Distributor swap

[ethyl]

My '67 18c has a modified 350 chevy for power. The distributor is an older Mallory dual point. The engine was just rebuilt with 10: 1 pistons, large valve heads roller rockers etc. and runs quite well. I wonder if it would be wise to replace the ignition system with a more modern one. I would like to squeeze more performance out of the engine. Currently She runs 68-70 mph with a 23 inch clever. Thanks in advance for any input. This is a fantastic site!

[MOP]

IMO I would grab a Merc IV distributor and pack, I would add a high voltage coil. I am running that setup on my 383 and am very pleased with it, the swap from the stock Merc coil at aprox 40,000 volts with .035 plug gap to 60,000 and .050 gapped plugs netted nearly 1mph. I have my timing set at 34 degrees.

Phil

[BigGrizzly]

Tey will not get any more power regardless of what system you use. The thing about points is you can fix them on the water. the bad part is they can get wet, not likely but could happen. they wear. The electronic ones are set and for get. I put a penotronics in my MACHI 10 years ago ande hav not changed it since. I just took out the points and stuck it in. timed it and your good to go.

[RedDog]

Currently She runs 68-70 mph with a 23 inch clever. Thanks in advance for any input. This is a fantastic site!

your money may be better served on a prop - something like a Mirage Plus or Turbo

[justleft]

I think you mean Pertronics. They had a problem, if you left
the ignition on without the motor running the unit would fry.

But I haven't played with them for about 20 years !!

I went MSD dist and box.

[Cuda]

Either a TB IV, or a TB V will swap right out, and you can run a wider gap, and a hotter coil, without having to worry about burning your points. I swapped my points type with a TB V, when my points took a crap on me 35 mile from the dock, and I had no tools.

[Pismo]

The old Mallory with a solid state pick up like the Pertronics. So simple. New hot coils and wide gap plugs wont do anything performance wise.