Ignition/Electrical

Igniting the Beast: Ignition and Electrical Systems for Pontiac V8s at Butler Performance

1. Complete Ignition Kits: Turn-Key Performance

For maximum convenience and guaranteed compatibility, Butler offers all-inclusive ignition kits tailored to different performance levels.

• "Ready to Run" Kits: These kits (often featuring MSD or TSP components) are the perfect street performance upgrade.³ They include a distributor with a built-in high-output module, an ignition coil, and plug wires, eliminating the need for a separate, external CD (Capacitive Discharge) ignition box.⁴ They are a simple, clean swap for outdated points or bulky original HEI systems.⁵

   
   
   

   

• Pro Billet Kits (CD Ignition Required): These kits are designed for maximum power and high-RPM race applications. They feature high-precision Pro Billet Distributors with an accurate magnetic pickup, but they require a powerful external CD Ignition Box (like the MSD 6AL or 7AL series) for spark amplification and timing control. These are essential for serious performance builders.

2. The Heart of Timing: Distributors

The distributor is key to accurate timing and spark delivery.⁶ Butler Performance stocks several types optimized for the Pontiac V8:

• HEI (High Energy Ignition) Distributors: A significant upgrade over points, featuring an integrated coil and electronic module.⁷ Butler offers complete HEI kits (like those from Pertronix or RPC) that are simple to install and provide a much hotter spark than points.⁸

   
   

   

• Pro Billet / Magnetic Pickup Distributors: These are high-quality, CNC-machined distributors (often from MSD or TSP) designed for maximum stability at high RPMs.⁹ They rely on external ignition control boxes for their power.

   

   

• Dual Sync / Hyperspark (EFI Ready): For engines running modern EFI systems (like Holley Sniper or FAST), Dual Sync distributors are used.¹⁰ These provide separate crank and cam signals (Hall Effect sensing) to the ECU, allowing for precise, individual cylinder timing control.¹¹

   
   

   

3. Spark Generation and Delivery

The quality of the spark itself and the path it travels are non-negotiable for complete combustion.¹²

• Ignition Boxes (CDI): Butler provides high-performance CDI boxes (like the MSD 6AL Digital with a built-in rev limiter).¹³ These boxes dramatically increase the primary voltage and provide multi-spark capability below $3,000 \text{ RPM}$, ensuring a smooth idle, better throttle response, and full power output across the entire RPM range.

   

   

• Ignition Coils: High-output coils are necessary to work with electronic ignition systems.¹⁴ Butler stocks coils (MSD Blaster SS or equivalent) with optimized resistance and winding designs to produce $35,000 \text{ to } 45,000 \text{ volts}$ or more.

   

   

• Spark Plug Wires: Butler features custom-fitted, high-quality wires (MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor) that are measured and assembled in-house.¹⁵ These custom kits are ready to install, pre-routed to avoid headers and heat, and ensure maximum voltage delivery with minimum resistance.

   

   

• Spark Plugs: Stocking the correct heat range plugs (NGK is a featured brand) for various applications (street, race, boosted, aluminum heads), which is crucial for preventing pre-ignition or fouling.

By supplying carefully selected and proven ignition components, Butler Performance ensures that every Pontiac engine receives the precise, high-energy spark it needs to unleash the horsepower built into the block and heads.