Switch from points or not?

[berettafan]

I replaced the cap & rotor on my car this weekend but did not fool with the points. I honestly don't know what the heck i'm looking at there and the 101 book and Haynes seem to assume some level of experience with these things.

So............the more i read about points the more i think maybe it's a good idea to switch to an electronic deal where points are eliminated. I don't like the idea of making my engine bay look like a '77 Firebird with cheesy parts BUT if it's more reliable and can offer better power via larger plug gap well......

So what's the skinny on this stuff?

Thanks!

Erik

[Gumby]

Erik , so the points setup were ok for 36 years ............

[tfiv]

If you don't have a basic knowledge of how to check and adjust points, you probably should have the breakerless system installed. I've been on the side of the road more than once messing with points over the years. That said, If your distributor is in good shape, and the dust shield is in place, they're quite reliable.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Erik:

Points are quite reliable but they do not accomodate the normal wear in the distributor that causes unsteady ignition timing.

Point-less conversions such as Pertronix Ignitors are not only reasonably priced, but also quite reliable and make a very steady, solid triggering signal that doesn't change and offers smoother running. Plus, they eliminate any need to occassionaly check dwell & timing,.......

I really like 'em,...

[berettafan]

steve what all would i need to buy and how much would it cost?

Thanks!

[Steve@Rennsport]

All you need is the Pertronix unit ($86) and a few hours of your time.

[CamBiscuit]

Eric

I installed a set a while ago (Pertronix) and the car has run like clockwork ever since including 5 days of Tarmac Rallying.

I'm a fan. Good luck.

[}{arlequin]

you'll get a lot more info ab this on pelican (question of 'numbers') but there are happy users on both sides. i've also been stuck freezing my ass off on the side of the road b/c of points, but once you get the hang of it, it's not too hard to reset them.

as has been mentioned, they *will* be affected by the health of your distributor. if you grab the shaft and feel any up/down and side-to-side play, it may end up being a factor... a rebuilt, healthy dizzy should be ok. also, i found it's a good preventative measure to just "do" the points every one or two months whether you need it or not since you don't ever plan on having them leave you stranded and it happens at the worst times... snowing/raining, going on a date, rush hour traffic and you're paying toll on the highway... those are all perfect points-failing moments.

that being said, i was lazy and ended up switching to a pertronix system only to have TWO of them fail on me. maybe just unlucky. my suggestion is buy two, one as a spare, just like you would w/ points, and (pre)wire them both in such way that you can easily reinstall by unplugging two wires and one set screw.

speaking of which, the screw is small, ~3mm? but it isn't metric b/c pertronix is a u.s. item.... to avoid dealing w/ a 3mm (too small) wrench, and a 4mm (too big), you might as well get a standard that will make your job easier. keep in mind, you may be doing this swap at night, in the freezing cold. plan for the worst.

[berettafan]

}{ what's the status on your car? i saw the bang up pics on dorkiphus and it helped convince me i will only be autocrossing this spring.

what exactly happens to points that causes the car to crap out? does the gap wear to -0- or what?

[ennisk1]

Erik,

I'm also very interested in this topic, too. I'm trying to decide whether to switch out the points. I've heard mixed feelings about both.