1972 Corvette 454. Change to Electronic Ignition?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
MSD and I'm sure others sell a electronic trigger distributor with vacuum and mechanical advance along with a mechanical tach drive. I know because I have the MSD w/mech tach on my small block but small and BB use the same distributor.
My experience tells me the mechanical tach drive is junk compared to the new stepper motor electronic tachs. If you go electronic tach you can save a bunch of $$$$ and just use a small cap HEI like this: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...make/chevrolet
One wire hookup for 54 bucks.
Good luck.
My experience tells me the mechanical tach drive is junk compared to the new stepper motor electronic tachs. If you go electronic tach you can save a bunch of $$$$ and just use a small cap HEI like this: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...make/chevrolet
One wire hookup for 54 bucks.
Good luck.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,097
Likes: 4,451
From: Marlton NJ
I own a 1972 Corvette 454 all original.
Need feedback please on advantages and if there are any disadvantages.
I'm thinking of removing the old points and condenser and to Change it to Electronic Ignition.
Recommendation
I can get an old school Pertronix Electronic Ignition Kit 1181 GM 1969’s 1970’s Hot Rod Olds Chevrolet
or would I be better off with a more modern kit?
Does the performance improve?
Thanks
Vic
Need feedback please on advantages and if there are any disadvantages.
I'm thinking of removing the old points and condenser and to Change it to Electronic Ignition.
Recommendation
I can get an old school Pertronix Electronic Ignition Kit 1181 GM 1969’s 1970’s Hot Rod Olds Chevrolet
or would I be better off with a more modern kit?
Does the performance improve?
Thanks
Vic
Last edited by leigh1322; Oct 16, 2019 at 09:13 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,502
Likes: 1,510
From: Little Rock AR
I was under the impression the GM Transistor Ignition boxes were failure prone due to water getting on them. The boxes had to be mounted in strategic locations to keep water out and still stay cool. Never ran one myself - just asking.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,412
Likes: 8,222
From: Napa Valley California
Back in the day, dual point distributors were the hot ticket.
Idle seemed to smooth out and there seemed to be a little more snap in throttle response.
Does anyone run dual point systems anymore?
Idle seemed to smooth out and there seemed to be a little more snap in throttle response.
Does anyone run dual point systems anymore?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
I've been using the newer Pertronix III for the last year. There is just the sensor which bolts in place of the points and no more magnetic ring that could drop magnets if the clear plastic holding them in the ring came loose. Since there is no more magnetic ring you also don't have to remove the distributor to shim the gear/shaft for the proper end play on initial installation. Two screws for the sensor to the plate where the points used to be, run the wires and that's it. It also has a programmable rev limiter. Much better than the previous models that I have used. You do have to run a 12V wire to bypass the stock resistance wire to the coil but that's easy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
HEI does that in the module.
Coil paks eliminated the need altogether.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
The newer units have more modern transistors.
Back in the day racers used the better Chrysler unit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,502
Likes: 1,510
From: Little Rock AR
I did run an Accell dual point conversion back 40 years ago. Worked fine but I pulled it out and put it away years ago. Still have it in the garage.
The Hays Stinger magnetic conversion with Chrysler pick up coil and Crane multispark CD box has been flawless for years so I keep running it. Oldie but a goodie.
The Hays Stinger magnetic conversion with Chrysler pick up coil and Crane multispark CD box has been flawless for years so I keep running it. Oldie but a goodie.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Some 24 years ago I put an L98 injection on my '72, and over the years, I have been very happy with the HEI, and so kept it when switching to an LT1 induction, on the L98 heads.....a buddy is a pro welder, he the only guy I ever met that weld aluminum to concrete and make it stick....nuff said.....
see pix below....
see pix below....
1st Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
OUCH!!! Had to do that with old Triumph cars on side of road, at night, and raining!! Always kept a spare timing plate with points ready to go after that. Of course , never had that problem again.