Good quality distributor?
 

I am trying to tap the forum knowledge to find a new distributor for my 455 engine. I am quite fed up with failing distributors by now. The engine had a cheap no-name HEI type distributor on it when I got it. The distributor lasted about 1,5 seasons before it quit and was repalced by me with a Petronix Flame Thrower II billet distributor. This one worked flawless for a couple of years (the car does not get driven that much, maybe 1,000 -2,000 miles a year). Last year it wouldn't start anymore and it turned out that the pick-up module in the distributor died. I replaced it with the correct new Pertronix module and the engine now starts immediately, idles smooth and nicely but as soon as I drive with a bit of load on the engine, it stumbles and misses and generally runs like s...t. Fuel supply etc. is all good and before the dizzy died the car ran great. Instead of further troubleshooting on the dizzy and throwing more parts at it, I am thinking of installing a new, good quality unit...and that is where the problem starts: There are so many mixed reviews out there about most of the available distributors, that I am a bit at loss what to buy. Is there any really reliable, good quality distributor available out there, that can be expected to work properly for a longer time? It does not have to be electronic/HEI style, but it seems good points style units are also not easy to find...
Thanks for all input!

I installed a clone of the MSD ready to run (RTR) distributor last season and it’s been great, perhaps look at the MSD version or one of the clones from Summit, Jegs, etc, mine is the TSP.

I’d also strongly consider one of the Progressive programmable distributors, easy to tune/program via your phone and I’ve not heard of a single failure from anyone online running them, in retrospect I should have bought one but my RTR was easy to curve and less than half the price of the Progressive.

I am running original points distributors in both my 66 GTO Tri-Power and in my 70 TheJudge. They have never fail or let me down since 35+ years and still running.

Go the factory route and the car will function as intended.

JMHO

Progression

Oops, sorry, too early without my coffee! Progression distributors

https://progressionignition.com/?srs...FU9lK2T51T1sY6

Maybe before you stuff something else in there you should look at the cars charging system and confirm that at times it does not go above 14.5 volts which could kill those modules.
Voltage spikes will kill solid state electronics but not good old points.

The system needs to be monitored at both high and low rev’s and when things like the high beams are turned on and off and or the blower motor.

Also confirm that the distributor is getting a solid ground.

Have you confirmed the distributor positive wire is supplying a full 12 volts on start/run? This requires bypassing or replacing the resistance wire the factory used for points.

My first choice is points. Several cars with points and they just always work without complaint.

If I do an aftermarket ignition system I go for an msd. Quite a few of those in my cars as well and I don't have issue with them. Some have been in the cars more than 25 years, some are newer, theyve all been fine.

Just depends on what you want out of the car and what you're willing to spend

Don't even get me started on pertronix lol

If it runs bad after changing the pickup, check the air gap and alignment before condemning the distributor. Not uncommon for the trigger wheel to crack on an HEI as well, which can cause a myriad of issues, especially if it slips out of alignment with the pickup or spins on the shaft. As mentioned above, check the alternator output, not just the DC voltage but confirm no AC voltage in the system from a failed diode in the rectifier. It's possible that the alternator output is responsible for the death of the old pickup. With electrical components, a failed part can easily be a symptom and not the root cause of the issue.

No complaints about the msd ready-2-run unit in my old bird.

I even accidently broke it once and they replaced it FOC many years after the warranty expired.

Good luck.

Points here also. I can fix easily. Electronics not so for me.

MSD or the new Progression Ign dist is what I use. The progression is amazing, just expensive.

I do agree that faulty electrical systems in these old cars are often root cause for some electronics failures. A less expensive dizzy isn't going to have robust protection from transients and load dumps.

Hi, I have a HEI distributor I kept with genuine GM module , probably looking to sell. pm with shipping address if interested.

Progression Ignition distributor for me, upgraded from MSD billet.

I run a summit branded MSD Pro Billet clone. It's actually a pretty nice piece. End play was within spec right out of the box, the machining on the housing is great and the cap provided is also nice quality.

I also just installed a Progression Ignition in my uncle's 67 Firebird. That is a nice piece as well.

Thanks for all the responses!
Since the engine is not very high performance (close to stock 1972 engine, 068 cam, long branch cast headers, Quadrajet,...) and sits in my 1965 Catalina convertible which is more of a cruiser than a racer, I would probably do fine with a points style distributor...
Is there a source that sells good/new points distributors? Finding an good used one over here in Europe will not be so easy...

The progression units look very nice though...

I am a cast iron points guy. I have yet to find one all worn out and sloppy.
39 $ on E bay. With a little TLC this one should do.
If you also get a working CD box the points will last very, very long. You can find them cheap all over E Bay too. If it ever fails, swap a few wires around and drive home.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/23659022733....SIM%26mech%3D

Removed my Pertronix Dizzy and went back to points...no more problems.

I had a Petronix points conversion, ….when it died, I posted about it, lots here said go back to points and I almost did, but a couple individuals here recommended DUI performance HEI distributors. Not cheap, but a great product, I’m happy so far.

https://performancedistributors.com/...GrErIud_KqPJVC

Do you know if the Summit RTR distributor is 0.50" shaft diameter with a melonized gear? The Summit description says 0.467" which is an odd size and if it's not melonized, not for use with a roller cam. The MSD RTR is 0.50" shaft with a melonized gear so a couple of points for the MSD and another for good customer service.