[lumberjacknooj]

I'm curious about converting a points style distributor (small cap needed), by removing the points and installing a reluctor, mag pickup, a GM module, and coil.
I know I can get a universal reluctor, but what about the mag pickup- Do I need a certain one?? Does the reluctor fit OVER the points cam, or replace it?

So, here's what I'm thinking I need:
-reluctor
-mag pickup
-4 pin GM electronic ignition module
-coil

Am I anywhere near being on the right track?
What's the difference between the hei, and the reluctor/mag pickup set up (besides the coil in cap thing)?

Thanks in advance- I'm trying to get it figured out, but getting a little confused along the way.

Nooj

[joe_padavano]

There are actually several vendors doing this as a custom conversion. I found one at the Long Beach swap meet. The advantage, of course, is that you get the performance and reliability of a HEI in the small diameter distributor package. This particular vendor mounted the HEI module externally to the distributor, which didn't look too great. I'd hide it somehow, but I suspect you don't want it too far from the distributor.

GM offered exactly this system in the mid-1960s as the UHV (Ultra High Voltage) transistorized distributor. It was available on Corvettes, Oldsmobiles, and probably other cars from 67-69. The distributor was the same housing and cap as the Delco points distributor but internally used the reluctor and mag pickup that was later used in the HEI. The pre-integrated-circuit electronics were housed in an external electronics box about the size of an MSD6 unit. There was also a special high voltage external coil.

[lumberjacknooj]

Thanks for the info on the UHV- I wasn't sure when or on what it was used. I've seen the kits that you can get through different companies to convert your small cap dist. to HEI, or electronic.
I'm just trying to see if I can buy the parts at my local auto store and rig it up myself. Granted, it's not quite plug and play, like the conversion kits- but it doesn't look like rocket science. I'm just trying not to screw it up

Nooj

[red65mustang]

why re-invent the wheel?

pertronix ignitor = $70? = 30 month guarentee = one hour maybe to install = your local store can order it

use the "search" link on the main page: pertronix (to learn more.....95%? of the members recommend it to replace points)

http://pertronix.com/

[docvette]

Doc here,

If space is not a problem, Why not change over to a Stock HEI , pre 1980 (no confuser) and go with that..

It's good to 5500 RPM, Already has the mag pickup and module installed, and performance upgrade parts are out there..

It might be cheaper (and easier to get replacement parts for) in the future than trying to patch something together.

Doc

[lumberjacknooj]

HAHA- "why re-invent the wheel" is exactly what came to mind when I was thinking this up. I questioned why I was trying to do it... I don't know, maybe just to say that I did it the hard way

Thanks for the input, guys. FYI, this is going in an S10 V8 project that "fell" into my hands. Of course, some money had to fall out of mine, but anyways. Yes, firewall clearance may be an issue. I know people run the all-in-cap HEI in V8 S10's and clear it, but I'd like to be able to at least get the cap off without having to unbolt the engine and slide it forward. I'd just like the peace of mind that comes with a little more room, without having to mod the firewall (besides a little mallet persuasion).

I may just give in and try the Pertronix unit... or I have an HEI dist. I could use, if the f/w clearance is ok.

The Pertronix isn't HEI though, right? Just electronic? I know- HEI is a GM "brand" thing, but you know what I mean- high voltage. I guess I could always use the Flamethrower coil. I'm gonna go ahead and check on those prices...

Thanks fellas
Nooj

[red65mustang]

trying to explain it from the tail end of the horse first.....(and way over simplified for all)

it's all about "allowed" plug gap...the coil builds to just enough volts to jump a given gap

points=.034 gap=roughly a 10,000 volts spark
pertronix=.038 gap = roughly a 12,000 volts spark
HEI (High Energy Ignition)= .042 gap = roughly a 14,000 volts spark
multi coil or coil on plug = .058 gap = only God knows how many volts!

your first post was a little mis-leading?......(as the spark volts increase due to a bigger plug gap, you want more and more space between the cap plug wires terminals to prevent arcing and cross fires)....even if it is a PIA, if a large cap HEI will fit, use it....if it is a mild street build motor and you have to use a small cap, pertronix is fine.....radical motor build and you have to use a small cap =msd HEI or similar
http://www.carolinarodshop.com/Store...e/MSD_8474.jpg