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Looks like an old Mallory dual-point distributor. But, it's been a long time since I've seen one in actual use.
That is possible but too klong ago for my memory. My recollection is that after rebuilding the engine I purchased a standard type HEI but it was too large to fit in the area. So I found that someone made an HEI that was basically the same envelope as an old points type and used that. But it is possible that something got substituted even for that. It could be that the guy that did the engine install for me had an old dual point and used it. Thanks for your input I will have to do some more research I guess.
so
That is a Mallory dual point distributor. The condensers rest on the outside of the distributor. There was an electronic ignition conversion kit to upgrade the dual point Mallory to electronic ignition.
That is possible but too klong ago for my memory. My recollection is that after rebuilding the engine I purchased a standard type HEI but it was too large to fit in the area. So I found that someone made an HEI that was basically the same envelope as an old points type and used that. But it is possible that something got substituted even for that. It could be that the guy that did the engine install for me had an old dual point and used it. Thanks for your input I will have to do some more research I guess.
so
Remove the cap and see what's inside. Whatever it is, it's not a street distributor without vacuum advance.
I ran Mallory dual point distributors 50 or more years ago, and if I remember correctly they did not have a vacuum advance on them.
Back then they were the top of the line go to distributors.
I used them on several cars and my drag boats.
Last edited by OldCarBum; May 27, 2025 at 10:54 PM.
Dual-point distributors were useful...back in the day...but are dinosaurs, now. They are difficult to set up properly and have no value, compared to HEI or modern electronic ignition systems. And for a stock street C3, the basic points distributor setup for that car is perfectly fine.
A stock GM points distributor with a dual point conversion would be better. Then you could keep the vacuum advance. I still have an Accell dual point conversion kit in the leftovers box. Used it for a while before I went to the Hays Stinger magnetic trigger conversion. No going back after that. Sweet setup.
That is a Mallory dual point distributor. The condensers rest on the outside of the distributor. There was an electronic ignition conversion kit to upgrade the dual point Mallory to electronic ignition.
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Originally Posted by stingr69
A stock GM points distributor with a dual point conversion would be better. Then you could keep the vacuum advance. I still have an Accell dual point conversion kit in the leftovers box. Used it for a while before I went to the Hays Stinger magnetic trigger conversion. No going back after that. Sweet setup.
I put that Hays system on my '69 in IIRC 1974. The box took a powder about ten years later, but I've been running the Hays distributor parts hooked up to an HEI module since then.
I put that Hays system on my '69 in IIRC 1974. The box took a powder about ten years later, but I've been running the Hays distributor parts hooked up to an HEI module since then.
Yes that is a stout reliable way to go.
I have a Crane HI-6 multispark CD box driving mine. Stock GM points canister coil. About 30 years on this setup in my Camaro. Engine fires on the first crank RIGHT NOW.
