Chrysler had the right idea way back in 1972 when it stepped away from ignition points and went to electronic ignition. It took GM a few years more before it came out with the HEI distributor. This is now 2004, so it's safe to say that electronic ignition has proven its reliability. It's time to finally get rid of those points.
But don't trash that old, reliable GM points distributor. Instead, take a look at the electronic ignition conversion that M&H Electric Fabricators has devised. This is a slick, one-wire electronic conversion that is easy to install and does not necessitate disassembling the distributor or removing the shaft.
The M&H conversion consists of a Hall-effect magnetic pickup that bolts directly in place of the points, along with a simple, two-piece trigger wheel that bolts to the bottom of the mechanical-advance mount plate. M&H recommends you pull the distributor out of the engine to do this conversion. The hardest part of the whole operation is threading the two small bolts up through the trigger wheel. Other than that, connect the original wire that went to the points to the magnetic pickup and reinstall the rotor and you're done. It took us longer to read the directions than it did to do the conversion.
This conversion is designed to operate with the stock resistor wire feeding voltage to the positive side of the coil just like the stock points distributors. Hook the wire coming from the distributor to the negative side of the coil, and you're ready to run! It's that simple. And then you'll never have to change points or set the dwell ever again. And for you resto freaks, this single wire looks exactly the same as a stock distributor. Only your dwell meter will know for sure.
Parts List Component PN Price Breakerless SE 38131 $159