Ford Repair: HEI 302 Engine Swap, hot rod car, mustang fastback

Question
HI Dave,

I'm about to completely strip my (mostly stock)'73 Bronco to the frame and do a much needed restore. The guy I bought the thing from has a '91 HO 5.0 w/351 firing order in her, and I absolutely despise this motor. It has a stock (2350?) carb and point type ignition, and has never run right, even with my career mechanic buddies' help with tuning. I think that it's rated @ 300 hp, but runs at about 120; it would probably run fine with the computer and fuel injection, but I digress - I want it gone. Anyhoo, I also have a '69 Mustang Fastback (which is next on the list for a restore), and we swapped the original 302 for a 351W a few years back because of a major knock/overheat problem. The heads were redone, but that didn't solve the problem. At present, and being closer to correct year, I am going to take the old 302 to have a short block rebuild done for install on the Bronco. Question is this: I've always been a breaker point man, but have (finally) been persuaded to give electronic ignition a try. I was looking at the non-roller HEI units by Mallory. Can you recommend a specific unit, and tell me what additional parts (besides) distributor that I will need? Is there a firing module (brain) involved? Please keep in mind that (at 40 y.o.a.), I have never messed with anything except point-type ignition. Thanks so much, Mike Jones - Dalas, TX  

Answer
I'm sorry, I can't offer you any experienced advice.  I work at a Dealership; we never do engine swaps or vehicle modifications.  My personal experience on this subject is very limited.  If I were attempting a project like this, I would attend many hot rod car shows and test-and-tune days at the drag strip, to talk to as many people as I could.  I would also research the manufactures websites.

Dave