Distributors magnetic vs optical pickup

[AlanCasida]

I am just wanting to hear some pros and cons for both. I currently run a Mallory Unilite with the optical pickup. I like the Unilite because it doesn't require an ignition box to make it run so in case of an ignition box failure out on the highway, the box can just be bypassed to get you home. I have had zero problems with the optical pickup and as an added safeguard, I have installed a filter. Is there enough of an advantage to the magnetic units for me to give up this feeling of security? I am looking to upgrade to a Comp9000 but also am considering a move to a magnetic pickup unit. I am not turning any astronomic rpms(6500 max

[My427stang]

It really doesn't matter with a CD box hooked to it, either will last forever.  Where it gets dicey is when the Unilite runs on its own.  If the coil positivie side voltage is too high, it can take out the Unilite from the ground side, where your filter doesn't help

That being said, I am a Unilite fan and a magnetic pickup fan, either should last forever with your box

[jayb]

I've only had one Unilite, and it only lasted a year.  This was back in the '80s, though.  I think I had it hooked to an MSD 7AL.  On the other hand, I've never had a magnetic pickup fail; they are pretty much indestructable.

[TorinoBP88]

In the late 80's i had fail on my.  Then over the lase few years my brother had three fail (running on own.)  I told him he needed the filters and shunk capacitors and/or a cdi box.  I reverted to points for about 25,000 miles.  Then on his new engine he switched to a OEM magnetic unit.

I have two magnetic units, an OEM and a pertronics.

On very long trips, take a spare of either one.  But consider adding filters and shunt capacitors, and kick-back diodes on the strater solenoid to clamp starter voltage.  you can also run the power wire to it wrapped around a torroid iron core.  These are all tricks to reduce voltage spikes and kick back voltage (some times over 100V on the negative side.