Electronic Ignition Identification help

[mikerr]

Just got my car last week and trying to get to know more about it so I can start working on it. This weekend I want to do a basic tune-up and need to replace the cap and rotor. From looking at the pictures does anybody know what setup could have been used here ? I have no idea what cap and rotor I need.

Thanks
MikeRR

 

[Big John]

No electronics there... That's the ballast resistor and voltage regulator in the upper left.

Looks like the standard single point distributor. Ask for it by the application (383 Plymouth LOL) and of course you'll need to change the points and condenser to do a proper "tune up"... just like the old days.

 

[Big John]

Oh... and get a brown cap if you can....

 

[mikerr]

Thanks. The previous owner told me he did the conversion but I could not find the components LOL! Can't wait to pull the cap off. Why a brown cap ?

 

[Big John]

So it looks right.... They came from the factory with a brown cap. One of those pet peeves I have....

Might have a Pertronix ignition unit under the cap. Basically a hidden conversion that fits where the points were. They work well. I think Roadcuda has one in his car.

 

[Basketcase]

Pet Peeve of mine too, gotta have the brown cap!

 

[mikerr]

Thanks all. I will let you know what I find on Saturday when I take the cap off.

 

[abodybill]

I put the Pertronix in my car and it has the brown cap.

You can buy the correct brown caps a NAPA.

 

[Basketcase]

CarQuest has them too.

 

[Roadcuda]

So it looks right.... They came from the factory with a brown cap. One of those pet peeves I have....

Might have a Pertronix ignition unit under the cap. Basically a hidden conversion that fits where the points were. They work well. I think Roadcuda has one in his car.

You are correct John. I have Pertronix II units in two of my cars and they work well in both of them. The easiest way to find out if that's what you have without taking off the cap is to look for two wires coming out of the distributor, instead of the one that points would have. That is one reason I went with the Pertronix. I like the stock look and this is the easiest way to do it. No one would know the difference unless they were specifically looking for how many wires come out of the distributor.

 

[mikerr]

Update....... Did the tune-up yesterday and it turned out to have points !

 

[Big John]

I'd suggest doing a conversion to the electronic ignition sometime. Either do the Chrysler version with a new distributor etc. or like the other guys have done and do the almost invisible Pertronix drop in conversion using the existing distributor.

Points work great.... but they are something that needs a lot more attention and regular replacement. Most have done the conversion and haven't looked back.

 

[Basketcase]

I pulled my electronic out and put points back in.

 

[Big John]

I pulled my electronic out and put points back in.

Yea... but you don't own a cell phone either.

 

[Basketcase]

what do you expect...I drive a 45 year old car!

 

[Big John]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite

 

[abodybill]

Yea... but you don't own a cell phone either.

Dave still has a crank phone on the wall

Has to go thru the operator.

 

[cj69RR]

Do an electronic conversion. Which ever one you choose, you will enjoy the drivability of it much more. Mine has an MSD system in it.

 

[Basketcase]

when we first moved out here in '81 they still had a party line.

 

[abodybill]

when we first moved out here in '81 they still had a party line.

Dave,
I had to go thru the operator and give her the number I wanted even if it was just down the road but,it changed late 80's.