Electronic Ignition question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hellrazrblade · 02-02-2008, 12:01 PM

Maybe somebody in here knows something about this brand (or another similar option). If not, I think I'll stay away from it!

I'm looking at upgrading to electronic ignition in my '71 Blazer.
The current setup is:
1969 396ci w/ points distributor
Mallory Promaster Coil (28720)

I know that there are normally issues with full-size HEI distributors running into the firewall. The truck has a 3" body lift, but its still a pretty tight fit.

Has anyone used this WYSCO distributor (8926)? I was planning to use my old promaster coil with it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY...em260205610206
http://www.wysco.com/autoparts/distributor.asp WP8926

Any thoughts?

**truckster** · 02-02-2008, 01:43 PM

I have a 72 with about a 3" body lift and my GM HEI fits with no problems. I'm not familiar with the wysco unit.

hellrazrblade · 02-02-2008, 02:11 PM

What engine do you have under there? If a plain gm hei would fit, it would be great.

badpeanut · 02-02-2008, 02:16 PM

I have a '71 small block with no body lift and my GM HEI fits (but is snug).

Critter · 02-02-2008, 02:20 PM

A regular style HEI would work without a body lift for a smallblock, but from the signature it looks like hellrazrblade has a bigblock. That's probably where the clearance problem is. My 72 has the normal GM style HEI as well but its with the original 350.

vtblazer · 02-02-2008, 08:18 PM

There's these guys too...
http://www.performancedistributors.com/

I would guess that either of those dizzy vendors would have a measurement available as to how high the piece sticks out of the block...dunno.

Does it make any difference 'clearance wise' being a big block in that area?
Huge clearance issues around the valve covers always but it doesn't seem like they would be any different from a small block cause their both in the same place, bolted to the same tranny.

*Billla* · 02-02-2008, 11:43 PM

Another option is the Pertronix unit - I have one in my '72 C10 350 and it's been perfect since day 1.

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx

Critter · 02-03-2008, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Does it make any difference 'clearance wise' being a big block in that area?
Huge clearance issues around the valve covers always but it doesn't seem like they would be any different from a small block cause their both in the same place, bolted to the same tranny.

Well, front to back should be the same, but isn't the intake higher at that point from top to bottom on a BBC? I could be wrong (probably am) but that's what I was thinking.

johnnywagon · 02-03-2008, 04:08 AM

That WYSCO unit looks similar to the new PERTRONIX small cap electronic distributors. With your body lift an HEI is the most economical choice. An all new aluminum HEI with cap/rotor/coil & performance module can be found for anywhere from $65 to $200. We've been selling a "Pro-form" private label HEI for years w/no quality issues for under $100. Also HEI's can be seriously upgraded for not a ton of cash. The HYPERTECH #4050 Cap/Rotor/Power Coil kit is a good upgrade for around $80. The BEST HEI upgrade IMO is the MSD control module #83645 for $106. OR down the road an HEI can easily be connected to a high performance ignition contol box, like the MSD 6A.

One more thing to consider is replacement parts. Virtually all after market HEI's can use stock replacement caps, rotors & coils. Plus the aftermarket is filled with better choices.
An off-brand small cap electronic distributor might pose a problem when it comes time to find a new cap & rotor?

hellrazrblade · 02-06-2008, 10:38 AM

Thanks for all of the responses.

badpeanut, Critter, and vtblazer: Since I didn't do the engine swap, I'm honestly not sure if the distributor sits higher in the 396 than it did in the 350, but I was guessing that it does. Also, isn't part of the issue getting the distributor installed, not just how it fits once everything is slid into place? I'll get a picture of the tolerance tomorrow because it only makes sense to drive a purple truck to work on Mardis Gras.

Billla, did you need to replace your plug wires when you swapped in the Pertronix kit? Was any improvement obvious (other than not having to mess with the points)? What product number was it (the buy now button gives a whopping 348 options)?

johnnywagon: I've been looking around the pertronix website, and I don't see a small cap distributor? I'm probably just not seeing it. Thats a good point about replacement parts.

vtblazer · 02-06-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellrazrblade

Also, isn't part of the issue getting the distributor installed, not just how it fits once everything is slid into place?

Yes but no...

One of the blazers I acquired once had one of those uber big Accel caps and would physically hit the firewall when installed.
Was a huge P.I.T.A. to work on too but once you managed to get the four screws out of the cap, off it came, then from there the dizzy itself pulled out pretty easily.

johnnywagon · 02-07-2008, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellrazrblade

Thanks for all of the responses.

johnnywagon: I've been looking around the pertronix website, and I don't see a small cap distributor? I'm probably just not seeing it. Thats a good point about replacement parts.

