Points to electronic ignition conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Slowleadmccey · 08-08-2010, 01:26 AM

I've got a '70 GMC and a buddy told me that I should convert the points to electronic ignition. I told him I wanted to keep the stock look of the motor so I couldn't go HEI. He responded with an explanation of the conversion kits that fit under your stock distributor. He said his Dad uses one on his fifty something truck. I saw some from Pertronix and a couple of other places. Has anyone used these things and are they as great as they make them sound? It would be cool to be free of adjusting points and such. Would anyone mind letting me know how they really are and if it's as simple as they make it sound on the web sites?

dirtball · 08-08-2010, 01:30 AM

Myself and a buddy of mine are both using a Pertronix kit. Both of us were looking for a stock look and electronic reliability. Easy to install and no issues yet.

bradley7576 · 08-08-2010, 01:32 AM

i had electronic ignition on my 67 at one point but i kept have problems so i put points back on it and it fireed right up. but i have been considering going back to electronic.

Jacfourteen · 08-08-2010, 01:33 AM

I know that mallory and accel both have a kits to do the conversion for about $70 at summit (both are the same exact part they just have different labels). My dad swears by them but I haven't made the switch yet so I don't know firsthand. I think the biggest advantage would be not setting points anymore.

PanelDeland · 08-08-2010, 08:25 AM

I switched to a mid 70's HEI.I know you're looking for a stock look but I can tell you that it

1.Made the truck start easier
2.Run smoother
3Get better milage
4 have more power
5 require less maintainence
I would definitely swap if at all possible.Even using the kit to keep it looking stock should give the same results.Don't forget to regap plugs and replace plugs and wires since it will help also if it hasn't been done.

CJ Loeffelholz · 08-08-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtball

Myself and a buddy of mine are both using a Pertronix kit. Both of us were looking for a stock look and electronic reliability. Easy to install and no issues yet.

I just ordered one and hope to install it next weekend. Did you notice any difference in gas mileage?

Wrenchbender Ret · 08-08-2010, 09:58 AM

I alway's liked the Crane kit. It was discontinued a while back when they went bankrupped. I noticed in a Jeg's ad that it is available again. It is easier to install on the window type dist. then the Petronics.

dirtball · 08-08-2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ Loeffelholz

I just ordered one and hope to install it next weekend. Did you notice any difference in gas mileage?

Couldn't tell you for sure. I installed mine as I was building the truck, so no comparison. My friend switched from an HEI to this set up. He doesn't track gas mileage, but I have not heard him say he has noticed a difference.

vectorit · 08-08-2010, 11:54 AM

Upgraded from points to the Pertronix kit this year.
Conversion was quick and easy.
My observations so far?
Engine doesn't fire up as quick, meaning the starter has to turn a second more (I am being extremely picky here).

Plugs have a cleaner burn now.

Fuel mileage? uh, no. Forget it with these old engines. Well, at least I do because my truck is what it is.

71 super · 08-08-2010, 12:08 PM

I swapped points for pertronix in my bb truck and love it. Runs better, starts easy and no problems in 8 years with lots of sitting time. I have a crane unit in my 4x4 distributer- it was a little cheaper and has a built in rev limiter, have not started the new engine yet but it went in as easy as the pertronix and I expect it to perform equally well.

gregg72340 · 08-08-2010, 12:49 PM

What do you do with wiring on this swap, can you just use the leads off the coil wires when you swap to the HEI? I want to do the same conversions just a lttle scared of the woring issues because Wiring harness is a spliced mess and wiring os not my strong point

Wrenchbender Ret · 08-08-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregg72340

What do you do with wiring on this swap, can you just use the leads off the coil wires when you swap to the HEI? I want to do the same conversions just a lttle scared of the woring issues because Wiring harness is a spliced mess and wiring os not my strong point

The wireing instucktions come with the kit. It varies with the brand. Most of them use the resistance in the circuit. The factory HEI wires directly to the ign. switch or fuse panel. It does not use resistance or bypass.

hounddogs! · 08-08-2010, 04:40 PM

Mid 70's HEI here. Easier starts, better idle in the cold & damp conditions. Probably better mileage, but when you're going from 12 to 14mpg, does it really matter?

Make sure that you use a key-on 12V circuit, not one that's hot all the time.

Mt Man Chad · 08-08-2010, 05:09 PM

Used Pertronix systems all fit under original dist cap.
http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx

Work flawlessly....
My 250 6 banger and 327 V8 both run much smooth with the setup.
$80 for the pointless system + $40 for high output coil.

Slowleadmccey · 08-08-2010, 06:46 PM

Thanks for all of the input. I was probably going to go with the Pertronix one because it's the most affordable around here. It's good to know that overall, everyone is happy with them. I think I'll keep the points in the glove box just in case.

CJ Loeffelholz · 08-08-2010, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hounddogs!

when you're going from 12 to 14mpg, does it really matter?

