You've already messed around with yours and know for sure it's still running a points distributor, correct?
Looking for easier starts (not too bad now, but certainly does not fire right up), maybe a little more power, etc.
Mainly what you get is consistency and longevity. If you had a decently working '74 points ignition, the added "power" is likely there, but not likely you'll feel like you just gained 20hp off the top. And the thrill of knowing you'll never have to adjust another set of points!
Maybe a couple of extra ponies. Maybe even up to 5 to 10 hp if lucky. But for the most part, it's not power you're gaining. Just better running and perhaps a little more efficiency.
But even that's hard to measure.
The good thing about having a '74 is that they were really starting to experiment with leaner air/fuel ratios so maybe you'll feel more of a difference than others, because now the hotter spark will more easily ignite the lean mixture.
But more power or not, it certainly won't hurt things!
Is this "close" to a plug and play set up in my otherwise stock '74 302?
Yes, if you take the "close" part to heart.
As mentioned, you'll need to provide the Ignitor Red wire with full 12v and your existing Red w/green stripe wire to the coil is a resistor wire so when it's fully warmed up may only net you 5 to 8 volts at the coil.
But the module does bolt right into a points type distributor with no modifications of note.
Does this take my points out of the equation?
Yes. That's the whole "point" of the conversion.
It's a "points eliminator kit" in simple terms. Changes the mechanical trigger (the breaker points) to an electronic trigger (the Ignitor module and armature) for a faster open/close time. Faster triggers are what gets even a normal coil to produce more spark energy.
Will this work if I eventually upgrade my dizzy, or do I need to upgrade the dizzy if I go this route and the points are gone?
Depends on what you mean by "upgrade" with regard to the distributor.
If just replacing with a new points style distributor to get the newer bearings and bushings, then yes, this will work.
If you mean to upgrade to a more modern electronic distributor, then no, it won't be compatible. And you would not need it anyway, since the sole reason for being of an Ignitor is to convert from points to electronic.
This
is the distributor upgrade.
I guess my question is really summed up as "should and can I do this?"
What condition is your distributor in right now? If it's good and tight, and it's only downfall is that it runs points, then yes by all means I would do it.
If you need a new distributor anyway, because your old one is physically worn out, then you need to do what was already suggested and consider at least a new electronic distributor of some kind.
If budget comes into play though, a new distributor could be anywhere from $50 to $200 more once all is said and done.
The Pertronix products can be purchased separately as well, for when either budgetary considerations or simple need come in to play. Maybe you don't need new wires or a coil, because you already changed them recently. In that case the Ignitor conversion makes sense all the way around.
If you still need a new distributor, a new stock one might be as little as $30 bucks. Compared to the $240 to $500 of a new fancy billet aluminum aftermarket job.
There are advantages to those more expensive units of course. It's just how those advantages play into your needs and wants as to whether or not that's the best way to go for you.
I'm a big fan of the stock Dura Spark setup. But it's not for everyone due to it's complexity. Wiring and external parts are not to everyone's tastes. The more recently available "HEI" conversions are good ignitions, but don't make sense for some of us due to their sheer size under the hood taking up valuable space.
The other distributors can have all the advantages that get rid of the downsides, but at a cost.
As with any electronic ignition though, people with older vehicle electrical systems and newer ignitions should carry a spare module. I just think that it's common sense unless you never stray far from home base. If you take your Bronco off-roading and general adventuring, spare parts for any system that can leave you stranded is just a good common sense practice.
With a Dura Spark, this can mean a $50 module in the spare parts bin. For an HEI, it's about $40 or so. With an aftermarket distributor, it depends on just what the brains are made of. Not sure how pricing runs, but it's not that common to read about replacements being needed, so we don't have a lot of feedback yet.
For a Pertronix, it would mean a $90 module. But the beauty of a points-eliminator is that you simply keep your old points plate fully set up and waiting in the glove box. If you ever have a failure, you simply swap out the Ignitor for the points and head out on your way.
Can take as little as five minutes if you've worked on points a time or three.
That enough useless info for you!;D
Paul