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Tech Question
Fred Joslin, Spokane, WA, 1969 Imperial LeBaron 440
I have the original ignition in this 5000 lb. beast and
want to upgrade to electronic.
I believe that the distributor is good so am I better off getting a
Petronix type upgrade for the current distributor or replacing the
distributor with a new one? Most replacement distributors advertise a
"performence advance curve". Will this work OK with the stock torque
converter and rear end (2.94 I believe)?
Up until 3 or 4 years ago, I would have unquestionably, unhesitantly recommended a MP electronic ingition conversion kit. This had the advantage of givving you, effectively, a duplicate of a mid-'70s stock installation, with all the inherent reliabity and ease-of-repair that this implies. And, despite your claim, I'd be surprised if your current distributor's shaft bushings aren't worn and the advance weight sticky (or totally stuck.) But...
A few years ago Ma Mopar stopped making these distributors, so they asked Mr Gasket Co. (Accel, Mallory) to make a clone for MP. The result is, in reality, a way better piece than the original factory one - the casting is more precise, the bearings are way better, and the advance mechanism is more realible. And it still looks 100% stock and accepts all stock 'tune-up' parts. So, what's the problem, you ask?
Well, for whatever reason, MP specified that the distributor be shipped with a super-fast, race-oriented advance curve. And, exactly as you suspect, with your stock engine, and, especially, with today's lousy pump gas, the result would be (your choice): Severe knocking, or, if intital timing is retarded enough, no knocking, but lousy performance / driveability.
The fix for this is easy enough, Mallory sells a real nice little kit that allows you to easily and quickly tailor the curve to your engine's needs. This was outlined in detail in Mopar Action, December, 2004 issue, as part of the Bold Beeper series.
The Pertronix has a long history of reliabilty also, however, personally, I still prefer the MP setup. The choice, however, is yours.
Rick
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