pertronix vs. hei distributer

[nickmil]

Depending on location sometimes HEI parts are more readily available than points parts believe it or not. I've run into this several times where HEI stuff was on the shelf at flaps but points had to be ordered because the ones they had in stock were wrong or built wrong.
Having said that, I've run HEI and Pertronix with MSD. Pertronix and MSD is a great set up as is HEI. Didn't notice much difference between them on a stock motor. Both started easier, idled bettter, and ran better through all rpm ranges than stock points. I did run an MSD coil with the MSD and Pertronix as well. The extra clearance of the points distributor is nice in the engine bay. If you are building a higher rpm motor then the larger cap of the HEI will help minimize spark arcing between terminals and with ozone build up but for 90% of the folks on this board this won't be an issue.
Haven't tried stock points with MSD. Might try it on the daughter's Jeep as I have the MSD and it has a prestolite distributor with all new tuneup parts in it.

[sparky]

Originally Posted by nickmil

Depending on location sometimes HEI parts are more readily available than points parts believe it or not. I've run into this several times where HEI stuff was on the shelf at flaps but points had to be ordered because the ones they had in stock were wrong or built wrong.
Having said that, I've run HEI and Pertronix with MSD. Pertronix and MSD is a great set up as is HEI. Didn't notice much difference between them on a stock motor. Both started easier, idled bettter, and ran better through all rpm ranges than stock points. I did run an MSD coil with the MSD and Pertronix as well. The extra clearance of the points distributor is nice in the engine bay. If you are building a higher rpm motor then the larger cap of the HEI will help minimize spark arcing between terminals and with ozone build up but for 90% of the folks on this board this won't be an issue.
Haven't tried stock points with MSD. Might try it on the daughter's Jeep as I have the MSD and it has a prestolite distributor with all new tuneup parts in it.

Best thing I noticed with the MSD was cold starts and cool wet rainy day starts, much easier.

Had HEI in the 225 when I got it, but that's a whole nuther story.

[Patrick]

FWIW, DON'T put your MSD power on the same circuit as the signal wire for your electric fan controller....DAMHIK..