Delco V8 Points conversion to Electronic

OK, gentlemen... I know it sounds like I'm beating a dead horse here, but I've searched the threads, clicked on the links, read the threads within the threads... my brain is mush (maybe even more than usual!)
I have checked out the pertronix upgrade, investigated DUI, HEI, DIS... I've even considered just putting in a replacement points dizzy... I give up! Somebody tell me what I want!
OK, deep breaths, focus... I have a 1973 304 V8, mild cam, headers, Edelbrock intake/carb combo. Stock Delco distributor (PO put on a Jacobs High energy coil). The rig is very cold blooded, spits, chokes, backfires, acts like it out of time, but I have set the dwell/timing/ect. to within factory specs. After it warms up, it runs better, but then when I punch it, it backfires again. I'm thinking (correct me if I'm all wet) that it's acting like the advance isn't working. I could rebuild my existing distro, but I have found an 'AMC GM HEI Distributor V8 290 TO 401' (remanufactured) for ~$150 (so far, Ebay, you know), so I guess my final question is, are the one wire GM HEI's obsolete and glitchy, are the DUI's overpriced for what I want (I'm not a racer, I'm a crawler) is the TFI more trouble than what they're worth? Should I rebuild what I got?
OK, I'm done rambling, and I know I'm going to get as many different answers as I have questions, but I'm hoping somebody will say the one thing that turns this poor little 15 watt bulb in my brain into a 250 watt floodlight! Good luck!R)

 

I think there is a way for your rig to run right with the stock dist. and points in it. But everything has to be right. You might want to make sure the vacumn advance is working. Hook the hose to a source on the intake and see if the timing changes. Also make sure the timing marks are easy to see and set to specs. Dwell needs to be right too. Is the choke hooked up and working? Could the carb need a new accelerator pump? All of the above can cause the symtoms that you describe.
I just would hate for you to put in a different dist. and have the same problems. Does it sound like I had your problem? Oh yea!

 

I think you have carb issues. At least some of it is carb issues. Maybe a bad accel pump. Rebuild the carb double check timing and dwell, plugs and wires, check for vacuum leaks and make sure that you have ported vacuum at the dist advance and the advance works. If you still have issues look at a distributer malfunction.

I have been running Jeeps 10 years and I have never once come across a bad distributor and I always run the stock dist. I am not saying is does not happen but just be sure before you spend the $$.

 

I agree with the others in that you have another problem, most likely fuel related. You really need to eliminate other things before jumping to conclusion about the distributor; distributor not usually temperature related.
With that being said, do you have a repair/speed shop around that can test/run your distributor ? This step would reveal any and all problems that might be with the distributor.
If you believe it to be the distributor, then try another or obtain a rebuilt unit from your local parts store.
Once everything is finally figured out and the Jeep runs good, I would consider installing the Pertronix unit inside the Delco distributor.
that's my opinion

 

With the above being said, gut feeling is I agree. The PO was great with the build-up of the JEEP, but I have reservations about his 'tuning abilities'. And it's been so long since I've tuned-up, that I have doubts about myself! Uh, (stupid question follows) I want to pull the distributor to have it tested... right? and I do read the threads about how to line everything up, TDC, #1 cylinder, etc.

jpflat2a, do you have the Pertronix unit? Anyone reading this thread have one, and how do you like it? I am leaning towards that if and when I do upgrade, I would just like some more info... if you know what I mean. (Something about being married and justifying the $$$, not her, me!R) )

 

yes, I have pertronix installed on my delco for my V6.
Costs about $100, give or take a few $$
Summit was where I bought mine.
Installation is fairly simple, just measuring shaft endplay after installing/removing shims if I recall.
It can also be removed and stock components reinstalled if failure happens out on the trail...which was a selling point for me.
If you do a search here for Petronix, you'll have plenty to read.

