I'm looking make two changes and would like your imput.
1969 FGF 350 2bbl Stock
1. Looking to put a petronix ingintion and get rid of the points ect. Not sure which to use, can any of you suggest the Petronics Product or similar product thats reasonable?
2. I have a 4bbl cast iron manifold the previous owner had used. I am going to swap out the 2bbl man and card and replace with a 4 bbrl carb. Any suggestions on the card I should use.
Garz, Where you been buddy? You missed a great run last Sat. I didn't know how to get ahold of you.
Go with a qjet. I suggest it because they are so readily available and besides they were original to the car. Your stock intake was made for a qjet. The IgniterII is the one they sell for your car. I think they're about $100.
Q-Jet set up right is a good bet, but if you're not a tuner try an Edelbrock Thunder Series AVS. Just installed one in place of my Q-Jet and love it. I'm sure my Q-jet will be good in the future, once I learn how to set it up.
The Pertronix Ignitor 1 is a good system. The Pertronix Ignitor 2 has more features, but it also has an annoying problem. When you go to start the car, the Ignitor 2 module takes a couple of seconds to warm up, so you have to leave the key in the "run" position for 2-4 seconds, otherwise the car will just crank. Some folks aren't bothered by this, but I'd rather be able to simply turn the key and start the car rather than having to remember to wait. Anyone remember the old GM diesels and the "wait" light on the dash to allow the glow plugs to warm up?
Avoid the Mallory Unilite. It can be very reliable, but can fail at any time with an errant voltage spike. They also warn that if you're doing ANY electrical work (or even spot welding), disconnect the module (or battery) or it can blow the Unilite sensor out. The Pertronics module is far more forgiving, and has proven to be extremely reliable.
Q-jet is a great choice. You can get a decent rebuild off E-bay for around $150. Avoid some of the auto parts store rebuilds. Some of those rebuilds use castings that have seen better days.
I run an HEI, but I'd probably try the Crane if I was staying with the old distributor. It has a built in rev limiter. I only know of one person who has used one, but they haven't had any problems so far.
Edelbrock AVS 600 cfm, or 750 cfm rejetted. (Or a Carter)
Or possibly the Edelbrock Q-jet.
For ignition GM's stock HEI will outperform your old points.. -If a bit more money is going to be used, a MSD Ignition system is tried and tested (and works)
You could also go with an Ignition-box such as MSD's or Crane's and use the box with the distributor.
If you go with a product such as the Ignitor, remember to buy a new coil, also.
-New ignition wires (spend around 40-50 bucks on a PROPER quality) will help too.
GM's HEI works great, but I've always been a fan of the stock look, so I prefer the Pertronix setup.
There's also an outfit that can convert a standard distributor to an HEI (known as the small body HEI).
The Pertronix setup is affordable, and eliminates points. It has 2 wires to hook up. It can be installed with the distributor in the car, but it's far easier if you pull the distributor. You'll need to make sure you don't have much up and down play in the distributor shaft, because the Ignitor magnetic ring needs a specific clearance between the ring and the module. It's always good to remove that play anyway with some distributor shims, whether you go to a Pertronix or not. The car will also start much easier (and faster) with the Pertronix. BTW, I use an MSD6AL box with a rev limiter.
As for carbs, there's always a lot of opinions on these, but if you have the patience, the Q-Jet is very hard to beat. And with gas prices as high as they are, it helps economy using the spreadbore verses a square bore design.
It's been a bit, I'm just now getting to the engine....finally! Were going to trailer it up to Redding to have the work done, he's gonna pull it and we'll bring it back to work on the engine compartment. It was very pricey down here. Now I just need to figure out the carb thing. Were going to go to the Good Guys this week end and make my final. Also looking to repalce the power streering gear box while the engine removed.
I'm not what you would call a machanic so maybe the thunder series. But I really would like to keep a qjet. I see that Elderbrock macks a Qjet...that maybe the way to go I guess.....So much to learn and try to understand.
I see on ebay I can get the Petronix Ignitor II combo with Coil and Wires for 164.00 or the Ignitor w/coil & wires for $120.00...any feed back.
We'll have to get together when shes ready to run with no fear of breakdown...hehehe...if that day ever comes!
HEI may really be the short route to what you're looking for in an ignition system.No maintainance and very dependable. Probably cost about the same as the Ig II setup. If you're going for an aftermarket carb I'm guessing that originality is not a high priority. If you don't want to hassle with tuning, a new out of the box Eldo might be what you need. I've heard that most are ready to run that way. As far as chokes...you'll be after an electric on you non-stock carb. Sounds like you have your mind set on your motor work but another way would be to buy a low milage motor off craig's list. Sometimes you can get a killer deal. Then all you're looking at is a motor swap, and you still have your original to mothball in the event of resale, for half the price of a rebuild. Redding sounds like a long haul, at least twice, to me.
