I know it's been asked I'm just checking is ther an hei distributor that will fit a 1964 394 fora super 88. I seen for a olds 98whats different it has a394? Thanks In advance.$

 

I don't think there is a large cap distributor available for a 394 or any early v8's. You can go with a pertronix II or III or something along those lines in a points replacement module.

 

^^^THIS^^^

I had a Pertronix kit on my 64 98 with a 394 over 20 years ago. It worked great. Be aware that there have been recent complaints about the Pertronix kit durability due to over seas manufacturing.

 

Super88guy, Dave Ray has a website, https://www.davessmallbodyheis.com, that describes his HEI conversions on just about any non-HEI distributor. He will rebuild your distributor, removing the points/condenser, correcting any worn pieces, and installing a quaility electronic pick-up and reluctor and in most cases installing the HEI module on the distributor. He has had some health issues but recent conversation indicates he shall be resuming distributor conversions by the end of this year.

 

Are the points not working for you?

 

There is no need to risk a failure of a Pertronix conversion. Buy a good quality unit for a little more from Lectric Limited.

 

As far as I know, there were magneto ignitions available for the early Oldsmobile engines (371, 394, etc.). I don't know who the manufacturer was, but if you just wanted something for a cool factor it might be worth investigating.

 

Thanks for info especially Lectri limited tip I am planning on going with them.what a wonderful site this is!

 

Joe Hunt Magneto's were made for many racing engines. BSA motorcycles used magneto's until 1958. 1959 single cylinders began the change over to alternator/battery systems. Magneto's were very susceptible to moisture. Parts for those old magneto's are probably not available.

 

Magnetos have points inside their case. They require periodic inspection and maintenance.

We still use these on most piston aircraft. They are 100 year old technology and require a dedicated ground to keep them activating at the wrong time. No external battery source is needed.

For aircraft, you are supposed to do a ground check after each flight to make sure the dedicated grounds are always in place. (We use two magnetos) Otherwise, if you move the propeller by hand just to hook up your tow motor, it can suddenly fire and start the engine. There is nothing like having your eye brows trimmed by a 5 foot propeller.

The same risk would obtain for an automobile engine. If it did not have a dedicated ground operational and a person moved the crankshaft, the engine could start and run with no battery hooked up.