Inliners International Forums General Discussion Electrical 292 distributor

I want to replace my distributor on my 292 chevy with a rebuilt points style and at a later date add a pertronix conversion. There are two types of distributors, one has the weights under the rotor and the other the weights are under the breaker plate. Is one better than the other and would I be able to convert both styles?

fungramps, Why not use HEI? I like the mid-'70s version with the seperate coil.

Sorry I can't answer your question.

I've tried all of the u-pull-its in the Portland area and can't find the HEI with the seperate coil. I also tried to get a rebuilt from Napa, autozone, o'reilly and they all look at me like I'm crazy. All they show is the one with the coil built in on the cap. Also, if you buy the later type, don't you have to have the advanced curve changed? Most of the people around here want $100 to set up a distributor.

I don't think there is anything wrong with the integral coil style HEI. Is your engine stock or nearly stock? Whatever advance curve is in the stock junkyard HEI distributor may not be ideal but probably close enough to get you down the road. Just be sure to give it a full 12 volts. I use a dedicated circuit with it's own fuse and a relay triggered from the original points ignition 12v lead.

The effort and cost of installing the Pertronix is better spent on factory HEI parts in my opinion.

The external coil was for years 74-75. All HEI distributor suffer to some degree from retardation. IIRC all distributors from about 63 after suffer from retardation. The SBC and BBC HEI recurve kits will work in the L6 HEI. I have several files for recurving the HEI distributor (DIY) that I've downloaded from the web. Unfortunately that computer is down and won't be up for a couple of weeks. IIRC one of the files came from a Ponitac board and the other from a Camaro board. Do a search you should be able to fine something.

Larry

12 Port Advertiser (blue bar on your left) Tom Langdon's Stovebolt Engine Company offers rebuilt ones with new cap, rotor, and coil for $95. Mine works great!

Thanks for all of the information, The reason I wanted to go to the stock distributor w/ pertronix is for the stock look. Does anybody have a answer for my original question of the difference between the distributors having the advance weights below the breaker plate or under the rotor. I would prefer the type with the weights under the plate because I have new cap and plug wires for this type. Also, if needed, would a adjustable vacuum advance fit both? Thanks,

I don't have an answer but another comment. Tom Langdon also has an HEI based on an S10 (?). It has a stock look. but is pricey.

Will Willis

I think the only real difference is the lower profile.But with the weights under the rotor makes it easier to change spring & weights.To set the curve/advancement the way you want or need it to be.

fungramps: I've got four distributors, including one set-up with a Pretronix ignition. I'm in Portland if you'd like to see them. 541-285-3759.