Electronic Ignition upgrade

[Big50Dodge]

Likely this has been hashed over in the previous pilot-house forum, however time has passed and things can change. I'm considering upgrading to a pertronix ignition module for my B5F. My (autolite) distributor numbers are IAT-4012. In looking on the pertronix site, there are a couple different avenues I could persue. Searching by IAT generates a couple different applications - Hudson is the closest with IAT-4010 and uses a part# 1569. If I head over to the industrial applications, search again for IAT, I get 'all chrysler applications' (with autolite distributor) and the part # is 1562. There is a possibility for multiple applications, so I'm wondering if anyone has used a pertronix upgrade..? Which number did you get, and how has it been working..?

thx

Keith

[greg g]

The internals are likely the same. If I am correct the dizzys were interchangable between the engines with the exception that the long blocks used a longer drive shaft from the oil pump. So the innards should afix to the breaker plate all the same. The other option is to get on from Langdon's which uses a GM dizzy with MOPAR drive and mount attached. Go to the members list and look up Blueskie's site. He has a bunch of pics regarding using the Langdons in his 230 (218 block) engine. Also you might PM Dwight Petcol as he has been using a Pertornix for a couple of years in his Dodge.

[Olddaddy]

I have directions for converting a slant/6 distributor to a flathead six if that interests you. I can post them if I can find them......

[greg g]

Does this /6 conversion requires a switch to 12 V ??

[Don Coatney]

The pictured HEI distributor is from a Ford V-6 engine. It could be made to work in a flat 6 with some modification. I did not continue with it as there is not enough fenderwell clearance in my P-15 to make it fit and be servicible.

What I did do is convert my distributor to dual points. With this setup I increased the dwell time from around 36 degrees to around 48 degrees. This increased dwell time allows better coil saturation time and a hotter spark.

[bob_amos]

I own an automotive electrical shop in Riverside, Ca. and have installed these in various vintage vehicles. With out exception, I had to reinstall the original point system in every single one that I have done. I even purchased a 1963 Belair with this system in it and it too failed. I also know people that have the Pertronix system with great results. But I no longer install these in customer's cars. Just thought I'd share my personal and professional experiences with this device.

[greg g]

I know enough to get in trouble. So can you tell us about the different types of sysems out there and give us a primer on their worings?

For insance I know that HEI does not stand for High Engery Ignition but rather for Hall Effect Induction which i guess uses magnets but what the magnets do is a mystery.

I believe that Crane comapny made a distributor with a optical trigger using a light and mirrors (unlike Lucas who used smoke and mirrors)

And then ther is Pertronix which I beleive is another type of HEI.

And other than having to stop messing around with changin, adjusting and cleaning points, what other advantages if any do they bring to our vehicles?

Might be others out there under the name of Mallory and a few others, so can you quick like in shadetree language splain the difference.

Thanks