Distributor Options Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
Distributor Options Question
I need to decide soon which type of distributor to go with for the 468 I am getting close to installing in my '68 Coupe. Since I am setting it up to look somewhat like an L88 my preference would be to go with a factory looking TI set up. Problem there is that since there were so many variations of timing curves on all those iterations I have no idea which (part number) would work best in my modified 468 (LS6 heads, roller cam, etc.). Second, would be an HEI but I don't believe that big distributor would fit in my engine bay, last would be a factory points type distributor as was used pre 1975. Has anyone on here solved which TI to use with their engines? What other recommendations? Thanks in advance for your input.
Last edited by 68/BB; Jul 25, 2011 at 07:26 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Have you considered a MSD distributor over the HEI? Most folks when they choose to upgrade the ignition setup move to the MSD line of products.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: PA
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
That unit from Dave's HEI's looks interesting. I'm wondering what coil is used? (Needs to be a higher potential coil than stock, if the HEI is going to be of any value.) The correct and functioning TI for your car would be expensive to buy and antiquated, compared to a good MSD unit. Since the TI unit is placed where you really can't see it anyway, why not install the MSD unit there?
If I had your engine, and had spent that much money and time putting it together, I would want an electronic ignition system on it: either the GM (or clone-type) HEI or an MSD or Pertronix system. The newer Pertronix module will fit into the stock points-type distributor; it with a higher power coil would do the job nicely, too, and still have a 'stock' appearance.
If I had your engine, and had spent that much money and time putting it together, I would want an electronic ignition system on it: either the GM (or clone-type) HEI or an MSD or Pertronix system. The newer Pertronix module will fit into the stock points-type distributor; it with a higher power coil would do the job nicely, too, and still have a 'stock' appearance.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Buy an OEM tach drive dizzy, cut off the vacuum advance pot's nipple to look L88-ish, and install a Pertronix points/condenser eliminator kit which is hidden under the cap. You can add an MSD box and hide it in the wheelwell. It will look stock with a black painted coil but have modern high rpm reliability. Then, you can throw away the old dwell meter too!
Last edited by 69 Chevy; Jul 26, 2011 at 08:28 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
a GM HEI with a tach drive is one of the easiest units to run....no extra break down junk under the hood and is as good as any on the market contrary to the advertising and puffing from speed shops.....The only down fall is you lose bragging rights at the local car gatherings....until you blow them off without that fancy high dollar crap....Now thats real fun.........
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
a GM HEI with a tach drive is one of the easiest units to run....no extra break down junk under the hood and is as good as any on the market contrary to the advertising and puffing from speed shops.....The only down fall is you lose bragging rights at the local car gatherings....until you blow them off without that fancy high dollar crap....Now thats real fun.........
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
From: Litchfield CT
BB distributor
I need to decide soon which type of distributor to go with for the 468 I am getting close to installing in my '68 Coupe. Since I am setting it up to look somewhat like an L88 my preference would be to go with a factory looking TI set up. Problem there is that since there were so many variations of timing curves on all those iterations I have no idea which (part number) would work best in my modified 468 (LS6 heads, roller cam, etc.). Second, would be an HEI but I don't believe that big distributor would fit in my engine bay, last would be a factory points type distributor as was used pre 1975. Has anyone on here solved which TI to use with their engines? What other recommendations? Thanks in advance for your input.
Hei is the easiest to set up, but in my opinion, look dumb. I went through them all and went back to the stock tach drive with pertronix. Easist to time and adjust curve. Looks correct too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
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From: Stratford Ontario
I've used HEI's, Mallory Billet tach drive, and stock Vette distributors with Pertronix innards. They all fit small block, big block, and with an adjustable flange, even tall deck motors.
Hei is the easiest to set up, but in my opinion, look dumb. I went through them all and went back to the stock tach drive with pertronix. Easist to time and adjust curve. Looks correct too.
Hei is the easiest to set up, but in my opinion, look dumb. I went through them all and went back to the stock tach drive with pertronix. Easist to time and adjust curve. Looks correct too.
Thats what I did with mine, I also had it dialed in on a dist. machine. That way I could just drop it in and set the timing and no screwing around trying to guess where the weights are coming in etc...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
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From: Goose Creek SC
This may be a dumb question but how do they "dial it in on a distributor machine"? Do you give them the specs on your engine, trans, rear end ratio, etc. and they do it from there, or does it have to be done on a dyno?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Butler Pa
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
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From: Stratford Ontario
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
Nothing unusual about my engine but when I look at the space available I just can't see it fitting in there. Attached is a pic of not my car but a similar (only small block) with the old style dizzy in it. The HEI I had in my El Camino was much larger in diameter than that one is and it barely fits. That's all I was trying to say.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
for custom work Nelson. at Nelson specialties racing ignitions in Charlotte N.C. he's been in the buisness over 40 years and does work for several NASCAR. teams
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
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From: Florida
At most the washer pump MAY interfere a tiny bit for the hei installation only.
A good dialback timing lite with tach and a hand vacuum pump will accomplish the same thing as a dist machine, a little more effort.
If wanting the oem look and hei performance, the Dave's small cap is by far the best choice for the money. I believe he gives a lifetime warranty too. Nice to have off the shelf anywhere replacement parts too.
A good dialback timing lite with tach and a hand vacuum pump will accomplish the same thing as a dist machine, a little more effort.
If wanting the oem look and hei performance, the Dave's small cap is by far the best choice for the money. I believe he gives a lifetime warranty too. Nice to have off the shelf anywhere replacement parts too.