I used a Pertronix Ignitor system in the points distributor of my 64 98 with a 394. It worked well. As far as I know, there are no aftermarket distributors for the 394. The Pertronix kit just replaces the points with an electronic ignition module.

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx

 

 

I eliminated the stock ballast resistor wire. I never ohmed the coil, it was just the stock Oldsmobile coil.

 

 

Unless one came out recently, there is no HEI large cap distributor available for your engine. You need to go with a points replacement kit and install it yourself.

 

Actually, there is one, but it is not cheap. Joe Hunt Magnetos makes an electronic distributor for the early Olds V8s that looks like one of their old magnetos. Obviously this is for bling, and it's priced accordingly (about $600!), but never say never...

 

Some have had had perfect operation from the Pertronix units others like me have not so much. From what i have gathered the issue is that the modular can and often gives it up with out warning leaving you dead in the water without recourse . While points generally give you warning that they need attending to with hard starts and rough idle and the bad miss at certain rpm.

There is no performance advantage with the Pertronix unit over points in a stockish vintage car only convenience of not having to spend 20 minutes to replace points every 12 to 20 thousand miles. My Pertronix unit did not last that long and did leave me in a bad spot so I have a sour spot in my mouth about these electronic units.

If I were to venture into the modern world again I would probably carry a spare modular in the glove box. I do carry a spare points setup in there now and so far not much need to change my ways..... Old and lost in the fifties.... Tedd

 

I am right on the same page as Tedd. We used to be on opposite sides of the fence until my Pertronix left me on the side of the road a year ago. Then I went back to points and carry a complete ignition system in the trunk that includes points, condenser, rotor, cap and ballast resistor. I also have a set of feeler gauges. I figure as long as I have then I will never need them. Of course you could carry a spare module also and it would be easier to change.

 

I never fix something that isn't broke. If they quit making points sets, maybe I will rethink things.

 

Wait a second, I'm confused. Are you saying that Pertronix makes a complete HEI distributor for the early Olds V8 or are you talking about one of their points eliminator kits?

 

The only aftermarket distributor available for the 394 is the one Joe mentioned above.

I was very impressed with the performance of the Pertronix kit.

I have a Summit HEI distributor in my 455 and it suffers from occasional module failure (it's only happened once). I think that's just the risk of running HEI distributors. It's a PITA overcoming the curve of the Summit HEI distributor as well. I had to buy a springs and weight kit to get it dialed in. I think they clone a Chevy distributor and make it work for the Olds.

 

A neat trick, considering it has to turn in the opposite direction.

 

I can not tell you how many cars I have seen at shows over the years that have a Petronix set up -AND- also carry a "real distributor/points" system in the trunk as back for when, not if, the Petronix fails.

 

Not aftermarket, but do not Olds HEI distributors from the 80's drop in to a 394 engine? Thought I read that somewhere, sometime a while back?