They are called Flame Thrower "Plug-N-Play" Billet Distributors.
Vacuum Advance w/Black Cap:
#D100700 has "female" cap for old points-style wires.
#D100710 has "male" cap for HEI-style wires.

Also available w/a red cap. D1007101 & D100711.

JOHNORO · 02-08-2008, 12:39 PM

I have that set up... a 396 in my 69 blazer and the dizzy fit just fine.

hellrazrblade · 02-09-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHNORO

I have that set up... a 396 in my 69 blazer and the dizzy fit just fine.

What dizzy? one of the small ones or a full size HEI?

hellrazrblade · 04-04-2008, 08:24 AM

Well, I got it installed: Mallory 8548201C 85 Series HEI Distributor and MSD 8.5mm plug wires. My dad and I kinda winged it on the install, and it fired to first time. The hardest part was definitely getting the oil pump slot lined up properly when dropping in the new dizzy - resorted to using a screwdriver to move the pump. She fired up on the first try!
One problem, though. Theres a loud knock/slap coming from the passenger side of the engine. Also, as you can see in the pic, the #4 slot on the old dizzy was broken (I have no idea how the PO pulled that one off). Is it possible that the #4 cylinder hasn't been firing right and the valve is stuck in gunk? I'm pulling the plugs later this week to replace them with some new ones gapped at .045" for starters, so we'll see. Anyone had a busted dizzy cap like this?

**pound41** · 04-04-2008, 03:19 PM

I have 2 blazers that are stock and the clearance is slightly different on both. One has a GM HEI and the other was so tight that I couldn't get the cap on and secure all the screws. I tried it and the vibration up against the fire wall kept pushing the back of the cap up. I went with a Mallory unilite in that one. Hellblazer: also take and old distributor and remove the spline. Use it to tweak the oil pump with a rotor button on it gives a fairly accurate reading on your turns

02-02-2008, 12:01 PM	#1
hellrazrblade Purple People Eater Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 53	Electronic Ignition question (Updated with Pics) Maybe somebody in here knows something about this brand (or another similar option). If not, I think I'll stay away from it! I'm looking at upgrading to electronic ignition in my '71 Blazer. The current setup is: 1969 396ci w/ points distributor Mallory Promaster Coil (28720) I know that there are normally issues with full-size HEI distributors running into the firewall. The truck has a 3" body lift, but its still a pretty tight fit. Has anyone used this WYSCO distributor (8926)? I was planning to use my old promaster coil with it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY...em260205610206 http://www.wysco.com/autoparts/distributor.asp WP8926 Any thoughts? __________________ 1971 K5 Blazer 396ci/TH400/NP205/Dana 44/GM 12 Bolt/38" TSLs 2004 Chevy 1500 4X2 X-Cab 327ci Last edited by hellrazrblade; 04-04-2008 at 08:05 AM. Reason: update title

02-02-2008, 01:43 PM	#2
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,868	Re: Electronic Ignition question I have a 72 with about a 3" body lift and my GM HEI fits with no problems. I'm not familiar with the wysco unit.

02-02-2008, 02:11 PM	#3
hellrazrblade Purple People Eater Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 53	Re: Electronic Ignition question What engine do you have under there? If a plain gm hei would fit, it would be great. __________________ 1971 K5 Blazer 396ci/TH400/NP205/Dana 44/GM 12 Bolt/38" TSLs 2004 Chevy 1500 4X2 X-Cab 327ci

02-02-2008, 02:20 PM	#5
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Electronic Ignition question A regular style HEI would work without a body lift for a smallblock, but from the signature it looks like hellrazrblade has a bigblock. That's probably where the clearance problem is. My 72 has the normal GM style HEI as well but its with the original 350. __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

02-02-2008, 08:18 PM	#6
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Electronic Ignition question There's these guys too... http://www.performancedistributors.com/ I would guess that either of those dizzy vendors would have a measurement available as to how high the piece sticks out of the block...dunno. Does it make any difference 'clearance wise' being a big block in that area? Huge clearance issues around the valve covers always but it doesn't seem like they would be any different from a small block cause their both in the same place, bolted to the same tranny.

