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.
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