After several recommendations I've decided to remove the points and condenser on my son's 67 coupe and install the Pertronix ignitor. Should I also replace the coil since they offer a kit that includes the ignitor and coil together? After looking at the condition of the distributor, now I'm wondering if I should replace the distributor too. The exterior and interior of this car has been restored and looks great. The engine is another subject. My main goals are to make it run "safely" and "reliably". I plan on installing 3 point seat belts and disc brakes for the safety. Will replacing the distributor/coil/points make it more reliable? Right now, it can be difficult to start. I have no plans on making this a high performance car. If my son wants to do that later, that's up to him. I've included pics to show you how the engine and distributor look right now. That distributor looks pretty bad to me, but I'm no expert. Any advice on what I should change first would be appreciated.

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change it all at once. but first i would change points and condensor the to the flame.

 

well the new ignition system will help out alot with the starting.. unless there is something mechanical that is preventing it from starting up smooth... i would go with the package deal... i know summitracing.com has some good package deals on an electronic ignition, distributor, coil, plugs and harness the whole package is about 450 -500..... i know in my 1964 galaxie my distributor looked much like yours and i replaced it and could not have been happier....

 

Will replacing the distributor/coil/points make it more reliable?

Yes, to a certain extent. The dist. looks OK to me. you will be pulling all the points and condenser stuff out anyways with the pertronix. Go for the ignitor, flame thrower coil and wires. Much more reliable IMO.

 

I installed a rebuilt distributer when I rebuilt my engine.

I installed the Pertronix Igniter and just got a new coil at Auto Zone or where ever.

Whole package is working great!

Someday maybe I'll switch to electronic.

 

I'd reccomend the Mallory "ready-to-go" distr. along with the wires/ignition/coil. ALOT more reliable and very easy to tune. Ill never go back to "points" [&:].

Good luck!

 

im not up to date with electroinc ignitions, so someone help both him and me out with extensive detials.

 

wow,, that bay is really dirty.. I would get some engine degreaser and some greenies and start scrubbing,, Maybe take it to the carwash and pray out all that dirt to start.. And definately get a new dizzy..

 

The electronic ignition eliminates the old points with a transistor module, eliminating the wear portion of the ignition system. Points work great, the first time they fire. The wear continuously, requiring adjustment and eventual replacement. A transistor has arelatively infinite lifespan (assuming proper operation) and therefore doesn't need periodic adjustment or replacement.

If you decide to replace the coil, make sure to get one set up for use WITH a ballast resistor. That is, unless you decide to bypass the pink resistor wire running from the ignition switch to the engine wiring harness (which isn't a horrible idea).

 

All that dirt and rust in the distributor looks bad to me. I was hoping with gettingby with just swapping out the points with the Pertronix. But if I have to replace the distributor, I might as well get a new one with a built in ignitor, right? What do you guys think of the Pertronix Flame Thrower Plug n Play Billet Distributor?
To save a little money, I could just get a stock distributor for a lot less than a Mallory or MSD and install the Pertronix in that. Or is that a bad idea? I guess you can tell I don't have deep pockets, but if I have to, I'll find a way to make these upgrades. I'm relying on this forums experience and knowledge. Thanks.