02-02-2008, 02:16 PM	#4
badpeanut Not a bad nut after all.. Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: ND Posts: 1,756	Re: Electronic Ignition question I have a '71 small block with no body lift and my GM HEI fits (but is snug). __________________ '05 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 '72 GMC LWB 4x2 driver '72 Chevy LWB 4x4 plow truck '71 Blazer 4x4 driver '70 GMC LWB trailer Last edited by badpeanut; 02-03-2008 at 01:19 AM. Reason: Clarify small block engine.

02-02-2008, 11:43 PM	#7
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,815	Re: Electronic Ignition question Another option is the Pertronix unit - I have one in my '72 C10 350 and it's been perfect since day 1. http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor/default.aspx

02-03-2008, 04:08 AM	#9
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: Electronic Ignition question That WYSCO unit looks similar to the new PERTRONIX small cap electronic distributors. With your body lift an HEI is the most economical choice. An all new aluminum HEI with cap/rotor/coil & performance module can be found for anywhere from $65 to $200. We've been selling a "Pro-form" private label HEI for years w/no quality issues for under $100. Also HEI's can be seriously upgraded for not a ton of cash. The HYPERTECH #4050 Cap/Rotor/Power Coil kit is a good upgrade for around $80. The BEST HEI upgrade IMO is the MSD control module #83645 for $106. OR down the road an HEI can easily be connected to a high performance ignition contol box, like the MSD 6A. One more thing to consider is replacement parts. Virtually all after market HEI's can use stock replacement caps, rotors & coils. Plus the aftermarket is filled with better choices. An off-brand small cap electronic distributor might pose a problem when it comes time to find a new cap & rotor? __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon Last edited by johnnywagon; 02-03-2008 at 04:11 AM.

02-06-2008, 10:38 AM	#10
hellrazrblade Purple People Eater Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 53	Re: Electronic Ignition question Thanks for all of the responses. badpeanut, Critter, and vtblazer: Since I didn't do the engine swap, I'm honestly not sure if the distributor sits higher in the 396 than it did in the 350, but I was guessing that it does. Also, isn't part of the issue getting the distributor installed, not just how it fits once everything is slid into place? I'll get a picture of the tolerance tomorrow because it only makes sense to drive a purple truck to work on Mardis Gras. Billla, did you need to replace your plug wires when you swapped in the Pertronix kit? Was any improvement obvious (other than not having to mess with the points)? What product number was it (the buy now button gives a whopping 348 options)? johnnywagon: I've been looking around the pertronix website, and I don't see a small cap distributor? I'm probably just not seeing it. Thats a good point about replacement parts. __________________ 1971 K5 Blazer 396ci/TH400/NP205/Dana 44/GM 12 Bolt/38" TSLs 2004 Chevy 1500 4X2 X-Cab 327ci

02-08-2008, 12:39 PM	#13
JOHNORO oldschoolblazer@yahoo.com Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Long Beach CA. Posts: 1,968	Re: Electronic Ignition question I have that set up... a 396 in my 69 blazer and the dizzy fit just fine.

04-04-2008, 08:24 AM	#15
hellrazrblade Purple People Eater Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 53	Re: Electronic Ignition question Well, I got it installed: Mallory 8548201C 85 Series HEI Distributor and MSD 8.5mm plug wires. My dad and I kinda winged it on the install, and it fired to first time. The hardest part was definitely getting the oil pump slot lined up properly when dropping in the new dizzy - resorted to using a screwdriver to move the pump. She fired up on the first try! One problem, though. Theres a loud knock/slap coming from the passenger side of the engine. Also, as you can see in the pic, the #4 slot on the old dizzy was broken (I have no idea how the PO pulled that one off). Is it possible that the #4 cylinder hasn't been firing right and the valve is stuck in gunk? I'm pulling the plugs later this week to replace them with some new ones gapped at .045" for starters, so we'll see. Anyone had a busted dizzy cap like this? Attached Images __________________ 1971 K5 Blazer 396ci/TH400/NP205/Dana 44/GM 12 Bolt/38" TSLs 2004 Chevy 1500 4X2 X-Cab 327ci

04-04-2008, 03:19 PM	#16
pound41 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,269	Re: Electronic Ignition question I have 2 blazers that are stock and the clearance is slightly different on both. One has a GM HEI and the other was so tight that I couldn't get the cap on and secure all the screws. I tried it and the vibration up against the fire wall kept pushing the back of the cap up. I went with a Mallory unilite in that one. Hellblazer: also take and old distributor and remove the spline. Use it to tweak the oil pump with a rotor button on it gives a fairly accurate reading on your turns



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