Ok, I've been thinking about ignition upgrades and here's some things to I've come up with.............


Pertronix:
Good, all in cap
Bad, replacement parts availability

Mopar:
Good, mopar part (somewhat original, even on old cars)
Good, replacement parts availability
Bad (possible good), new distributor (why buy if you don't need)
Bad, added boxes in engine bay.


What I'd really like to do is modify the existing distributor to electronic. You can get the control module, wiring harness, and pickup sensor, but the problem is the reluctor. All the parts (even with a reluctor) come out cheaper than the Mopar replacement and the pertronix.

A possible step in the right direction is to get the mopar components and trigger it with the points (yes you can trigger the module with points). With the minimum current thru the points the contacts won't wear out (the wear arm will, but that's slower).

Now, from the searching I've done, a reluctor is magnetic, and people have modified reluctors from other cars and placed them over the point cam wheel.

But there should be something easier......

What about the reluctor from a replacement ignition, like a pertronix (and some other possible alternatives).... It just slips on the existing distributor (is it possible to use the stock rotor?).

Reluctors rarely fail, so how hard is it to get replacement parts for the pertronix (or other aftermarket ignition)????????????? (and if you're paranoid have 2)

Or on failure, you can always fall back to points (either points alone, or as the ignition module trigger)

Basically I want the Mopar setup, but don't want another distributor to do it.............

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

My pertronix hasn't let me down, and they are readily available and It's and easy swap back to the points- you really can't go wrong. I suppose if you are really worried you could keep a spare Pertronix in the trunk, but frankly, I'd keep a spare alternator, water pump, belts, fuel pump, toolbox, etc. back there first, as those are units that can fail and leave you stranded, too.

dude, go with the mopar box and electronic dist.

pepboys, electronic dist. is like $20
wiring harness is $20 at summit
orange box is $30 i think


and bam, an hour and it's good

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70 Plymouth Valiant 4dr

Pertronix.

Other stuff all good, too. Pertronix simplest, easiest.

D/W

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If it ain't broke, fix it!

I've seen modules for $20, and the harness for $20, but a distributor is more like $50 plus core...... $40 & $50+ = $90+

That's why I want a reluctor (seen them for $3) and then the pickup for about $10............. for my current distributor............ $40 & $13? = $53?

It all depends on that damn reluctor which I can't find........

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes