I'm thinking seriously about converting my 1963 Valiant's ignition to solid state. The discussions I found searching the forum seem to involve installing parts from a newer "donor" car and buying a few pieces to complete the job. RockAuto offers a couple of kits for under $200. Are these kits complete or will I still need aditional bits? I'm looking at

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinf ... cc=1491417

Any other comments or advice on the conversion very much appreciated.

The simple solution is a pertronix ignition.......

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Go with GM HEI conversion, parts are easy to get.

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm certainly not opposed to either but I think I'd need a lot more guidance. I was looking for a simple and complete solution that a non-mechanic could install. Does Pertronix offers something specific to my car or is there a list of parts available for an HEI conversion?

I've never used the Pertronix stuff but heard good things about them as a drop-in solution. For the HEI conversion, it's covered here in the Electrical section, it's a sticky thread near the top with info and links. Looks pretty simple and it's on my list for my ride.

http://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15779

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1966 Coronet Deluxe

The Pertronix is an incredibly simple "drop in" solution to replacing your points ignition. Many people have used it and love it.

One pitfall to a Pertronix system is that if it ever failed, you might be stuck until you get a replacement in the mail. Your local auto store isn't going to have a spare Pertronix module on the shelf.

Some Pertronix users keep a spare (points based) distributor in the trunk, just in case.

- Mac

Or just the points and condenser........


If you get the pertronix 3 ohm coil at the same time you can eliminate the ballast resistor (and it's possible failure)......

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

But you have to disassemble the upper end of the distributor (vacc can and pick up plate) to remove the aluminum pertronix base plate and need to have the hardware ready to mount the points and condenser back in...(and hopefully you don't have to be standing in the rain trying to adjust the gap and check dwell...)

I have done work on EI, point and pertronix is a good system given that you don't have to rewire in the EI/HEI modules and system. I think the decision should be based on comfort level of the installer and what the end goal is (I think the HEI/ chrysler EI distributor is a bit better and "tighter" and allows an easier step up to other Hipo ignition systems,
if going down that road).

-D.Idiot

Have used several Petronics,like them.Had one failer when on a trip alt over charged battery and cooked battery and petronics,had point plate in trunk so changed it out and new batt,un hooked alt and made it home.Put in new alt and new petronics and all has been good.Guzzi Mark

Much easier to get GM modual and they are very easy to change if it were to go bad.

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Thanks for all the input. I think I'll be going with the Pertronix kit and coil. Do I need 1.5 or 3 OHM coil?

Regarding failure, couldn't you carry a spare Pertronix module for the same kind of money as a full distributor? Assuming you don't already have one on the shelf.

Call Pertronix. I believe with the Pertronix II and III you can use the .5 ohm or the 1.5 ohm coil. Check with them to be sure....I believe you don't need the resistor either, but a full 12 volts.

The 3 ohm coil works well with the stock MOPAR ECU. Then you can ditch the resistor. I am running that set up right now.

Sure, you can always carry a spare module for back up.

Click on the red link below to view pictures.

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Aggressive Ted

http://cid-32f1e50ddb40a03c.photos.live ... %20Swinger


74 Swinger, 9.5 comp 254/.435 lift cam, 904, ram air, electric fans, 2.5" HP2 & FM70 ex, 1920 Holley#56jet, 2.76 8 3/4 Sure-Grip, 26" tires, 25+MPG

As D.I. said the conversion depends on the comfort level of the installer, and Denny said he wanted a drop-in solution.
I would carry a spare Pertronix unit rather than the old points set, just as I carry a spare orange box and ballast resistor in my ragtop.

ATB

BC

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'64 Dart GT convertible, 64 Dart 170 2-door post sedan in faded blue and rust (the Az Dart) & a sixty THREE Dart 170 2-door post sedan in faded blue and rust. (future project)
Early Dart Disorder (EDD) is real, and I've got it!