Ignition Systems - HELP!!!!!!

[Guest Mike]

I'm receiving lots of GREAT advice from you guys. THANKS!!!

 

I posted a similar question in "ignitions" but received no reply. Also, I realize ignitions are heavily covered on this site, but I need help deciding, plus a few questions remain unanswered after searching/reading...

 

I want to replace my HEI ignition system with something that offers complete in-cabin fingertip control of initial timing, vacuum advance, RPM "centrifugal" advance, nitrous retard, high RPM retard, rev limits, trans-brake RPM, etc. I'll never spin the engine past 6K RPM.

 

I've found systems that offer user controls via pots on the side of the unit and some offer a few dash-mounted pots. Others have "optional" hand-held programmer pads. For boxes/controls that have side-mounted pots, I could by-pass those and mount pots of like value in a dash panel. Better yet... rotary switches using fixed resistors to eliminate accidental rotation. However, I'd rather do this the easy way without having to modify anything. A hand-held programmer is okay too.

 

Accel has a new 500+ that has just about all the features I'll ever need in one box but I haven't found any for sale. This is supposed to be priced much lower than other brands with similar features, especially when having to purchase all those "extras" to go with the main unit. A remote programmer is included with the 500+.

 

Has anyone found the Accel 500+ for sale? Where? Are the Accel digital units reliable? How do they compare to the MSD, Mallory, Crane, Holley, and other digital mid-level units?

 

I'm also very interested in multi-coil systems. Other than removing the high voltage component from the dizzy and minimizing wire lengths, I think that engine-mounted coils with well-organized equal length wires can be made to look very nice (more symmetrical).

 

I've been researching this for some time now and am having a bit of trouble deciding on type and brand.

 

BTW, the car and engine block are bright red. I really want to keep with red coils, wires, and dizzy cap. The color of the other components doesn't matter since they'll be mounted in the passenger compartment hidden from view.

 

PLEASE HELP.....

 

Priorities (in order):

Reliability

Performance

Features

Price (MAX $700 total)

Appearance

 

The car (with near future upgrades):

Mid-sixties Gen1 SBC 350

(approx. 350/350 plus 100 NOS)

Edel. Perf. RPM Heads

Solid Roller Cam (moderate)

10.5 CR (approx.)

Triple Deuces (3x Holley 250 CFM)

100 Shot NOS (progressive 3rd/4th gear only)

200-4R Trans.

200R VLSD Diff. 3.9:1