1973 Jeep Cj5 Distributor- What Kind

I want to upgrade my ignition and need help identifying what kind of distributor I have. I have a 1973 jeep cj5 232

 

Delco. Should be a mark somewhere on the distributor, maybe on the advance plate.

There's nothing wrong with the Delco distributor. You could use it to trigger an MSD module. The points will last a looong time if relieved of switching the coil by the MSD module. Or you could install a '78-up Duraspark distributor, and trigger your choice of modules. Or you could install a Chevy 250 HEI distributor with an AMC V8 distributor gear. Or you could install an aftermarket GM HEI-clone distributor. Lots of options.

 

Pertronix ignitor is also a popular option.

I went with an aftermarket HEI and it's been great. Just be sure to get the proper distributor gear, because the ones they come will can destroy the cam gear.

 

For the dist gear i bought a brass gear with the a new metal gear chew the cam gear...

 

I believe the distributor gear problems are associated with the V8s, not the sixes. Something to look into.

IMO it's hard to beat the '78-up Duraspark as a basis for a 232/258 ignition system. Easily and cheaply available from you parts store. You can choose from several modules that can be triggered by its VR (magnetic) trigger. An HEI-style big cap, rotor and wires are also parts store items for this distributor.

Note that GM thought the coil-under-cap design of the HEI was not suitable for the Blazer with the 250, and GM supplied a short cap and external coil for this app. The original HEI on a Chevy V8 sits level on top of the engine, and the 250 (and 232/258) sits at quite an angle on the side of the engine.

But the existing Delco will work fine with a Pertronix conversion, and the points or the Pertronix can trigger a MSD module should you wish to upgrade. However, there is no big cap available for the Delco 6 cylinder distributors, AFAIK.

 

I am running a six cyl Chevy distributor and have for years. just had to change the gear from the points one to the hei.

 

I actually converted my 232 from the stock AMC electronic junk (after i left the key on overnight and the control module which you cant get fried) to a points distributor off of something else, I cant remember what. I just remember I bought the distributor, cap, rotor and a coil for $40 new from advance auto. Nothing wrong with points if you set them right, I love their simplicity.

here was my thread:
Left the key on overnight...... no start now.

 

i am as well. using a buick cap/rotor, and drof 300 plug wires. i used the original distributor drive gear after grinding down the collar/neck flush with the cogs.

 

I did one like this: Hei Distributor - Amc Jeep 232-258 6-Cyl Engines, 50K V Coil, Black Cap

Got it from Amazon, night and day difference. Any set of plug wires from a straight 6 Chevy or Ford motor from the 70's work. I reused the old gear from the OEM distributor (5 min swap on the bench). Been working great!