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Plan B?

R

RustyRed

Active Member
One of the issues that I had on the new engine install was the distributor. I had picked up one of the self contained HEI style distributors thinking that would be cool without needing the MSD box, etc.

The issue was that the distributor was too big and with the air cleaner and Monte Carlo bar it wouldn't fit at all much less turn for timing, etc.

So I have stuck the stock distributor on the motor for the short term and need to come up with a plan b.

My guess is that to run to it's potential with a 4 bbl I am going to need more spark then stock.

I was thinking of simply getting the Petronix set up...for example

http://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/57-74-V8-EXCEPT-DUAL-POINTS-ELECTRONIC-IGNITION-SYSTEM-P1269.aspx

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions on my best route here?
 
I forgot your engine size but I'm (sometimes) running a slightly beefed up 289 with a stock dizzy and Pertronix setup. It runs great.......when it runs. No problems with the setup when other things aren't getting in the way.
 
I'll be running a slightly beefed up 302 if I ever get this install done, LOL! The cam is 214/224 with slightly ported GT40's and Holley 4 bbl, etc.

I was thinking the set up would work. A friend redid a '66 GT with a 289 and is running the Petronix set up and is putting out about 275 hp.

I know one thing, going the Petronix route is materially cheaper then trying to buy the billet distributor and box, etc.
 
Just for another option, I'm running a regular Motorcraft distributor with elec ignition along with an MSD 6AL box and coil. I have not had the first problem with this setup.

I do not remember where the dizzy came from though, it was laying around in the shop of my friend that help me build my engine.
 
"RustyRed" said:
My guess is that to run to it's potential with a 4 bbl I am going to need more spark then stock.
Click to expand...

The Pertronix Ignitor does nothing that stock points don't do, except wear out. They are very good units and work fine, but will not give you "more spark than stock".

From the sounds of your build, you will do just fine with the Ignitor. One thing, though, is that you have to make sure your coil is compatible with the Ignitor, or you'll need to run a ballast resistor. The Pertronix FlameThrower coil works well with the Ignitor. The MSD Blaster II coil, not so much ... it will fry the Pertronix in 8 hours or less of run time.

I ran a Pertronix Ignitor and Flamethrower with the MSD6A-L for about 6 years in my '66, before I swapped the distributor/coil out for an MSD Pro Billet and Blaster II. I only swapped it out because I got a good deal on the MSD distributor and I was trying to get the car into the 13's at the track (I did get it down to 14.003 on street tires).
 
Another option is to use the stock distributor, points and all, and just buy a Summit CDI box. The points are only used as a trigger for the box, so they don't burn out.
 
or just get the bent Monte carlo bar.
Click to expand...

Some of the aftermarket distributors are constructed such that they prohibit a clean fit with an oval air cleaner. The OP stated that his distributor was interferring with the MC bar and the air cleaner, I assume this to mean he's running an oval air cleaner.
 
Yeah, I already have the bent Monte Carlo.

However, if anyone wants to buy an HEI distributor and / or Accel wires that have never been run on a car let me know, LOL!
 
"silverblueBP" said:
Just for another option, I'm running a regular Motorcraft distributor with elec ignition along with an MSD 6AL box and coil. I have not had the first problem with this setup.
Click to expand...
That's what I'm running as well.
 
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