For me, going from 12 to 14 mpg would net me over $300.00 a year.

gregg72340 · 08-08-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ Loeffelholz

For me, going from 12 to 14 mpg would net me over $300.00 a year.

All i did was replace the coil from a stock one to a super coil and wound up cutting my gas milage in half

Stock72c10 · 08-09-2010, 11:53 AM

I have the Pertronix kit and haven't really thought about it since installing over a year ago. Install was very simple, probably could have upgraded the coil too, but it seems to work great with the stock one. I would recommend it in a Chevy Heartbeat.

harv · 07-20-2011, 12:30 PM

the "SUper Coil" you mention, is there a specific one you suggest? Anyone? Thanks for all the great info on this guys, My truck is throwing a fit, back fireing out the carb once it warms up. I cant seem to get the points right.

fastwillie 696969 · 07-20-2011, 12:34 PM

i would keep the points and just add a msd 6 box

harv · 07-20-2011, 01:09 PM

what is an msd 6 box?

fastwillie 696969 · 07-20-2011, 02:26 PM

http://www.msdignition.com/

Lippyp · 07-21-2011, 04:16 AM

I've just done this myself,although from a slightly different route. My truck had a dual point mallory distributor in it thanks to the previous owner and its always been a right PITA to setup and keep running sweetly. I acquired a used factory HEI to go in, bought a new module, cap, rotor and leads and then found because my engine is set well back as its on six cyl stands there wasn't enough clearance between the firewall and engine to allow the HEI to drop in the hole, simply couldn't do it. Thankfully they do a pertronix ignitor now to fit the twin point mallory so I bought one, conversion took literally 15 minutes on my kitchen table as the distributor was out as I was changing intakes and I also went for their Flamethrower coil. I've not fired it up yet as I'm waiting on some other parts so all I can say is its easy to do and fits entirely under the cap.

mountainsurfer · 07-21-2011, 07:37 AM

I know it might be a little pricey, but the advantage in performance and fuel savings is worth it. You can regap your plugs out to .055 plus. I have no starting issues even when the temp is -30 here in the high country.
http://www.performancedistributors.com/gmssdui.htm

Willy Prost · 07-21-2011, 07:10 PM

My truck and I can vouch for the Pertronix electronic conversion.
It has been on the truck (250 I-6) over 25 years now.
Installed in less than 2 beers time.
No problems.
Runs smooth.
I can run the truck at 18mph in 4th all day long.
Couldn't to that with points.

08-08-2010, 01:26 AM	#1
Slowleadmccey Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 33	Points to electronic ignition conversion I've got a '70 GMC and a buddy told me that I should convert the points to electronic ignition. I told him I wanted to keep the stock look of the motor so I couldn't go HEI. He responded with an explanation of the conversion kits that fit under your stock distributor. He said his Dad uses one on his fifty something truck. I saw some from Pertronix and a couple of other places. Has anyone used these things and are they as great as they make them sound? It would be cool to be free of adjusting points and such. Would anyone mind letting me know how they really are and if it's as simple as they make it sound on the web sites?

08-08-2010, 01:30 AM	#2
dirtball Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 412	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion Myself and a buddy of mine are both using a Pertronix kit. Both of us were looking for a stock look and electronic reliability. Easy to install and no issues yet. __________________ Brett

08-08-2010, 01:32 AM	#3
bradley7576 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dallas, texas Posts: 51	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion i had electronic ignition on my 67 at one point but i kept have problems so i put points back on it and it fireed right up. but i have been considering going back to electronic.

08-08-2010, 01:33 AM	#4
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion I know that mallory and accel both have a kits to do the conversion for about $70 at summit (both are the same exact part they just have different labels). My dad swears by them but I haven't made the switch yet so I don't know firsthand. I think the biggest advantage would be not setting points anymore. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's

08-08-2010, 08:25 AM	#5
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion I switched to a mid 70's HEI.I know you're looking for a stock look but I can tell you that it 1.Made the truck start easier 2.Run smoother 3Get better milage 4 have more power 5 require less maintainence I would definitely swap if at all possible.Even using the kit to keep it looking stock should give the same results.Don't forget to regap plugs and replace plugs and wires since it will help also if it hasn't been done. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

08-08-2010, 09:58 AM	#7
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,228	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion I alway's liked the Crane kit. It was discontinued a while back when they went bankrupped. I noticed in a Jeg's ad that it is available again. It is easier to install on the window type dist. then the Petronics.

