What year do I swap for Electronic dist??

[B Taylor]

I have the original 225 slant six but want to get rid of the points. Is there a later model that I can use the dist out of???
If so, what will I need or any warnings?

 

[Killer6]

I have the original 225 slant six but want to get rid of the points. Is there a later model that I can use the dist out of???
If so, what will I need or any warnings?

Welcome to FABO, & what are We working on vehicle-wise? Electronic Ignition was implemented starting in '72, at least on the V8 models, so You would look from there on
up. Later Lean-Burn & Computerized Spark Control models used a fixed pick-up....OK if You want to go FI etc., but not for a simple ign. change-over. The Pertronix retro-
fit units are very popular & excellent performing, definitely consider that upgrade as well. Warnings? Make sure the wiring & charging system are solid, & be sure You have
the correct ballast resistor for whatever system & coil You use. A donor car is best if using the stock EI for the module & pick-up plugs and wiring....and a diagram helps.

 

[slantsixdan]

As long as you're going to the trouble, pick up a slightly different list of parts and do the HEI upgrade , that way you wind up with better ignition for equal money and you lose the problem-prone ballast resistor. (linked article has sources)

 

[BillGrissom]

Pertronix Ignitor II or III is easiest, and keeps the stock look. It eliminates the ballast resistor, but you could fake that by soldering a jumper on the rear if you want to keep the look. The original Ignitor is outdated. The others are more like HEI (III even better w/ multi-spark and rev limiter). You can also get a later electronic distributor and wire a GM 8-pin HEI module & coil system. For any, upgrade the voltage regulator to electronic. You can get them for the 1960's cars, some w/ stock look.

 

[Charrlie_S]

Hey, Bill. Can you link to a wiring diagram for the 8 pin module?

 

[BillGrissom]

Re 8-pin HEI: General Motors 7-pin HEI Ignition Control
The megasquirt site is great for all info on retrofitting modern controls to classic engines.
Also search "small cap distributor" and "external coil". The module is inside the GM distributor (85-95 GM V-8 trucks, 85-93 cars).
Grab the GM cables and minimal wiring needed. Their cable connects module to their coil. Connect 2 wires from a Mopar e-distributor pickup to their "VR" connector, 50% chance to get polarity right (test w/ timing lamp flashing at pickup teeth as you spin shaft). Connect +12 V, ground the module and done. Can use the wht "tach" signal wire if desired. The 4-pin connector can be left open or used for timing control (Holley Commander 950, etc).

TrailBeast here sells a kit of parts and it comes w/ the required alum plate heat sink. Long before, I grabbed parts at the junkyard (~$20) and fabb'ed a heat sink from an old PC CPU cooler (as have others) for my 64 slant. I also grabbed the GM knock sensor and converter (Commander 950 can use). It screws directly into a SB or BB block drain hole or w/ 3/8 to 1/4 NPT bushing into a slant drain. I pulled another full setup w/ distributor for a friend w/ older Corvette for ~$40.