I've been having fun with my Sun MD-1 distributor machine working on points type distributors and would like to adapt the machine to work with HEI distributors. I have heard there is a way to make an adapter with parts and diagram. Would anyone happen to have this available? I know there is one commercially made but that it is rather expensive. Any help would be appreciated. Larry
The device you need is called a pulse amplifier. Sun made such a device so the then-new magnetic pickup distributors could be tested on their machines, and you can sometimes find them on e bay. They usually sell for around $200 or more, but Paramount Distributors in Byron, Michigan makes a copy which they sell for around $160. Not cheap, but it works. I first bought a home made pulse amplifier off e bay for around $70. It was actually a Bosch ignition module from a BMW, with instructions on how to hook it up. It worked, but not as well, and it was a cumbersome thing to hook up. Additionally, you have to use a 12 volt car battery to power it. The unit I bought from Paramount hooks up simply, the same as the original Sun unit, and it doesn't require a battery or outside power.
A GM 4 pin hei module does the same thing as the pulse amplifier.. And yes..you need a 12 volt battery as well.. I paid a guy for the "top secret" instructions on how to make my machine work on msd and other electronic distrubutors.. I laughed out loud when I opened the big manilla envelope and there was a single sheet of hand written instructions and a crude drawing of the module & wiring diagram. . One paragraph of instructions. It does work !!
Can you share the drawing he sent? Also the hand written instructions. or email it to me at: subford@gmail.com Thanks.
My SDT SUN Distributor Tester works with the newer Ford Distributors without any pulse amp just the module for Distributor being tested. I Tested it with both the Duraspark 2 and the EEC-IV CCD Ignition systems. Here is how I wired it: \
You can do so many things with points distributors and having one of those machines you can keep it in a perfect state of tune. I'm going to install a three way switch to both sets of points in my dual point and connect the common lead to the coil negative. This way I can change the timing slightly when I need to because of ping due to heat or bad gasoline. I only need one set of points since I use a CD box, I'm going to try the Vertex Z-6, its suppose to be made in America... This thread made me think of a local gearhead who had a Sun Distributor machine in his garage. He uses nothing but Mallory dual point distributors with no vacuum advance... He loves those distributors..
I should have added to the post above that it ran find when I put a Points Distributor in it also. I also used a 6 volt bench power supply/charger and not a battery in the above tests.
I always ran mallory dual points in all my old pontiacs and loved them. still have one floating around somewhere. If I was doing a more resto looking style motor rebuild then I would use the original point distributor and gut it and add one of the mr. gasket dual point conversion plates to it.
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