Back to your problem: you could have a simple problem such as a bad plug or plug wire.....or carb problems.
Older repair shops may have a distributor testing machine; Sun Corp. made one....they put your distributor in and run it thru it's paces; it checks the advance, how much in degrees, the advance curve, worn bushings or shaft, etc etc etc.
after repairs have been made to the unit, they can dial it in to whatever is called for per the application.
Let me say that if the compression, timing, dwell, and the carb aren't adjusted/working correctly now, maybe hooking up a vacuum gauge and reading that will help aid in diagnosis. Do all the simple things you can do; then go seek out help for the tougher stuff.

 

I've got a FLAPS here in town that carries the Pertronix, both versions. (And trust me, I've read LOTS in these threads, plus outside! That's probably why I'm brain-dead! Information overload!)
"The simple things first", that I can do. Maybe everything is just dried up, the build-up of this rig took nearly 10 years (according to the PO, and other sources) and I don't know what order he did things, and I do know it didn't run much during that time.
I appreciate all the input, I think the lightbulb is becomming a little brighter.
Mike

 

Everyone has their opinion.....I went with one off Ebay. A GM HEI converted to AMC distributor, and put it on my 78 CJ5 w/304. Couldn't be happier. One wire, coil is built in, no computer box and the thing runs great.
Summit carries one for around $200.

 

I got mine off ebay. excellent. info is at IFSJA.

 

This is probably the cheapest route: http://bbs.off-road.com/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=1369236
It's what I'd do if I had an AMC V8. Plus the TFI upgrade http://www.buildyour4x4.com/BY-Tech/TFI-01.html

If you plan to go to TBI eventually, the GM HEI distributor can be converted to spark control - maybe Duraspark too, though I have not looked into it.

 

LostDawg, I had simptoms similar to yours on my 232. After a carburetor rebuild w/electric choke added, I installed one of the ebay distributors from the same seller. Best thing I could do. It was well worth the small investment

 

Thanks for all the input, gang. I think my first order of business should be the carb rebuild. It's an Edelbrock 1406 w/electric choke, and I guess I thought that with so few miles on it, that the carb was the least of my worries. Obviously, not being run is just as bad, if not worse, than being run normal.
Timgr, I had read that thread before, but I must not have understood it... am I to understand that I could replace my Delco points dizzy with a Duraspark from a Ford (correct year, model, engine), plus the required caps, adapters, etc? What about the gear at the bottom, that issue wasn't addressed that I could find. I will be researching this to its fullest and try to determime best cost/unit/performance ratio.
Also, at this point, I have no plans for TBI. I figure that for now, I can get pretty good milage/power from the Edelbrock setup.
(Hmmm, how about this... 304ci with MPI and twin turbo... who needs to crawl when they can fly?R))

 

The AMC engines 1978 and later used a Motorcraft electronic ignition called the Duraspark system. You can use the Duraspark distributor with a GM HEI electronic ignition module in the setup shown in that link. You need the AMC V8 Duraspark distributor, from any AMC V8 1978 or later.

The Duraspark system is upgradeable to high-voltage parts. This upgrade is usually called the TFI (thick film integration) after the hotter coil that was used with the upgraded Duraspark systems. Many Fords came with the TFI Duraspark, but AMC always used the lower vlotage version.

 

Just a quick update on where I'm at... and I figured I would keep this thread going so I didn't lose track of what was said.
I rebuilt the Eddy 1406 (600cfm w/electric choke) and Oh, Boy, was everything out of adjustment or what! Both floats were so far out that I'm not surprised it ran rich on one side, but lean on the other. Then every linkage adjustment that could be off, was. Even the choke was out of adjustment. And yes, there was varnish in the bowls from sitting so long, so Yes, Gentlemen... you were all correct in telling me to rebuild the carb before I even worried about the distributor. Thank you!
One caveat though, timgr, I really liked the looks of that Duraspark/HEI/TFI upgrade, and have researched it thouroghly, and will try it soonish. It appears to be the best of multiple worlds; off the shelf parts and cheap (so I can carry spare parts if needed), reliable, and provides gains which can be "felt". I was originally leaning towards the Pertronix unit, but I believe I can get as good, if not better results with the Duraspark set up, and if I break down somewhere in Central Washington, Jethro won't look at me and ask "A Pertro-what?!?"R)