Tri power Question

I'm getting ready to put a tri power (using Rochester carbs and an Edelbrock intake) on my SBC in my T. I know the HEI distributor won't clear the back carb and I really don't want to run a old points type distributor. What setup have you guys that have done this had the best luck with. Any info would be appreciated!

 

I went with an old school Mallory, converted to HEI by Gmc Bubba. looks good, works good. Contact him, you won't be disappointed!

 

I wonder if Mallory still makes the unilite for the old style distributor???? Im sure someone will set you straight..

 

I used the HEI unit on the right in the pic, on a tri-power in a '58 chevy. Contact Gmc Bubba!

 

A good old "window points" Chevy dist with a pertronix is what I'd do. It's cheap, easy and it works. You can be sure that it will fit. What's not to like?

 

I've used the Pertronix electronic conversion a number of times in old timey GM points style distributors. They always have worked out very well. The difference in starting ability is amazing and never having to set points again...priceless.

Joe

 

Xs 2 Triggerman. I've got a SBC w Rochester tri-power and that set-up works fine.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Check out the Pertronix Ignitor II. Supposed to be a stronger spark then the original. I've got one in an old Mallory twin point housing, igniting a mild street 671 blown SBC and it's doing a good job.

 

I have a pertronix Ignitor II the origial dizzy in my Olds 455 with tri power.
And it works much better then the points. It is not necesary to gring thee point after the winter

 

I converted my points distributor on my Buick Nailhead to HEI using a mopar pickup coil and reluctor and a GM module.

 

put a pertronix in my chevy 11 with a 3 duce set up got it on evilbay for about 70 shiped

 

Pertronix rules. Used two of them without a hiccup.

 

Pertronix! Do a conversion, or I think they may have new units ready to go.

 

When installing a Pertronix conversion, make sure you set the timing as soon as you get it running. Typically, one of these increases the dwell about 6 to 8 degrees, which translates to adding 3 to 4 degrees advance just by installing it. Not a serious problem on a car engine (a few backfires etc), but I put one on a a 350 I had in a boat and as soon as I tried to start it, it backfired, kicked backwards, and hydro-locked the engine (breaking a cheap aluminum roller rocker arm in the process). I had to pull the plugs, get the water out of the cylinders, replace the rocker arm, and change the oil. This happened twice (luckily, I only broke a rocker arm once) until I figured out what was going on and installed the distributor a little bit retarded, got it running, re-timed it, and everything was fine. That had to be at least 10 years ago, and it has been trouble free ever since. (Any of you with a stern drive boat with SBC know what a blessing this can be.) Just a word of warning.

 

Is the conversion of an old distributor pretty easy to do? Any thing special I should know or do?

 

It comes with instructions and it is pretty easy. I used one on my old '50 Harley after very good luck on several on SBCs and an Olds.

 

I installed an HEI version of a Vertex® magneto - plenty skinny and plenty period-perfect - plus they just look good. Mallory Unilite also clears well.

dj

 

GMC bubba is the guy for this .

 

You can also pick up an old 2 piece cap Mallory and get a Pertronix to fit it.



I have friend that converts them over to Chrysler electronic ign.



He did this one for me so that I could get rid of this ugly new POS billet body with a RED cap. yuck.