Hello all I am a newly registered member of this forum. I have read many useful and interesting posts. I recently became the new owner of a very nice low mileage all original 1972 Dodge Dart Custom. After taking care of all of the rotten hoses belts etc. I am now looking forward to updating some systems. One system that I would like to upgrade is the ignition system. After doing some research here I think I will go with the HEI system. Sorry for the long winded approach, but what I am confused about is whether I should use a drop in petronix kit or go with a whole new EI distributor? If I do, go with whole new distributor what year/model vehicle source is recommended for overall balanced performance?

Any helpful information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Matt

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1972 Dart Custom

Ok after doing a lot of reading on the HEI discussion it looks like the petronix drop in is out for HEI, and I guess I stay away from lean burn distributors. I still would like any input as to what year vehicle has the best distributor for my application, also if anyone knows a good part place to buy the distributor from. I would appreciate a heads up.

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1972 Dart Custom

DusterIdiot Recommended stock dizzy choices:

If you can get a NOS/OEM distributor I'd take them in this order:

3874876 (late 70's supersix distirbutor for Aspen/Volare)
3874714 (1976 distributor for A-body)
3874598 (1976 dsitributor for A-body Automatic Tranny)

Most likely you will find the 1973-1974 Distributors (next down on the list):
3755042

Last choice is a Cardone Reman, since your core and curve is a crap shoot.

If you had a core I can refurbish and recurve it for you. I currently have run out of EI cores to refurbish (I have one 3755042 I just picked up...)

-D.Idiot

thanks for the info! It seems every time I look something up if I get a hit it is Cardon lol. I wish I had a core. Looks like Me and cardon are destined to intersect since there are very few older cars in our parts yards.

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1972 Dart Custom

I bought a NOS electronic distributor from old car parts northwest, it was a good unit but it felt a little tight from sitting all those years so I stripped it to relube the bushings and governor . I can't tell you what year it was for but I recurved the advance and limited total amount as per the instructions on this site. All I can say is enjoy the difference!! It's a great upgrade. If you want to save $$ do an Internet search, guys have run hei using a points trigger, sure the rubbing block may still wear a little but the points carry virtually no current and last forever. I have not done this, but it seems others have, just a mention.i bought a heat sink and a relay with a built in 15 A fuse built in from an OZ company called Jaycar. The heat sink mounts the hei module and relay to make things compact . I mounted it on the inner guard just under the alt so you can't see it, just leave the ballast in place if you want a stealth look and extend the old coil pos wire to switch the relay, the current draw is so minute to switch a relay the ballast does nothing. I used a pertronix oil filled . 6 ohm coil and pulled power from the bat terminal on the alt. to the casual onlooker you would be hard pressed spotting the whole conversion, but the improvement is the best bang for buck out there! I also run Magnecor wires and the zfr5 n? Extended tip plugs at .045". For a streeter you can't touch this system for value for money!

Thanks for the info. WOW the points method is cool. I still think I want to try a whole new set up and shelf my points.

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1972 Dart Custom