Schne442

I am replacing my Points Distributor in my 72 cutlass convertible with a Progression HEI
I know I need to run a new separate 12 volt ignition wire to the new distributor but not sure if I can splice the yellow starter solenoid wire from the coil into the same circuit.
anyone who has done this upgrade, I would appreciate any help.
A rough wiring diagram would be great LOL

oldcutlass

You probably don't need the yellow wire if you have power in both the run and start key positions, just cap and stow it.

Schne442

Thank you
That is what I was hoping would be the answer, same with the Points resistance wire.
Now I just need to wait for the female to double male connectors so I can use the already in use IGN connection in the Fuse Block

Fun71

I got a pack of those at the local auto parts store.

Schne442

Now if I had known that my air cleaner wouldn't fit with the HEI
Does anyone know if someone makes a spacer for clearance or do I need to switch to an Edelbrock open element ?

Pretty !!!

Installed, still need to install new Plug wires

Need to connect 12 volt at IGN

Original Points Distributor

Original Distributor Part number
converted to Pertronix Ignitor LS module

Fun71

You can fix that with a hammer.

7314haywood

I had 70 monte Carlo dual snorkel air cleaner with HEI. No trouble, but it did have a factory indentation in it.

71Convertible

I had to modify the air filter assembly by creating an indentation for the HEI distributor. It’s basically a cut out in the bottom tray, welded pieces to clear the distributor top that re-seals the air filter assembly. I can probably post pictures if that would help

bccan

If you have the hood clearance. It doesn’t look like you have to go up much.

Schne442

I went with cutting out a notch in the air cleaner and welding in new metal

bccan

Looks good. That’s how I dealt with that issue on my air cleaner housing as a spacer wouldn’t work due to tolerance with OAI. As a matter of fact I had to “mush” my factory air cleaner into a lower profile to accommodate aftermarket manifold’s increased height. Definitely was a balancing act.

In the red car, with Performer and ‘68 style OAI we simply used a Chevelle cowl induction spacer. Didn’t want to cut and weld on that housing. After changing to an RPM I can’t remember if it was needed anymore to clear the HEI but it may still be in there too. Just put the snow tires, etc on the other day but never looked at the air cleaner except to remove the intake ducts for the winter.

​​​​​​….

oldcutlass

The real question here is how well does the distributor perform?

RetroRanger

X2 i recall looking at that distributor seems like a real nice set-up

droldsmorland

X3 how easy was the digital setup?
Be real interested in the performance.
What was the to your door cost?
You can electronically dial in multiple tables on the fly, start retard, theft kill switch all on your smart phone! I want one now...that's the cat's azz.

v8al

^^^^^ This! There have been several posts from people trying this distributor but little feedback on the overall experience.

woodie582

I have had one installed for about 800 miles, no issues and unlimited tuning it has done everything as advertised.

Schne442

$460.43 delivered
So far it has done everything as advertised. I am still chasing down some carb issues (lean condition) but the performance once installed, acceleration was greatly improved
Initial set-up is: Idle speed 1100 RPM, Idle timing 13*, Max RPM timing 34* All in at 3000 RPM
I have been making small adjustments to all the settings to see what works best.
Car has been put away for the winter, so will get back at it in the spring.

Jeff Stout

I loved my progressive . It made adjustability and tuning for either performance or gas mileage easy. It took some trial and error but worth it.

droldsmorland

Gary why 1100 RPM idle? Isn't the engine starting to come up on the converter at that RPM?
Really just a curiosity question as I see a lot of guys here that say set idle at 1100, (because that's what the tune sticker and manual state...70 71 72+ eras).

Never in my 400 years of engine tuning have I ever had the need to set idle speed over ~750, (on a normal to mild street engine, including smog-era & A/C or no A/C).
Gota shift into D or R rather aggressively, no?
I understand that RPM with a large(r) cam higher stall converter.

What would happen to your tune if you pulled the RPM down to 700?
Have you played around with that at all?
When you let off the brake at a stop does the car want to take off on its own (creep)?

Regardless of my drilling that really looks like the Kats AZZ! Might buy my own xmas gift this year.

Steve

woodie582

I havent changed my settings in awhile but the idle speed setting on the program is the starting point for the timing table, actual idle rpm is not dictated by that setting.

Fun71

The tune up spec says to set the initial timing at that RPM, not the actual idle speed. From what I recall, the idle speed is 625 RPM for an automatic.

gs72

I have had one on my 455 cutlass for almost two years and it hasn’t missed a beat. The adjustability on the fly is fantastic. I have several tunes stored on my phone and can load one while sitting in the driveway with the engine running. You can do it while driving i suppose but I have this thing about cell phone usage while driving. I even made a 87 octane tune in case 91 isn't available. You can feel the drop in performance but it will not ping. The thing I noticed right away was the way it starts. It won’t add the idle timing until it sees 350 rpm and when it does the engine jumps to life. It never started like that before. Overall very pleased with it. There is my feedback.

Schne442

I have to admit I really am just trying to figure this thing out myself.
I set it to 1100 because just as you stated, That is the timing idle setting. I have had it at 850 also but when I put the car away for the winter 1100 is where I left it.
I have watched every YouTube video on this that I could find and they all show how to use it but no recommendations on particular engine setups
I was not all that successful on setting up my traditional distributor and the main reason I changed from my original distributor was for the ease of adjusting this one.
So for the guys who already have one of these any suggestions for setting it up, I am sure would be appreciated by others also.
I guess EFI will be next if I cant figure out my Quadrajet

gs72

Try an Edelbrock carb. They are way easier to dial in than a q jet.

Schne442

I will try that in the spring when she comes back out of hibernation
Thanks