more methods.
A nice one-wire breaker-point replacement is avail from Lectric Limited. I haven't used it, but many recommend it.
http://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless_se.htm (http://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless_se.htm)
Crane has a version as well, the XR-i. Features a rpm limiter.
Petronix has had several versions, I'm not up to date on their offerings.
I'm still running a Mallory Unilite in my blue '66.....over 30 years now!
Someone was offering a HEI converted distributor for Nailheads some years ago, unsure if he's still offering them....
If you want more features like a timing retard, rpm-activated switches for shift lights, nitrous, etc, or even a fully programmable timing curve, check out the offerings from MSD, Crane, or Mallory.
You can even mix components.... use a GM Hei magnetic trigger to fire one of the above mentioned boxes. You can fire thos boxes with points too.
What ever you end up using, it's always a good idea to have a good ole points setup in the trunk just in case your electronic setup gets fried!