DISTRIBUTOR? what brand, or type

[Jim53066]

Ok,
I have found that the original 2bbl carb on my new to me 65 / 283 is leaking and basically worn out. I have decided that I will look for an older cast iron 4bbl manifold and a small 600 cfm carb to wake the old girl up a little. Now I am not looking to go fast, those days are over and long gone, I am just looking for a little better performance out of the stock motor. I have done enough of that type work figure that part out on my own.

Now to the question,
since I will be changing the manifold and carb, I figure now is the time to find a replacement for the stock points distributor, I'm sure it is original. My problem and question is what to buy? Looking on Ebay, there is quite a choice, and quite the price variation, from $37.00 units all the way to $600 plus. Right now I am leaning toward one of the small cap HEI units with the external coil, unless the general consensus leads me another direction.

I am looking for real world experience. I tried to check the archives, but there were only a few (smith was one name, but I could not find their website) but most threads did not lead to a real world answer, just general advice.

I realize that normally you get what you pay for, but again, I am not trying to go fast, just improve on what is there. I do not need the fancy MSD, I basically want a plug and play (after wiring changes) Staying stock is not important, the PO changed way too much to bring it back without more money than I have.

Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? what distributors or venders to stay away from? good experiences?

Thanks, Jim