16 hours ago, CB Garrett said:

Something that is functional easy to install and gives me zero trouble for the next 20 years.

Found that funny.. can i get me a body in that shop!? 🤣

My tip? avoid anything that starts with "123"

I clamped my distributor in the vice this morning tried to get play side to side couldn't feel any movement it goes up and down slightly but that's probably normal. Anyway, I think I like the idea of a new distributor 54 years old there's no way around that

The other thing that often fails on the old distributors is the bearing mechanism under the vacuum advance breaker plate. The bearings and the surface get rusty, the balls stick, and the plastic cage breaks. Most people probably don't notice (I didn't) because it just stops the vacuum advance timing adjustment from working.

Here's some instructions showing what's in there. The main difference would be points instead of electronics on top.

https://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/distributorrebuild/index.html

If you have a good functional distributor then a Pertronix unit might be a good choice. If your distributor is gummed up, maybe look around for other options. It's all part of the game.

I like your comment. “It’s part of the game”

I bought the car from my neighbor around the corner less than a mile away drove it around the block and then home then started taking things apart. So really I have no idea if it’s a good functional distributor or not.🙂

14 hours ago, CB Garrett said:

I clamped my distributor in the vice this morning tried to get play side to side couldn't feel any movement

12 hours ago, CB Garrett said:

So really I have no idea if it’s a good functional distributor or not.

Why then replace it? I drove a 240z that had it's original distributor for 54 years!! Why do people assume it will be bad??? I sold it and it was still in there and will be for a long long time! (maintenance IS KEY HERE !!!)
In 25 years i used 2 sets of contacts.. and heard A LOT of complaints about elektronic ignitions that where A LOT worse than the ORIGINAL ignition !!!

So, clean up that old fart and use it and maintain it, there must be some instructions in the serv.man how to check if your ign. equipment is good!

And don't start about flamethrowers and 123ignition and all those other junk compettitors that say theire ignition is the best, the best is a original one. (That has been maintained properly!)

"Rock the Stock"