I'm going from points to HEI on my 71 350.
What would be a good go to NEW distributor, that is not over priced, but not too cheapo, and something I would easily be able to grab replacement parts (module) for?

I need it to be reliable as I will be driving the **** out of this car.

 

I have bought several of the Ebay ones without problem, they have a fast and usable curve in them . Im not spending $500 on a name brand that does the same thing. If anything buy the cheap one for all the components and buy a module of you choice.

 

So just to be clear are are off the shelf modules compatible with the CHYNA/eBay distributors?

I don't need anything special I just want to be able to have a spare on hand or readily available.

 

I just bought an older mallory unilite off ebay for $90.00. I am replacing the pertronics i am currently using.

 

I have been running one of those ebay china hei's in my dad's olds powered pontiac for 6 years now no issues. I have been running my proform HEI for over 8 years and no real issues. Until recently so i think its time for a new one.I got my moneys worth imo.

 

I have been using this one for many years on my 403. They customize the advance curve.

http://performancedistributors.com/p...i-streetstrip/

Interesting info on their web site.

 

Thats actually what im buying next.

 

I stand behind the Summit distributor in my 71 98.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...ake/oldsmobile

I had to put a module in it from O'Reillys after about 2 years of use. When it needed the new module I went ahead and used a timing recurve kit to dial it in.

Don't let the fact that it's Chinese worry you. We watch TVs and use computers every day of our lives that were built in China.

 

Pertronix Flamethrower III is what I installed on my '72 350 - it's the points style cap so small enough to provide firewall clearance and simple hookup. runs about $225 or so. Only have a few hundred miles on the fresh motor build but so far no issues.

 

Is clearance an issue with larger HEI type cap with coil built in?

 

I think there's clearance, but not sure how much - I know it's somewhat tight for the original points style distributors and the later-style HEI cap bodies are bigger.


the Flamethrower HEI retains the point-style cap so I decided on that to keep things simple

 

The larger HEI will fit. I have one in my 72 Cultass.

 

Doesn't the factory air cleaner hit the large cap HEI?

 

You are correct about the air cleaner. I forgot that. I just used a spacer between the carb and air cleaner.

 

Be aware that points replacement conversions are not the same thing as HEI.

 

The ignitor 3 ready to run is supposed to be sort of multi spark and uses the hall effect pick up.
https://m.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-d7110711