Avanti II Ignition Conversion

[geojerry]

I have a 78 Avanti II with 305 GM small block and distributer/points ignition. Would like to convert to electronic ignition system. Any info on brands, tips and lessons learned would be appreciated.

[studegary]

If you truly have a 1978 model Avanti, it should have a 350 engine. What is the serial number of your car? Has the engine been changed? It seems that if you have a later engine (305), you could just use an electronic distributor for a 305. Just don't go so new that you get into computer controls.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)

[geojerry]

Gary,

The Serial # of the Avanti is RQB2772.
I checked PERTRONIX and they show their IGNITOR ELECTRONIC IGNITION kit for around $110. It says either 12 volt positive or 12 volt negative models single or double points. How do I tell if pos or neg
and they show this kit for a CHEVY 305 engine. Is this block the same as the GM 305 engine ?
Thx, Jerry

[64V-K7]

I would have thought the 78 sported an HEI ignition. I dropped one in my 1970 AvII and never looked back. That was many years (of troublefree service) ago..

[Skip Lackie]

You have a 12 volt, negative ground system, but I agree with 55Prez that you should already have a HEI system in a 78. GM switched to a HEI system starting with the 75 models. If you really do have points and a condensor, then either the distributor or the whole engine has been swapped for an earlier model. The engine number (located on a machined pad at the front of the block) would tell us the age of the engine, but nothing about the distributor.
Skip Lackie

[geojerry]

Thanks for all the info. I just purchased the 1978 Avanti II in Las Vegas area and it is on the transport truck to my home in Ft. Lauderdale. When it arrives, I will checkout the engine serial # and look over all the components. It has Edelbrock manifold and 4 barrell carb with no emission system stuff on the car.I think the engine was redone in the 90's. Have no paperwork from that era, but I have the original odometer reading form of 15 miles from South Bend factory in 1978 with Arnold S. Altman signature and all the service forms upto early 1983.