How to find the right Automotive Replacement Ignition Systems & Kits AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Automotive Replacement Ignition Systems & Kits
- Distributor fitment
- Points-to-electronic conversion modules are specific to the distributor make and the number of cylinders. Match the exact distributor, not just the car. Engines were fitted with different distributors over the years, and a module for the wrong one won't mount.
- Coil primary resistance
- Use a coil with at least the minimum primary resistance the module specifies, and keep or remove the ballast resistor as its instructions require. Too low a resistance overheats and kills electronic modules, one of the most common conversion failures.
- Voltage and ground polarity
- Confirm the kit supports your system: 6 V or 12 V, and negative or positive ground. Many classic cars are 6 V or positive ground, and standard kits won't survive on them.
- System type
- Choose a drop-in breakerless module for a stock-looking upgrade, a CD box for high RPM and big-cam engines, or a full distributor (HEI-style) for simplicity. Each solves a different problem. A CD box is overkill on a stock driver.
- Tach and rev-limit compatibility
- With CD ignition, check whether your tachometer needs a tach adapter. Some older tachs read wrong or are damaged by a CD ignition's output.
Brands that matter
- PerTronix: Common choice for points-to-electronic conversions that hide inside the stock distributor.
- MSD: CD ignition boxes, distributors and coils for performance builds.
- Accel: Performance distributors, coils and ignition boxes.
- Holley: Distributors and ignition parts that work with its EFI systems.
- FAST: Ignition systems that pair with its EFI controllers.
- Davis Unified Ignition (DUI): Known for HEI-style performance distributors.
What to avoid
- Running an electronic module on a low-resistance coil without checking the minimum it requires.
- Generic HEI distributors with poor shaft bushings, which cause timing scatter.
- Leaving the ballast resistor in or out against the kit's wiring instructions.
Questions
Should I keep a set of points in the glovebox after converting?
Many classic owners do as a roadside backup, since most drop-in modules let you revert to points.