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C3 convert to electronic ignition

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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 10:51 AM
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Default C3 convert to electronic ignition

I am new to Corvettes and just bought a 1979 with a L48/auto transmission. I am considering converting from the old points system to an electronic ignition system.

Is there a kit from MSD that includes all the pieces?

Thank you.
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 10:58 AM
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The stock HEI distributor is electronic.
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by shipahoy
I am new to Corvettes and just bought a 1979 with a L48/auto transmission. I am considering converting from the old points system to an electronic ignition system.

Is there a kit from MSD that includes all the pieces?

Thank you.

The pointless HEI's came out in the 1974 C3's and were used well beyond 1982. So you already have an "electronic" ignition. Ain't that great?.
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 11:46 AM
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too late... already converted to HEI from factory !
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 69Vett
too late... already converted to HEI from factory !
Not so fast......you've forgot there has been a lot of Bubba done to these cars over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if Bubba put points back in a '79.
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 07:06 PM
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Don't I feel like an idiot!!!
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by shipahoy
Don't I feel like an idiot!!!
Don't sweat it, man. At one time or another all of us here on the forum (me included) have been wrong about something. We learn in the process, and it keeps us humble.
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Old Dec 21, 2017 | 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by 69427
Don't sweat it, man. At one time or another all of us here on the forum (me included) have been wrong about something. We learn in the process, and it keeps us humble.
Don't forget to dispel urban myths like the role of BALLAST resistors.
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 09:20 AM
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pics would help
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 09:48 AM
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we all learn, be glad you asked before you bought !
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 09:56 AM
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To the original poster, if you car has a points distributor, a previous owner has swapped out the original.

If this is the case, the easy fix would be to purchase a complete HEI distributor from the aftermarket.
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by blk79nj
To the original poster, if you car has a points distributor, a previous owner has swapped out the original.

If this is the case, the easy fix would be to purchase a complete HEI distributor from the aftermarket.
No my brother suggested the ignition swap not knowing it had an HEI and I didn't look before I posted the question.
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by shipahoy
No my brother suggested the ignition swap not knowing it had an HEI and I didn't look before I posted the question.
No problem, all is good.

Just remember, that the only dumb question is the one that isn't asked.
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