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Pertronix HEI Upgrade

  • Thread starter Thread starter GotMojo
  • Start date Start date Dec 20, 2023
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GotMojo

New Member
Dec 16, 2019
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California
Dec 20, 2023
#1
  • Dec 20, 2023
  • #1
Looking to upgrade my distributor. I'll need to replace my air cleaner cover with one that will clear the Pertronix. Any advise will be much appreciated.
 

Mcmahst

5 Year Member
Jan 19, 2021
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Laguna Woods CA, fort Mohave AZ
Dec 22, 2023
#2
  • Dec 22, 2023
  • #2
Can you post pics of the installed distributor and whatever else is near the carb? It will make it easier to make recommendations.
 
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GotMojo

New Member
Dec 16, 2019
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Dec 27, 2023
#3
  • Dec 27, 2023
  • #3
Please see photos attached.
 

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Mcmahst

5 Year Member
Jan 19, 2021
666
261
83
Laguna Woods CA, fort Mohave AZ
Dec 27, 2023
#4
  • Dec 27, 2023
  • #4
I guess I’m not sure what the issue is. Are you wanting to install the Pertonixs kit that fits inside the stock distributor or the Pertronixs distributor, like this one:

PerTronix D130700 Flame-Thrower Plug and Play Vacuum Advance Black Cap Billet Electronic Distributor with Ignitor II Technology for Ford Small Block, Black and Silver https://a.co/d/4KvpNEJ

Or this kind:

PerTronix D1352 Flame-Thrower Distributor HEI Ford Small Block 221-302 Blue Cap Machine Polished

Highlights New lightweight aluminum alloy housing. Aligned and honed high quality bronze sintered bushings for reduced friction and extended life. Centerless ground corrosion resistant shaft reduces friction and provides concentric operation. Distributor gear is ground to exact tolerances for...
pertronixbrands.com

Or, one of those point replacement kits?

If you want to install the HEI type, the stock air cleaner will have to go. There are lots of aftermarket air cleaners, most will not replicate the stock connections, if that is important to you.

The stock looking replacement looks like it will fit under the stock air cleaner, if you use those 90 degree plug wires.

Not sure if I helped, but hood luck.

PS, got what it’s worth, I’m not a fan of the HEI distributors, had both on Gords s as bd Chevys, and had problems with both. Just my 2 cents.
 
G

GotMojo

New Member
Dec 16, 2019
23
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3
California
Dec 28, 2023
#5
  • Dec 28, 2023
  • #5
The PerTronix D1352 is along the lines of what I'm interested in. It sticks up higher than the stock one, so the carb cleaner cover will need to be replaced. Just looking for what others have used. What model did you have problems with and what were they, if you don't mind my asking.
 

Mcmahst

5 Year Member
Jan 19, 2021
666
261
83
Laguna Woods CA, fort Mohave AZ
Dec 28, 2023
#6
  • Dec 28, 2023
  • #6
Can I ask why you want to change to that type of distributor? Among folks I know, a HEI is not a highly recommended type. If you’re looking for more reliability than stock, the points replacement system from Pertronixs is certainly less expensive and allows you to keep the stock look and is more reliable than stock points/condensor.
 
Reactions: WingsOfGold

Bullitt347

I have been doing it wrong this whole time
15 Year Member
Mar 23, 2007
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194
Middle of Maine
Dec 28, 2023
#7
  • Dec 28, 2023
  • #7
Mcmahst said:
Can I ask why you want to change to that type of distributor? Among folks I know, a HEI is not a highly recommended type. If you’re looking for more reliability than stock, the points replacement system from Pertronixs is certainly less expensive and allows you to keep the stock look and is more reliable than stock points/condensor.
Click to expand...
Correct.
The HEI style distributor is a a 49 year old GM design.
Lots of better choices out there.
Just switch the stock dist. to a Pertronix kit.
It will still look stock, but offer modern electronic ignition performance.
 
Reactions: Mcmahst

WingsOfGold

New Member
Aug 2, 2022
21
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3
SW Virginia
Jan 2, 2024
#8
  • Jan 2, 2024
  • #8
Been using the points eliminator for different stangs probably last 25 or more years. Best thing since canned beer. No problems and plugs seem to last forever.
 
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