Electronic ignition?

[mwood65]

What is the cheapest way to swap in a new distributor?


I know MSD and others make aftremarket ones but is there a cheaper way?


Just a OEM HEI unit that will bolt in?

[StretchinPA]

What is the cheapest way to swap in a new distributor?


I know MSD and others make aftremarket ones but is there a cheaper way?


Just a OEM HEI unit that will bolt in?

I grabbed this HEI one off of Amazon and it's been working great for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XYWBKVP?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

It replaced the old prestolite ignition that was still on the waggy.

[mwood65]

I grabbed this HEI one off of Amazon and it's been working great for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XYWBKVP?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

It replaced the old prestolite ignition that was still on the waggy.

That's for the 8cyl., sorry I didn't specify but I have the 258.


They may have one for that also, I will check. Thank you.

[tgreese]

The only OEM HEI that will work is from a 250 Chevy inline 6. The original gear won't work but you can use a gear from an AMC V8 and that's supposed to fit if you turn it upside down(??)

There are many options, including the 250 distributor and aftermarket HEI (not OEM!) I would not go with an aftermarket HEI. What year is your Jeep?

[babywag]

Pertronix conversion, or '78-up OEM Jeep Duraspark from a 258.

[tgreese]

Ah, looking at your profile, it's a '74.

The OEM Delco distributor is a good one. You could keep it with the Pertronix conversion. Or, the MSD 6A module can be triggered by a points distributor. This uses the points to trigger the module and the module takes over the coil switching. You'll get a much hotter and longer spark, and the points will last a long time, until the fiber block wears out.

[mwood65]

OK, Thanks for your input.


This spring I am going to go one way or another and change it.

[Heep-J4000]

The pertronix ignition is a really good setup if you ask me!

I installed one on my 73 j-4000 with 360 last year and never had to look back at it!

Sadly the 360 engine stopped running on al cylinders last oktober ,so I guess it's at it's end after 13 years of every day use.
But the pertronix ignition was doing perfect!

[bagusjeep]

you have a 258 so plenty of choice.

Cheapest distributor is the Motorcraft style fitted to later 258. Seems they are $30 or so reman at your local store. Going to fit, not going to chew your cam, going to have the right curve. Spec one for a 1980 CJ7.

Add to this the distributor cap, rotor and adapter from a late 70s Ford I6 300ci. $20. Spec the brass terminals.

Add a new spark plug seat from aforesaid Ford (the distributor cap requires different leads). i bought genuine Motorcraft $25 a set.

Now choose an ignition module and wire it up. You could use an MSD6A, nothing wrong with it, or a Motorcraft Dusraspark module but I suggest an HEI module $25. If you are any good at wiring etc this is easy to wire up. You may want to heat sink it.

You can run this with the old coil or, because the ignition is now more efficient, go for an e-core or a TFI coil. You can open up the spark plug gaps a bit as well.

I used the petronix igniter on my CJ3A and I have to say I was very impressed. If i had a good condition points distributor, I would consider this. Took 30 minutes to install and it was so easy, the working parts all sit within the distributor.

You will find it revs cleaner and higher as the points are gone and the big dizzie cap is getting more energy to the right plug.

or get a clone of an hei off fleabay for same and pray it does not eat your cam or have a wild curve.

I put a petronix igniter on my CJ3A and it was great, took 30 minutes and was simple. If my points dixzzie is in good condition, this route is perfect as it keeps teh stock timing etc but revs better.

[bufurd]

Petronix conversion and forget about it.