Converting distributor to electronic system
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: Madison WI
Converting distributor to electronic system
Okay, so last night I ordered a Mallory Unilite electronic conversion kit for the dual-point that I'm running in my 72 right now (ignore the username:p)...having some problems with the car that this will hopefully fix, and hey, if not, still got some good benefits
Anyway, just wondering if anyone here has done this and could tell me how easy/difficult it is, seems pretty straightforward to me...more importantly, is there anything I should know or anything to watch out for during the install? TIA.
Anyway, just wondering if anyone here has done this and could tell me how easy/difficult it is, seems pretty straightforward to me...more importantly, is there anything I should know or anything to watch out for during the install? TIA.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
I did this conversion several years ago. Best thing I ever did. The car starts up and idles better than with points and you don't have to worry about constantly replacing burnt up points. The install was very easy and straightforward. You could probably do the install with the distributor on the car but I removed it and it made things easier.
By the way, because these are electronics they can fail with no warning (unlike points where the car usually runs crappy), I keep an extra set of points in the car just in case.
By the way, because these are electronics they can fail with no warning (unlike points where the car usually runs crappy), I keep an extra set of points in the car just in case.
Last edited by BB68Vett; Sep 30, 2004 at 05:55 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 1
From: North Bend Ohio
I removed the distributor when I put mine in 4 years ago. That way I could sit on the porch steps instead of laying over the finder. It was real simple. No problems. Took about 40 minutes.
BigBlockk
Later.....
BigBlockk
Later.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
The Unilite SUCKS! unless they have gotten better with time. I worked at an autoparts store in the late 70's early 80's and we warranted a lot of Unilites. I will sell you a tach drive Unilite for $100 if you really want to be stranded on the road somewhere at any moments notice. Petronix make a Ignitor conversion for the Mallory YL series distributor, I would install one of these. G.M. hasn't learned their lesson on optical ignitions, ask any LT1 C4 owner with over 75K miles how they like their "Opti-spark" distributor (Chevy had 4-5 redesigns in the 6 years the LT1 was installed in Vettes and Camaros.)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
Originally Posted by Solid LT1
The Unilite SUCKS! unless they have gotten better with time. I worked at an autoparts store in the late 70's early 80's and we warranted a lot of Unilites. I will sell you a tach drive Unilite for $100 if you really want to be stranded on the road somewhere at any moments notice. Petronix make a Ignitor conversion for the Mallory YL series distributor, I would install one of these. G.M. hasn't learned their lesson on optical ignitions, ask any LT1 C4 owner with over 75K miles how they like their "Opti-spark" distributor (Chevy had 4-5 redesigns in the 6 years the LT1 was installed in Vettes and Camaros.)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
It should take about 1/2 hour. Not a difficult job.
You are going to receive positive and negative comments about those type of units. Some seem to operate very reliably while others fail suddenly. There does not seem to be a pattern within and between brands. Its a bit of a pig in a poke.
I have driven for two years with a Pertronix I conversion. It has never let me down. But I have a II unit in reserve in case it does fail. A more inexpensive alternative is to keep points and condensor in the back cubbyhole.
You are going to receive positive and negative comments about those type of units. Some seem to operate very reliably while others fail suddenly. There does not seem to be a pattern within and between brands. Its a bit of a pig in a poke.
I have driven for two years with a Pertronix I conversion. It has never let me down. But I have a II unit in reserve in case it does fail. A more inexpensive alternative is to keep points and condensor in the back cubbyhole.
