I know very little about ignition systems, and I could use some advice. The engine components aren't fully determined yet, but it'll be a 454 in a '70. Likely will have LS-6 heads, RPM intake, Holly 850dp (for now, I know it's probably a little big but it's brand new and was free), and around 10:1 CR. I basically want something that's reliable first, and performance is a close second. Any thoughts on this are appreciated.

Hi, just try a good HEI,you could always change out the springs and weights to get quicker advance if needed ,but HEI 's are very reliable. have fun Slim

I second the HEI choice..and you don't need anything fancy.An Accel Blueprint unit is all you'll ever need.

Great, thanks guys! Seems like HEI is a good choice, at least from what I've read. A buddy of mine complained about his so much though, that I thought I'd ask. He's got an old Blazer that he put a 454 in and uses for pretty serious offroad work. He had a few problems with his, but he was pretty hard on parts. Glad to hear they're not as bad as he made them out to be!

You could use a vac adv HEI without the control module with a MSD unit. They work great together. That is what I use. If you go with a 6AL it will also give you a rev limiter. JMO

since you have stated that you know very little then i suggest all msd parts. the hei distributor is hard for a beginner to set up right, it advances at idle with most recurve kits and then can over center the advance weights at high rpm and keep advancing when you don't need it and stock its not known for 6000+rpm use.
with the msd distributers they are very easy to set up,and if you buy the smaller cap size ones, can be used with most intakes. with the 6al boxs you get a rev limiter for those missed shifts and it helps the idle quality (with the multi spark)on rough idling cams.
while running chevy v8s (except tall big blocks) the parts interchange so spend the money once and get the best.

Nothing but an HEI is all you will need..throw a spare module in your tool box or glove compartment and your all set..

I don't know your budget, but if you have one, spend the extra $$ on the bottom end of your motor, nothing better than a good "foundation"

..I'll stress this again..an Accel or Summit HEI will be fine,and setting up the curve isn't hard.My Accel was perfect out of the box..it had 20* mechanical advance,all in by 3000 RPM's..all I did was set the base at 18*

..and just an FYI,if you ever do play with the curve,don't use any of the weights from the curve kits...they're junk..the springs are the only useful item.

If you need any help with specific part numbers,please send me a private message here on TC

Thanks again for all of the help. It will be a few months before I have to order anything (my car just went into the shop last week!). Thanks for the offer to help with part #s mr 4 speed! I might have to be dropping you a line.