I was at a swap meet and saw a GM points distributor converted to HEI by adding a Ford? reluctor and pickup inside and machining a flat spot on the underside of the body to mount a GM HEI module. Anybody tried on of these or even seen this conversion?

 

My first reaction is, why? There are several electronic ignition replacement systems that don't require any mods to the points distributor - the Hall effect sensor simply reads the high points on the existing cam on the distributor shaft. The system I have in my 62 is one of those. Installation took about as much time as replacing a set of points.

 

Check it out!

https://pertronix.com/

I had a Pertronix kit on my 64 98. It worked great.

 

I'm not wanting to use this, saw one and was just wondering if anyone has seen this or used one. It would be cheaper to make than buying an aftermarket distributor. It used factory GM module just in case something went haywire and you couldn't find a replacement Pertronix. I have known the conversion kits to go out at an inconvient time.

 

I suspect it would be easier to take the reluctor out of an Olds HEI, use it to replace the cam for the points in a points distributor, and mount the pickup coil to the points plate. Now just mount your HEI module wherever (keeping in mind the need for a heat sink) and you're good to go.

 

Dave Ray has been doing them for years.
https://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/

 

The reluctor and pickup might have been GM HEI. The seller only guessed the internals were Ford. The body of the points distributor is the heat sink.

 

Eric, that's a cool service!

 

i have one, made in the late 70s to clear an intake..its for an SBC..i'll get a pic or two..its pretty cool..but primitive..i'm going to use it on a street rod with a 4-71 supercharger..i know theres better options, but i own it..it works..so.imma use it..

 

That is exactly what I saw. Might haven been one of his sellers that was here at a swap meet selling these.