Hi I ask myself what is better for my 401. (63 Riv) Now i have my oldskool Stock distributor. I plan to install an electronic system. I already know, that they are maintainance-free, but are they really better than stock ones? Till now i found these two: Msd: http://store.summitracing.com/partd...908256+4294840104+4294924455+115&autoview=sku Mallory: http://store.summitracing.com/partd...881256+4294908256+4294840104+115&autoview=sku I also read the "building a better nailhead" on www.buickstreet.com and they write that stock distributors are hard to beat, they only changed the inside with a petronix electronic system. I already searched summit, but they have too many different systems and i have no glue which one would fit to a stock distributor. Has anyone of you already installed an new distributor of msd or mallory ?, any problems? So my question is which system would fit best to a 401.?
I like the Pertronix set up. I have run these in stock distributors for years. They are super reliable, and fit under the stock cap. I have my distributors rebuilt and recurved, then I add the Pertronix. The instructions are somewhat vague, but I called their tech line, and the Pertronix folks told me that the unit works best with a full 12 volt current to the coil. If you use the resistor wire in the harness, you get about 9.6 volts. The Pertronix will work, but it is best at 12 volts. 2 Choices: 1. replace the resistor wire with a regular wire (lots of work) -OR- 2. Run a wire from the "IGN" spade on the fuse box to the coil. (much easier), then wrap the resistor wire to the harness. The engine idles better with the Pertronix, and it beats swapping out points. And, use AC Delco RapidFire plugs. They work great with the Pertronix.
I also run a Pertronix in a stock/recurved dist. I have had no problems with it, nor have any of the guys I know running them. There was a guy on this board (no longer posts here) who does dist's for a living. He was not real keen on the Pertronix though. He did swear by the MSD units. I only know one guy who runs the MSD, The first one he got was DOA out of the box but the second one he got works great. I know someone who runs a dist set up by Carmen Faso, I think it is called a Stinger. He seems to like it as well. I think the big key here is to have the Dist recurved (do a search on this) and update it with something. I have also heard good things about the Crane Cams brand set up with a built in rev limiter-only from one source though. I think for the money, Pertronix is hard to beat personally.
tnx for the fast replies guys It looks like the best would be to take the Pertronix "upgrade"and you are right, its also the cheapest way, but please do me one last favour and tell me which one of the 150 different ones (at summit) fits to a stock 401 dis.
Put me down for the MSD. Although I don't have the nailhead running yet, I have MSD distributors on 2 brand X cars and love the adjustability and quality of the product. Even the vacuum advance is adjustable. Combine one of these distributors with a 6AL box and you have a killer ignition.
I just put a msd distributor and 6al box in my sedan with a 364 and it started right up runs good I would have no problum using it again plus it looks good
I have used Pertronix on mine since the early '90's. I've probly run it nearly 100,000 miles with no problems. The debate over it's reliability could go on for pages. That being said, you should keep an emergency "uniset" points & condenser in your glovebox just in case. I think all GM v8 distributors use the same unit, but I could be wrong. I've heard the older Pertronix are better than the later ones though. There are a few different threads here about this subject......I'll keep running mine until it gives out, and I'll try the newer unit if I ever have to. All this time I've been running it without a spare set of points in the glovebox! Never needed them......yet. :laugh: Just a side note.......I run mine at 9.6 volts. Perhaps that's why it's lasted so long. o No: And also, DO have it curved......Carmen did mine and it really made a difference. :TU:
Got a Pertronix set-up 2 years ago. No trouble with installation. Working fine in my '65 401. JEG'S lists p/n 751-1181 for all '56-'74 Buick v8's. I believe the important part of this p/n is the "1181".
i had run a pertronix set for 5 years in mine 401,and now i am running a stock/recurved dist with a crane xr1 with a rev limiter,and with 9.6 volts.:TU: runs great.
The guy DualQuad55 is talking about is Dave from DavesSmallBodyHEIs.com, I believe that is the correct address. You may have to leave off the last S but that is the one I used. He converts your stock distributor to GM HEI using parts available from any corner Automotive store. He rebuilds the distributor and it is bulletproof when it is done. Mine has lasted me over 5 years and two nailheads without fail. It costs about the same as an MSD but if you want the stock look and simple parts this is the one. Just my two cents and support for a vendor who has done good work.
I am also intrested in doing the same with my Cat 401 and I just called and emailed Dave for a price. Do I need to send him my distributor? I have a extra one for the motor and I was wondering if I could just send that one? I was going to try and install a pertronix kit in my car but I am not very good at ignition systems so I think I would be better off just having Dave or somebody make a set up for me. I have the Pertronix #1181 Kit but I got nervous about pulling it apart so If you need a kit I can sell you mine. The other thing is how hard is it too do? Besides having the #1 cyclinder at T.D.C. what else do I need to know? I also have a 135 amp Altenator that I am going to put into my car so I can run a few other things i.e.800 watt Amplifier for my radio and Sub Woofer, and a few other minor Mods that I plan on. Will that have an effect on what Dave needs to do or know? Don
Don, If you would like to send Dave a distributor, you must first fill out a specification sheet. This will tell Dave what you would like him to do with your distributor. It also gives you options and prices for those options. Follow the directions to the letter. Dave is very particular about that. If you can read and follow his directions, you'll have no problems. Follow the link below to the attached copy of the spec sheet. Take a look at it. http://www.v8buick.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60811&d=1131468683
Larry, Thanks for the link. I have a few questions , Like I do not know the cam duration on a stock 66 401 and I don't know the stall speed of my converter that is stock also. My Engine is stock except for the 750 Performer carb that I bought to replace the stock one due to the fact it was shot! So do I just look up the numbers form the factory specs? Like I said all I am looking for right now is a more reliable set up and I want to get away from having to set the points at tune up time...overall I am just looking for a stock set up and less frustration :rant: . I guess Dave would know what to do then? Like I said I am not good with ignitions. I am just looking for something that will stop me from tossing a percfectly good set of gap tools and screw drivers and what ever else is with in my reach when I get :rant: :spank: trying to get the gap right or staring the car on those cold or hot days! Don
Using a pertronix inside your stock distributor firing an MSD 6AL box hidden under the passenger seat with an MSD coil painted black is the hot settup. Completely stock appearing, not stock running. just my 2 cents worth....p
