Hey guys I'm rebuilding my Olds 350 for my 72 cutlass and was wanting to get a new distributor, I was wondering if you guys could tell me what to look for? I would like something not too exspensive but good in quality. Tanks for your help you guys are great.

 

I suggest either a Summit HEI distributor or an O'Reillys stock HEI distributor. HEI ignition will be a great improvement over a stock points distributor.

 

If you wanted to keep the stock look you could put in an electronic conversion like Pertronics and keep the same distributor but also put in a hotter coil.

 

You can find them in a wrecking yard in later models of Oldsmobile as well. Usually for afround $20 to $30 dollars.

 

I'm not really worried about keeping it stock just want to upgrade a little.

 

stock HEI is a great idea, thats what i did, just dont forget to have it checked/curved at your local tune up shop!

 

If you are using the stock air cleaner did you have any fitment issues?

Thanks!

 

Just finished restoration on a 70 Cutlass w/ 350. Qjet on a Performer w/ HEI. Air cleaner would not clear by no small margin. Picked up a Chevelle cowl induction spacer that goes between carb & air cleaner. Plenty of clearance now & really not noticeable unless someone has a real sharp eye or you bend your head down low enough to see it. Could also use an under the carb spacer, they seem to also potentially help performance.

On my other '70 - 350 OAI w/ RPM & HEI - I cut out & fabbed a notch in a stock air cleaner housing so cap/wires have clearance, sit in sort of a "cove" & is not noticeable to anything but a trained eye.

 

I have an aftermarket Edelbrock air cleaner I don't know if that helps. Also I saw on a part store website some performance aftermarket replacement points, does anyone klnow what kind of difference it would make or are they not even worth buying?

 

Don't bother with points. If you are upgrading your stock distributor just go to HEI. Even aftermarket points will have to be replaced eventually. Plus every time you do a tune up you will have to set the dwell.