Ignition opinions

[dirtEJohnson]

Recently rescued a neglected but pretty straight 85 after it sat for 15 years or so. 2F Engine was desmogged using the Manafre kit at some point and PO was unable to get it running. After dragging it home I discovered the DUI distributor was literally seized up, something I have never seen in my 30+ years of wrenching.
Long story short I got the engine running with an eBay cheapo dizzy, (also replaced oil pump as a precaution.)
Now I want to make it y more reliable and see if I can limp this motor along for a bit longer.
I understand the timing curve needs modifications to properly function in a no smog setup.
I have a used factory distributor and ignitor. I also have a factory points style distributor and of course I have the Chinamo Chevy style HEI that's currently working ok.
Long term which is my best option for reliability and maximizing performance?

 

[DrRock]

The factory electronic distributor is the most reliable. As far as the re-curve goes, this isn't mandatory with a desmog but does help a bit. I ran my desmogged 85 for a while without a recurve and only did this once I updated to a Sniper.

 

[Spike Strip]

The cheapo CCP HEI are notorious for a failing cam-driven gear, then, of course, you have no oil pressure. No Bueno if that happens at fwy speeds. Keep an eye on it.

Very unusual for a Genuine GM HEI unit to seize up, but may have had something to do with the install.

Factory FJ60 Dissy is a very robust unit, as is the factory 2F points dissy that are still available new from Mr. T and other vendors.

The factory FJ60 Dissy/Igniter is very good and reliable, but they are getting old. Dissy can be rebuild and there are threads on a DIY recurve.