Distributor Change Out to Electronic

kdrags68

Cadet
Joined
Jun 23, 2008
Messages
15
85 Larson with a 229 3.8 v6 4 barrel that has an 80 to 85 motor in it. Problem... runs at around 3400 WOT at 30 mph with a 17p prop on it at 5000 ft. Should run 4400 to 4800 WOT according to the manual. I have changed out the plugs, wires and cap and rotor and points. I had the carb worked on by a carb place here local. Filters are all changed and clean. 6lbs fuel pressure. Compression test shows 118 to 121 on all 6 cylinders. Motor has around 30 hours on it and was built by S&S motors 2 years ago. If you give it full throttle it hesitates and chugs and will not go over 2100 rpm. If you ease the throttle forward you can eventually get it up to 3200 to 3400 trimming it out. I changed the points system to an electronic conversion kit part # PNK 1563A made by Pertonics. Followed the instructions exactly. It wont start. Put the points back in and starts. What I want to do now is change out the distributor for an electronic one and get rid of the points. Problem is I can't seem to find any cross reference to a different distributor like Mallory for this thing. Every thing just shows replacement parts for my distributor, not a replacement one. I can't find one from Mallory or any other name brand. Can any one help me with part numbers to get a new electronic distributor? Part number on the tag of mine is IBM-7018 ST made by Prestolite. It doesn't have to be Mallory. Thanks in advance.
 

WizeOne

Commander
Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
2,097
Re: Distributor Change Out to Electronic

Why don't you call pertronix and ask them what is going on? They can help you troubleshoot it. That aside either the pertronix or another electronic distributor is not likely to help your running problem.

Is your carb a factory 4bbl? If not, at 5000 ft it could be flooding out the engine. Even if it is OEM, is it jetted for 5k ft altitude?
 

dr_bowtie

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 4, 2009
Messages
281
Re: Distributor Change Out to Electronic

sounds to me either the timing is slow (retarded) or you have a fuel issue...

check the plugs for color...whitish is lean and black is rich...they should be a medium brown...

check the ignition timing and make sure your lead is correct (base timing) you should also make sure the advance is working and it should be giving advance starting around 1,500rpm and be full in by 3000rpm...

for the Pertronix convo it shounds like you dont have the leads wired correctly or the rotor is phased correctly...

the 229 is a early Chevy V6 pre-4.3L and any 229 distributor will work...you could try the local bone yard for a Malibu with an HEI and try that...

all you'll need to do is seal the cap good...
 
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