I have a. 1974 455 out of a 98 thats been sitting quite a while. It does not have any spark. Am I better off rebuilding the stock distributor or just buying a complete after market distributor?

 

Points, condenser or coil could be the problem. I would start with new points and a new condenser.

 

I guess i didnt specify it is an hei distributor

 

Bad modulator.

 

First verify you have power to the distributor ( constant 12 volts).

 

Had 12 volt directly to battery with a new clip on distributor cap. I have an inline spark Checker and no flash. I'll pull the module and check it 1st.

 

It's hard to say without seeing what you have, but the two GM HEI distribtors that I have from the 70s have been working fine for me.

 

Put a test light on the tach terminal. Turn on the ignition. The light Hoyle be on. If not, verify you do in fact have power to the battery feed to the cap. If you have power, the coil is not likely defective.

Next, crank the engine. Does the test light flicker? If not, either the ignition module or the pickup coil is defective.

Before removing the module, inspect the tiny wire on the pickup coil plug. The wires occasionally break from the constant flexing, meaning no trigger to the module.