The International Harvester Corporation (IHC) manufactured a variety of farm equipment and trucks until it was bought by Tenneco in 1980. Electronic ignition was not widely available when the engines were made up to 1980, since the technology was so new. In 2011, the internal mechanisms of the distributors are antiquated, requiring much maintenance. Electronic ignition upgrade kits are available for International Harvester engines.
The Ignitor and Ignitor II kits from Pertronix will fit into several models of IHC distributors. You remove the points, and replace the point mounting plate with the electronic module. These kits are made for 12-volt negative ground systems. The kits are specific to the year and make of distributor. For example, for a 1957-1964 IHC truck with the Lucas distributor and a four-cylinder engine, use kit number LU-142A.
The conversion kit from Hot Spark is also manufactured for a variety of IHC engines. Due to the number of distributors used, Hot Spark states it it takes a specific fitting approach. You have to contact the company with the distributor's part number so it can match a kit accordingly. Hot Spark further stated the part number is stamped on the side of the distributor, but is usually covered up by dirt. Kits are available for all four- and six-cylinder engines.
The Mallory Corp. makes a kit for one IHC engine. If your V-8 engine was made from 1957 to 1980 and has a Delco distributor, use kit number 540. The kit is designed to work with the original coil and ballast resistor. No modification to the distributor is needed. This kit is designed for 12-volt negative ground systems only.
Consider upgrading the coil as well. A stock coil will work, but high power coils work best with electronic ignition. These coils produce higher voltages than stock, resulting in a stronger spark at the spark plugs. Many coils designed for electronic ignition systems are available from various manufacturers. An example is the Flame Thrower series of coils from Pertronix. A qualified IHC mechanic can assist you in matching a high-performance coil to your particular engine.
