Jeff:
As is so often the case, the answer to your question depends in part on what your intended use and goals are. You say you are still stock. I’ll assume that means you’re principally driving on the street.
The Centerline 405 will give you the benefits of no points/condenser to change, a new distributor with a good advance curve, and long-term stable ignition performance. At moderate performance levels, Gary Valant convinced me many years ago that once you achieved these benefits, there was no more HP to be gained with ignition systems, assuming a car that is otherwise operating to specification (mixture, compression, etc., i.e. a sound, tuned motor). It also is appears stock. I have one in my vintage racecar, as I run fairly conservative engine speeds and liked the original, stock look. The 405 will be a quantum leap in reliability and basic performance for you.
Modern ignitions have come a long way since my discussions with Gary. They offer long duration, multi-spark capabilities (in most cases below 3000 rpm), rev limiters, and the ability to fire engines under all sorts of difficult conditions, so my thoughts may be somewhat dated (of course, so is my body these days
). I have no direct experience with either the 455 or the RML systems. Centerline is a top flight vendor, and RML is used by many racers. As John says, they also have a great reputation for service. In terms of reputation and service, I don’t see how you could go wrong with either one. Perhaps someone else can offer a more sophisticated analysis of the cost/benefit ratios for your intended use.
Good Luck
Wil Painter
66 GTV (Watkins Glen Bound)
94 164LS (for sale to pay for the Glen)
78 Suburban (to get me there and back)
Linear Mode
