Hi guys, Questions on the ignition portion of the 6 to 12v conversion. 1949 GMC FC102 228 engine.
Original 6v distributor is Delco-Remy 1112356.
1. Are the points and condenser 12v specific in the conversion? Mixed details in my research and many suppliers offer complete conversion kit, but I see a lot of “Pertronix” electronic and it sounds like keeping points and condenser are preferred over that. I actually prefer points and condenser.
2. Any good recommendations for quality points and condenser? Is anything American made?
My original 6v coil is a Delco-Remy 1115328.
1. I was able to cross reference a Rock Auto 12v coil in a conversion kit but could only find 12v applications on 1950 GMC 228n(see pic). Do I need a resistor? Offers with or without.
My '52 GMC 228 came to me 12 years ago already converted to a 12v negative ground system. The coil was marked "12v" and had an internal "ballast" resistor that could not be bypassed like a slightly more modern (say 1956 and newer) system with an ignition switch with a start position (or a stomp starter switch with a bypass terminal), 12 volt coil, points and condenser can be when starting. I think the C15 or UC15 in your post would be such a coil. Some (me included) would argue that using such a coil would cause starting to be harder because the lack of an external bypass for the ballast resistor and the coil having a non-bypassable ballast resistor. Mine seemed to do okay.
That said, I've been using a Deve designed HEI system for years now with no complaints and very quick starting under both hot and cold conditions.
As for a condenser, contact forum member Jon G.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Read this and contact Jon G to get one of his condensers. After experiencing brand new condensers fail almost immediately upon installation, I installed his units in every vehicle I own that uses breaker point ignition.
I have never converted any vehicle from points to Pertronix. My '56 Coupe de Ville has been my primary vehicle for 23 years and points work perfectly.
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
