[Jeff J]

hey guys,
just borrowed a dwell meter from a guy at work, ok, how do I find out what the dwell should be on a Chevy 350 using an original 1969 distributor and points? I read you you can either set the dwell just by cranking it over or with the engine running. Since I have no idea where I am at, just a guess, I am starting with getting the dwell set first. If I am way off base here please let me know, or point me to a manual I can find this info. The engine is not stock, mild cam, .030 over, etc... will this make a diff on the dwell setting?? thanks in advance. Again, once I find if the engine will start and still sound, I will upgrade to an electroinc ignitoin.. Jeff J

[T-bucket23]

Originally Posted by Jeff J

hey guys,
just borrowed a dwell meter from a guy at work, ok, how do I find out what the dwell should be on a Chevy 350 using an original 1969 distributor and points? I read you you can either set the dwell just by cranking it over or with the engine running. Since I have no idea where I am at, just a guess, I am starting with getting the dwell set first. If I am way off base here please let me know, or point me to a manual I can find this info. The engine is not stock, mild cam, .030 over, etc... will this make a diff on the dwell setting?? thanks in advance. Again, once I find if the engine will start and still sound, I will upgrade to an electroinc ignitoin.. Jeff J

The dwell should be 28-32 and you want to set it first as dwell effects timing but timing does not effect dwell. Most dwell meters get one lead to ground and one to the neg side of the coil. If it is a real Chevy cap wit a window, it is simple to adjust while running. If you lift up the little door you can adjust the points with the car running.
Points work fine but require a lot more maintenance than electronics, and they are not quite as precise. They worked perfect on cars for many years before the electronics came out.

[poncho62]

I love messing with points, have 2 old dwell meters and rarely get to use them anymore..........

[Torque454]

I'd just yank the points distributor out and drop in the HEI and hook up a 12+ switched hot wire to the distributor and be done with it. I wouldnt mess with the points long enough to even get it running seeing as its so easy to swap it over.

[Jeff J]

Originally Posted by T-bucket23

The dwell should be 28-32 and you want to set it first as dwell effects timing but timing does not effect dwell. Most dwell meters get one lead to ground and one to the neg side of the coil. If it is a real Chevy cap wit a window, it is simple to adjust while running. If you lift up the little door you can adjust the points with the car running.
Points work fine but require a lot more maintenance than electronics, and they are not quite as precise. They worked perfect on cars for many years before the electronics came out.

One last question and I am ready to try it, setting the dwell i mean,,, you can set the dwell just cranking it over without the engine running correct? The reason I am asking, no big deal really, but the car is jacked up in my garage,, didn't want to try to strat it inside without the timming being set, will get it off the jacks and out side for the first attempt in 12 years to get it going after I get a few more things done. thanks Jeff

[T-bucket23]

Yes, just pull teh coil wire so it wont start