Distributor/Points Replacement

Hey all,

Another painfully quick and easy question...

I was told that there is an ignition module that will just drop into my existing distributor and replace these cranky points and rotor. Can't seem to turn it up... maybe I'm using the wrong terms?

Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks a bunch.

 

Petronix converts your points to an elec signal. Combine with the 40k volt coil and you can gap the plugs more and it runs great. Ran one on my 304 in my commando but plan of FI with the CJ%, otherwise i'd do it again. LIke $150 toatl for everything you need, including coil.

 

Awesome. Thank you!

So, I need both the "Ignitor" replacement module AND some kind of coil?

 

It will work with your stock coil. Or you can upgrade to a hotter coil for more spark.

 

The Pertronix sounds like a pretty maint-free system.

I've also been reading up on the HEI replacements... still uses a rotor, but no points?

In your opinions, is the HEI as worry-free as the Pertronix Ignitor systems?

 

Yes.

 

careful of the gears on the aftermarket parts.....research them a little and you'll see....

 

You can also use a Duraspark distributor from a '78 or later Jeep with an external module. This is the combo I would prefer, over the HEI or Pertronix. Could be the cheapest route if you are resourceful, and a better design than the HEI IMO.

 

Back from vacation, so I can start this research again.

I will dig around the local salvage yards for a Duraspark and see what kind of availability I have around here. What do you recommend for the external module?

 

I have a AMC V8 Dist laying here with the electronic conversion in it. it worked fine. it was in the 304 when I bought it. I converted mine to HEI from 4wd.com for 100.00. there has been a lot of hipe about the gears eating each other up however when I bought mine the tech guy said to double paper washer it to get a little more clearance on the gears. I have had mine out and everything looks fine so don't liscen to what everyone is saying on this subject. I love my HEI. It is a Chev early HEI parts on top so any parts store will have the replacement parts. the jeep runs so much better and with the hotter wires you can gap your plugs open wider also. its the best $100.00 I have spent.

 

Year/model? If a V8, a Wagoneer is likely your best source. Otherwise look at CJs. Or buy a reman from your local parts store for about $50. The best aspect of a reman is you get a new vacuum advance can, which is not available by itself from aftermarket sources AFAIK. '78-79 are said to have best advance curve for most apps.

You have three choices for a module - the Duraspark module, the GM HEI module mounted on a heat sink, or a MSD module. The MSD is the most expensive, but is a capacitive discharge unit which has more performance potential. The cheapest new part is the HEI module, but you'll need to sort out a way to mount it, since it's designed to be integral with the HEI distributor. You can also use the original Motorcraft module, which might be cheapest if you can take the harness parts, module and distributor from a Jeep donor.

Take a look at this thread: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/i-6-teamrush-upgrade-definitive-669495/ This guy has posted a lot about ignition upgrades. Search for other posts about these upgrades on JeepForum.com. Also look here: http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=HEI+...m&aq=f&aqi=&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=2cca7b2e99206b9c for some other good links.

<edit> NB this article http://www.junkyardgenius.com/jeep/cj502.html which shows you how to convert your Delco points distributor to use the VR electronic sensor from another car.

 

I've only got one beautiful money pit... 1974 CJ5!

Looks like a reman distributor from '78/79 is the first step. It sounds like that the newer distrib should just drop into my existing system? Is this correct?

Now, something I couldn't find in that thread was if I needed a newer module with that newer distributor? It sounds like, from your posts, that I do.

Then, I can go ahead and do the upgrade that "TeamRush" describes. So, I'd be nearing $100 at that point. But, from what I read here and there, this sounds like the way to go for upgrades to that system.

The HEI kits sound very appealing and simpler. But, if I go the above route with parts from a slightly-newer CJ and some brain/sweat work, I will have a system that I can replace parts in and out of it as I need to...

This is a good puzzle. Still reading through that thread, TON of info there.

 

Yes, the reman distributor will drop in to your engine. You'll need some kind of module to trigger the spark. The HEI is appealing to many because it has a module and coil integral with the distributor, so all you need to do is supply it power and attach the plug wires. Is your Jeep a 6 or a V8? If you were really pinching pennies, you could follow the article linked above that converts your Delco points distributor to an electronic system.

 

Well Actually,
Most of the links come back to my work.
I'm the one that converts Delco distributors over to Chrysler magnetic parts.

Years ago, to this date,
Breaker points rely on mechanical tolerances in the distributor to keep ignition timing correct.

Top bushing gets worn and there is NO POSSIBLE WAY to keep the dwell time under control with the shaft wobbling in the bushing.

Cam lobes get worn and you won't have the correct opening in the breaker points when they open.

All these 'Problems' go away with electronic ignitions since you can have about 0.065" inch of play in things and the triggers still work fine.

For about $15 and some time with a dremel tool and files you can convert your ignition over to electronic pickup.
http://www.junkyardgenius.com/jeep/cj502.html

Or even DUAL TRIGGERS if you want to use dual ignitions for trail redundancy,
http://www.junkyardgenius.com/jeep/cj503.html
http://www.junkyardgenius.com/jeep/cj503a.html

This is a very easy thing to do, just takes time and a little effort.
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For about $50 you can get a remanufactured Jeep/Motorcraft distributor for the AMC engines.
This includes I-6 and V-8 AMC engines since the Jeep/Motorcraft distributor was used in every Jeep vehicle from '78 to '86.

Converting to a Jeep/Motorcraft distributor gives you a Drop In distributor that is upgradeable, tunable, and VERY EFFICIENT & DURABLE.
------------------------------------

Some people recommend the Pertronix type of conversion kit.
I don't.

Those Pertronix, Mallory, ect. kits are combined kits,
Module and pickup are one unit, and once they give up, you are stuck until you can get parts to fix the units again.

I prefer compartmentalized ignitions in Jeeps,
And I prefer using common parts you can get from any parts store...
"Off The Shelf" parts so you aren't at the mercy of some aftermaket supplier that will charge you full price for replacment parts.

With the Jeep/Motorcraft distributor,
You simply use the distributor from '78 to '86 CJ,
Use your choice of factory type modules,
And the current coil you have, or one of the ignition coils for newer vehicles that produces more USABLE SPARK ENERGY,
And if you ever need parts, they are never farther away than the local discount parts store that's open on Sunday...

The $25 ignition module from '70s GM HEI ignitions works very well for most Jeepers when they change distributors...
So does most of the aftrmarket ignition modules if you want to go that route.

With the Jeep/Motorcraft distributor,
You simply put the appropriate FORD distributor cap and rotor on the distributor,
Then you can use some decent plug wires instead of the socket terminal crap Jeep used for so long!
(Jeep REALLY screwed the pooch when it comes to distributor caps, rotors and plug wires!)

I've written extensively on the subject on several forums,
but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask and I'll cover it again for your specific application once you post up what engine and year vehicle you have...