08-08-2010, 11:54 AM	#9
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion Upgraded from points to the Pertronix kit this year. Conversion was quick and easy. My observations so far? Engine doesn't fire up as quick, meaning the starter has to turn a second more (I am being extremely picky here). Plugs have a cleaner burn now. Fuel mileage? uh, no. Forget it with these old engines. Well, at least I do because my truck is what it is. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

08-08-2010, 12:08 PM	#10
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,079	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion I swapped points for pertronix in my bb truck and love it. Runs better, starts easy and no problems in 8 years with lots of sitting time. I have a crane unit in my 4x4 distributer- it was a little cheaper and has a built in rev limiter, have not started the new engine yet but it went in as easy as the pertronix and I expect it to perform equally well. __________________ 67 blue step side- bb 68 gold and white swb cst anniversary 68 custom swb hot rod Ls swap 69 swb cst 6 cylinder/ overdrive 69 black/black cst bb swb 70 orange and white cst Canada built truck swb bb 71 black and white super swb bb 71 red and white super swb 72 green and white super swb 4x4 62 nova wagon 400 series Ls swapped 68 Camaro 327/4 speed- 1 owner, original paint 66 Volkswagen bettle 69 auto stick Volkswagen Beetle

08-08-2010, 12:49 PM	#11
gregg72340 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: ambler, pa Posts: 325	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion What do you do with wiring on this swap, can you just use the leads off the coil wires when you swap to the HEI? I want to do the same conversions just a lttle scared of the woring issues because Wiring harness is a spliced mess and wiring os not my strong point __________________ Just would like the snow to stop so I can actually work on my truck!!!!!!!!!!!

08-08-2010, 04:40 PM	#13
hounddogs! Restoring it $200 at a time... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 886	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion Mid 70's HEI here. Easier starts, better idle in the cold & damp conditions. Probably better mileage, but when you're going from 12 to 14mpg, does it really matter? Make sure that you use a key-on 12V circuit, not one that's hot all the time. __________________ Charter member of the 'Put the dimmer switch back on the damn floor where it belongs' Society '68 5.3L-4 speed LWB C20; grandpa bought it for the farm in '71. Now LS 5.3, rather than 327. DD '09 Pilot Weekender '65 Skylark 300-4V-4 speed Wife's '07 Lexus ES350; 117 actuator motors and I can't see the engine. Son's '04 F250 SuperCab 6.0

08-08-2010, 05:09 PM	#14
Mt Man Chad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oakridge Oregon Posts: 1,865	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion Used Pertronix systems all fit under original dist cap. http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx Work flawlessly.... My 250 6 banger and 327 V8 both run much smooth with the setup. $80 for the pointless system + $40 for high output coil. __________________ 68 CST SWB - Gold/White 50th anniversary /TH350/Buddy Buckets/3.73 Posi/dogdish caps. 68 K10 Burb - Gold/White 327/SM465/NP205/3.73 "Daa Burb" build thread Last edited by Mt Man Chad; 08-08-2010 at 05:10 PM.

08-08-2010, 06:46 PM	#15
Slowleadmccey Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 33	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion Thanks for all of the input. I was probably going to go with the Pertronix one because it's the most affordable around here. It's good to know that overall, everyone is happy with them. I think I'll keep the points in the glove box just in case.

08-09-2010, 11:53 AM	#18
Stock72c10 classic=of recognized value Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 317	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion I have the Pertronix kit and haven't really thought about it since installing over a year ago. Install was very simple, probably could have upgraded the coil too, but it seems to work great with the stock one. I would recommend it in a Chevy Heartbeat.

07-20-2011, 12:30 PM	#19
harv Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 21	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion the "SUper Coil" you mention, is there a specific one you suggest? Anyone? Thanks for all the great info on this guys, My truck is throwing a fit, back fireing out the carb once it warms up. I cant seem to get the points right.

07-20-2011, 12:34 PM	#20
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion i would keep the points and just add a msd 6 box __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex



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07-20-2011, 01:09 PM	#21
harv Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 21	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion what is an msd 6 box?

07-20-2011, 02:26 PM	#22
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion http://www.msdignition.com/ __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

07-21-2011, 04:16 AM	#23
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion I've just done this myself,although from a slightly different route. My truck had a dual point mallory distributor in it thanks to the previous owner and its always been a right PITA to setup and keep running sweetly. I acquired a used factory HEI to go in, bought a new module, cap, rotor and leads and then found because my engine is set well back as its on six cyl stands there wasn't enough clearance between the firewall and engine to allow the HEI to drop in the hole, simply couldn't do it. Thankfully they do a pertronix ignitor now to fit the twin point mallory so I bought one, conversion took literally 15 minutes on my kitchen table as the distributor was out as I was changing intakes and I also went for their Flamethrower coil. I've not fired it up yet as I'm waiting on some other parts so all I can say is its easy to do and fits entirely under the cap. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

07-21-2011, 07:37 AM	#24
mountainsurfer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Craig, Colorado Posts: 21	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion I know it might be a little pricey, but the advantage in performance and fuel savings is worth it. You can regap your plugs out to .055 plus. I have no starting issues even when the temp is -30 here in the high country. http://www.performancedistributors.com/gmssdui.htm

07-21-2011, 07:10 PM	#25
Willy Prost Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 398	Re: Points to electronic ignition conversion My truck and I can vouch for the Pertronix electronic conversion. It has been on the truck (250 I-6) over 25 years now. Installed in less than 2 beers time. No problems. Runs smooth. I can run the truck at 18mph in 4th all day long. Couldn't to that with points.

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