mallory unilite $100 to buy or not to buy

a local craigslist guy has a mallory unilite distributor he say hes had for 2 year but never built his motor so it has never been used

is this a good deal or should i hold out and buy a pertronix?
im building a traditional style sbc with tri power

 

Too much...IMO...there pretty easy to come by.
I have a couple that were $20-$40 from swaps....one with a tach drive....

 

I wouldn't.

 

I have one, and it's a good distributor. I think the price for the modules have come down quite a bit. Compared to new, that's a good price.

Figure the worst, that the module is blown, and then price a new module and see if that is in your price range.

I'm an MSD 6A fan, so anything non-vacuum that will trigger the MSD box is fine with me. The unilite has a kit of weights available to change the advance curve, and is easy to change.

 

Spring for the MSD.

 

IfI were building a new engine and didn't have anything for ignition I'd go MSD. they have a "ready to run" unit that just drops in and your on your way. Get the one with vacuum advance and save a couple of MPG. It's well worrth whatever the extra cost and their reputation is stellar.

Frank

 

Mallory equipment is not the product it was back in the day. Currently... it's pure junk.

 

I'd pass, those modules (the 'eye' inside) burn up too easy, like giving a buddy a jump start or connecting a battery chrger will spike them to an early death. Go msd and be done with it. Ever hear of anybody changing from msd to something else? Don't happen for a good reason.

 

I ran a Unilite in my car and it was pure JUNK. Kept blowing modules. I would definitly pass on it even if it was FREE.
Later,
Dick

 

Been running a Unilite for the last 15 years and 50,000 miles on the roadster.

No probs.

Imo, the great majority of Unilite failures are caused by poor grounding.


I see where MSD came out with a distributor for the 430-455 Buicks.
Trouble is, no vacuum advance which is needed to combat low speed overheating.

Did they ever get around to offering a vacuum advance distributor?

 

The Unilight I run in my A Truck.....I bought in 1987 back in High School and ran it in my 68 Chevelle.....and then two other car's...then years later picked it up off my shelf and installed it again.........Many year's of good service.......and installing it in a very good wiring system each time........I have replaced the rotor and cap once and that's it.......This is my experience w/ one.....and it still runs in the low 11's and high 10's at the Strip, Littleman

 

I have had one in my 64 for 20+ years no problems. You must make sure you have a good ground at all times however, or you will blow the module.

 

I have.......every MSD item I've owned has been total garbage. I'll take a good ol' dual point Mallory anyday over the latest and greatest MSD crap.....

 

I"m in the same boat, wanted old school look that would clear the trips and be low maintenance. Found a NOS Mallory double life on Craigslist fo $75. It has the tach drive I need and that flat top 2 piece cap that takes me back. Now out with the points and in with a Pertronix conversion and I'll have it all, I hope.

 

I like points, they are more reliable, will never leave you stranded as long as you have a pocket knife, file or sand paper

 

Talk to GMC BUBBA. Has a set up that can't be beat. Uses stock parts so you can get them anywhere.

I copied his set up in my truck. Runs like a champ with no problems.


jerry

 

Let it go and save your money for the good one ! You will be much happier too !

 

Second that, GMC BUBBA has dizzy's for everything, running one in my flathead, chebby conversion...if going with the mallory, get the surge filter thingy, it is pretty much necessary insurance....read this as well

http://www.shoeboxford.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&ThreadID=19859