64 Nailhead, Best Distributor Solution?

[picturedlife]

My Electra is pinging, I'm running 91 with an octane booster and I'm not being able to get the advance where I want it with the stock distributor. Is there a consensus about the best solution? As far as I know the choices are a rebuilt GM unit, the Pertronix thing, and the MSD-type HEI distributor. I could be wrong about all this.

Can anyone tell me what has or hasn't worked for them on this? TIA

[Bob]

If you engine is in good condition, pinging is generally a result of too much advance. You should be able to just turn retard your distributor a bit and it will go away.

[telriv]

Normally the "NailHead" distributors VERY seldom go bad. No matter what you may purchase as a replacement distributor the advance rate will still need to be set. This includes initial, vacuum, mechanical, total & at what RPM's this all happens at. This usually means it's time to have the distributor rebuilt/gone through. All of this is usually done on a distributor machine. It can be done in the car but takes MUCH longer. There are many things that can cause pinging, including but not limited to a lean running engine caused by vacuum leak/leaks & a carb. needing an overhaul, etc. At my shop I rebuild/recurve & install Electronic Ignitions into the stock distributors.

Tom T.

[picturedlife]

Thanks guys. I've played with the advance and wasn't satisfied. I think Tom is probably right about the possibility of carb trouble complicating matters.

Tom, you were saying you use the stock distributor for an electronic ignition, do you use the Pertronix module?

[telriv]

No Sir!!!! Too many reported problems. I use a 1 wire system that externally looks completely stock/original. I've been installing them now for about 6/7 years now with 0 problems reported.