EI vs Points

[MadScientistMat]

I find the distributor cap is a real pain to get closed on a slant six, so the first mechanical mod on my Dart was a Pertonix Ignitor and never looked back.

 

[stillrunners]

Not for me....I'm no hot rodder and as much as I drive em' - I'll just change points as they need be....have lots of NOS points laying around....

 

[RustyRatRod]

Rubbing block wear, really? How long does that take? Never seen it. I have no problem with points. How much do you drive your car? Dynoed my engine to 6K with no problem and points.

I never have either. ...and with all of the modern grease compounds out today, it'll never be an issue.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I've seen it happen.
Also had condensers go bad.
...and had them slip out of adjustment, which, according to Murphy's law, will happen at the least opportune times.

But you know, it's right in the service manual to periodically grease the distributor cam. So whose fault is it if the block wears out? lol

 

[RustyRatRod]

I find the distributor cap is a real pain to get closed on a slant six, so the first mechanical mod on my Dart was a Pertonix Ignitor and never looked back.

Really? I'm surprised. That's one of the easiest things I can think of to do. ...and if I need to replace points, I just remove the distributor. Five minute removal at best. But I have electronic ignition now, only because I had everything layin around to do it.

 

[72bluNblu]

Rubbing block wear, really? How long does that take? Never seen it. I have no problem with points. How much do you drive your car? Dynoed my engine to 6K with no problem and points.

I never have either. ...and with all of the modern grease compounds out today, it'll never be an issue.

Yes, rubbing block wear is a real thing. And even if you keep them greased, they still wear out eventually if you actually run up the miles. It's a fiber block running on a metal cam, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand that's a part that will need to be adjusted/replaced.

In a classic with points that sees a lot of miles you don't necessarily need to change the points all the time, but you will need to re-gap them to account for the wear on the block periodically. You know, part of the whole deal where you do a tune up? Change the plugs, check the points gap and adjust if necessary, etc, etc...

Electronic ignition is a major improvement, especially if you go aftermarket and get something that's easier to adjust the timing curve on than the factory stuff.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Yes, rubbing block wear is a real thing. And even if you keep them greased, they still wear out eventually if you actually run up the miles. It's a fiber block running on a metal cam, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand that's a part that will need to be adjusted/replaced.

In a classic with points that sees a lot of miles you don't necessarily need to change the points all the time, but you will need to re-gap them to account for the wear on the block periodically. You know, part of the whole deal where you do a tune up? Change the plugs, check the points gap and adjust if necessary, etc, etc...

Electronic ignition is a major improvement, especially if you go aftermarket and get something that's easier to adjust the timing curve on than the factory stuff.

Oh I don't disagree. Never adjust or replace points again.

 

[Woody500]

I do like Petronlx. Everyting except the cost

You can buy HEI replacement parts at any AP store you walk into. And they're not real expensive so carry a spare.

 

[Woody500]

Rubbing block wear, really? How long does that take? Never seen it. I have no problem with points. How much do you drive your car? Dynoed my engine to 6K with no problem and points.

That's what distributor cam grease is for. Don't use regular grease. You'll have to look for NOS seller to find the right kind. I have a small tube, has lasted many years.
Also, I carry a Diamond Deb nail file to dress points with. 4" & 8" lengths available, in beauty supplies. SS metal file embedded with diamond grit. Last forever.

 

[Elmo65]

Love the stories and the banter. I had no idea people had so many opinions. Keep it up.

 

[Woody500]

Yes, rubbing block wear is a real thing. And even if you keep them greased, they still wear out eventually if you actually run up the miles. It's a fiber block running on a metal cam, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand that's a part that will need to be adjusted/replaced.

In a classic with points that sees a lot of miles you don't necessarily need to change the points all the time, but you will need to re-gap them to account for the wear on the block periodically. You know, part of the whole deal where you do a tune up? Change the plugs, check the points gap and adjust if necessary, etc, etc...

Electronic ignition is a major improvement, especially if you go aftermarket and get something that's easier to adjust the timing curve on than the factory stuff.

By adjusting points with a Dwell Meter you can make them stay in 'the range' for longer. Or just gap them a little wider, is basically the same thing
Don't remember how much wider, as I usually did it with Dwell Meter. You could check gap after, for emergency service knowledge.