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A better Distributor

3K views 24 replies 21 participants last post by  zray 
#1 ·
Ok so I've been told time and time again to get away from the points distributor and think I got a clear understanding as to why people are suggesting it but I'm turning to the experts to see what distributor you guys would recommend for a stock 4.7 289cid V8. I'm not looking for an immense amount of performance or anything crazy just better performance than the stock points. I've attached a photo of what I'm working with now.
 

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#5 ·
Hahaha yea I tell em I'm smarter than them all the time. But I think they got somewhat of a point switching over. I do plan on keeping the stock handy in the glove box while trying something a little updated on top
 
#3 ·
Stock distributor is better quality than a new replacement IMO. I had mine refurbished and it looks brand new with new bushing. I opted for a Petronix electronic ignition inside my distributor. But I also keep a spare in the glovebox just in case.
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#4 ·
The usual drag on stock distributor performance is lack of professional adjustment since the 60's. I've done quite a few distributors, and absolutely not one of them was in spec when I got it. As little as 1° error in the middle of the curve can kill performance. Even with stock points, proper adjustment can make a huge difference. You'll need to have it done by a pro on a distributor machine.
 
#7 ·
I have read many posts about distributors and I always wonder why points. I have several MSD's and many friends with MSD's that are ancient but still working. I know nowadays lots of fakes are around sold by Chin Low Inc but MSD has always been a great performer. i currently have the digital MSD and developed my own timing curve as simple as putting dots on a graph. Played with several curves until I got the performance I wanted. Skip the vac advance/mechanical adjustments and springs ect, believe me I have had every kit possible. I understand if you want the correct look but minimum would be a pertronics pickup under cap. Ready for roasting now.
 
#8 ·
I've got a Pertronix under my cap, and it was flawless until 2 days ago. Now my car sits in the garage waiting on parts. I'm switching to HEI. (Now it's my turn for the flame suit.) At least now when things die, I can run to the local parts store for stuff. It's overkill, I'm sure. But now I don't have to think about it. (However, I may carry an extra igniter box thingy in the glove box.)
 
#9 ·
Stick with the points. If someone airbursts a nuclear weapon over the USA, then all those electronic ignitions are going to get fried in place, and you'll still be driving along with your points. :) Yes, a bit extreme in the example.
 
#10 ·
I have my original distributor, rebuilt, now has a Pertronix Ignitor II since February 1998 because the original Ignitor suddenly stopped working while I was 2 hours from home BUT I had my points plate with fresh points and condenser ready to drop in until the new Ignitor II came. 15 minutes to diagnose, swap, and on my way. I still have the same points plate in my glove box, just in case...
 
#11 · (Edited)
Don't waste your money on a MSD distributor, get a Duraspark...same thing for $80 at any parts store. Pick up a Duraspark module for $40 and you are in business. I've been running one for 31 years in my '69 Mach 1. My wifes 67 and my sons 65 are running Pertronics, both work great.
 
#14 ·
theyre aint nuttin better than a bone stock ford dizzy that has been set up properly

send it over to Dan at GN

FWIW i ran full blown MSD for 20 yrs. When I had my dizzy set up with new points installed car runs better than ever

and no mystery boxes and rats nest of wires to deal with
 
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#17 ·
I have a Duraspark in my car. I also have a spare box and coil in my garage since I saw another donor car on one of my junkyard visits.
That said, the stock ignition from when it was new is still a good system and properly adjusted they work well.
 
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#24 ·
Oh so THAT'S why you unloaded that nasty old ignition box on some unsuspecting sucker. Now it comes out. :)

I have not seen points degradation in 1000-1500 miles myself. BUT I haven't really been looking. Having taken up looking into stuff more deeply with a ignition scope for fun and profit the last few years I will have to keep that in mind as something to pay attention to. With a scope you can pick out miniscule ignition issues that don't show up any other way. BUT you kind of want a baseline to compare with to get anything out of the process. So I'd have record a trace with new parts and then remember to do it again for a comparison run however many miles later and .....OH MY GOD I'M NEVER GOING TO GET ANYTHING DONE. Getting off here and going outside.
 
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