MOPAR: Another distributor option for about $12

[Bill usn-1]

Thanks to Dennis Bernth for finding this on Ebay. It looks like it may save some time when performing the distributor conversion for either an ignition upgrade or a complete swap to EFI with computer controlled timing.

After seeing the distributor I went online to parts america and started looking at the parts required. I used a 1977 dodge D300 with 7.2L.

Here's the parts I ordered.

Pick up AL425CS
$9.49




My distr is the Holley points distr.

This is it next to the Ford DS-Duraspark distr I normally use for a donor.



If you look at the new plate you see it is 2 plates and the hole in the center of the large plate is too small to fit over the points cam lobes.
So I started out by removing the head off the rivet to separate the plates.
You can use a drill or a grinder to do it.
Then just remove the screw and seperate the 2 pieces.






For the distributor, simply remove all the screws holding the points and condensor, then completely remove.


Then set the new pick up in place.

NOTE
For just the ignition upgrade

The pick up must be positioned so that it will move with the vacuum advance plate. If you try to locate it in a different position then shown here, you will not get full vacuum advance.

Simply install the pick up using the screw hole closest to the vacuum advance arm.




Now for the reluctor.


I grabbed the Duraspark reluctor and slipped it over the shaft.

It sets right over the points lobes with no interference.





So all you need to do is set the air gap between the reluctor and pick up and then drill and install a screw where the rivet used to be. Make sure that it is not too long and below the top plate or it may hit the lower base plate and prevent the vacuum advance from moving.
You may be able to get away with just the one screw but better safe then sorry.
Set the air gap to about .006-.008. I've seen them a lot wider but this should work fine as long as the shaft doesn't wobble too much.
If you find they tough and is causing a miss, then just open the gap up slightly.



Then just make the slot for the wire grommet right where the old one passed thru.
and
Then you need to install the distr and #8 TDC and position the rotor to the #8 wire. Then turn the reluctor so it is lined up with the pick up and stake it down or dill and install a set screw as per the DS conversion 1 or DS conversion 2.





Here is the distributor Dennis bought on Ebay.
It is a Holley GB-Gold Box distr with the hall effect pick up and small reluctor.



To align the reluctor to the pickup the person that origionally converted it simply raised the stock reluctor up into position.



You can do this or you could replace the reluctor with the DS reluctor as above.



Also refer to the DS conversion 1 for locking out the mechanical advance if using the distr for EFI.


Note: When setting the timing for the first time you must ensure the wiring is correct on the ignition module. The 2 wires from the pickup in the distr must be connected to the proper terminal, P and N on the module. To verify they are correct:
A. Set engine to TDC compression stroke. For IH use #8 for V8s and #1 for 4 cyls. For all other makes use the correct plug.
B. Remove the cap and verify the rotor phasing is correct IAW the distr conversion thread. Rotor should be just past center of the cap terminal in the direction of rotation(clockwise for IH) and the reluctor should be lined up.
C. Connect timing light and disconnect the timing bypass connector.
D. Crank engine to check timing. If the wires are connected properly then the timing will be within 5* of 0*. Just set timing to 0 and your good. If the timing is 20-30* away then swap the P and N wires and check again.




Testing the pickup:

Autozone testing

If the resistance is not between 117 and 900 ohms, disconnect the distributor pickup leads. Measure the resistance at the pickup leads. The resistance should be between 117 and 900 ohms. If the resistance is not within the accepted range, the pickup coils are bad and must be replaced.