Points or HEI........what's better?

I have posted an ignition basics post at the top of the electrical forum. Read it through if you like and let's have a discussion on whats better. Of course, there are variations on these systems and your thoughts are appreciated there too.

Pretty good Ignition System post. Did you notice this

A DMA (Digital Mullet-Meter)

Very funny! Should be DMM, (Digital Multi-Meter) tho.

I had to answer "other. The after market Capacitor Discharge systems in conjunction with a sensor to replace the points, seem to me to be the best unless you are going "exotic" like one of the new Coil-On-Plug Ignition Systems.
There is an article detailing them at this location

Though it's easier to find burned points than a messed up sensor.

The units from Crane, Jacobs, Accel, etc. are all good. I went with the Crane because it was on sale. Adjustable soft rev limit, hot spark, etc. I had a problem where it died in the rain but after I sealed the adjustment holes I never had another problem.

Some Electronic Fuel Injection systems also provide spark control with indiv. coils for ea. cyl, but I haven't had a chance to try one yet.

For the DIY folks, Heres a site where a project to build a Digital Distributorless Ignition System is underway.
There is a simple course, designed for counter help, at Autotune which has some good basic info on identifying components and trouble-shooting problems, with a test at the end.

Another good site is How Stuff Works (Link to Ignition Systems Section)

 

Didn't notice that................are you sayng that I need a haircut?...................lol

Personally, I tend to try and keep things simple. I don't need a super high powered ignition system. I have points on my 62 Pontiac and HEI on my truck (Chevy)

 

I have had good luck with HEI. I have a sreet rod that doesnt have enough firewall clearance for HEI and I don't want to butcher the firewall. Anyone have recomendations for a compact (small diameter ) electronic ignition to replace a points. distributor? Phil

 

I don't have expierence with the HEI but I don't mind my points distributor on my 69 F250. Aslong as it keeps sparking I dont worry about it. :thumbup:

 

I have had good luck with HEI. I have a sreet rod that doesnt have enough firewall clearance for HEI and I don't want to butcher the firewall. Anyone have recomendations for a compact (small diameter ) electronic ignition to replace a points. distributor? Phil

Try here:

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/MSD/Distributors/8570.html

Doc

 

I have an Accel Super Stock on a small block chevy & an Accel Billetproof on a small block ford.

They both are non-points and have built in electronic ignition module. They look like points distributors, are small in diameter and use small stock round coils.

 

Thanks; I will try the Accel. Looks like it will work fine. Phil

 

i,ve had cars with both and just for ease of maint. i like the hei. just set the timing and go. tune ups are an easy swap cap and rotor and your on your way.

oh and i think the ignition articles are very good theres a lot of good basic info in there. thanks for posting it.

 

I had points on my blazer. It had the MSD 6A and Blaster 3 Coil. The motor was running rich and wouldn't idle so great. I bought a MSD HEI with 8mm plug wires and now the exhaust doesn't burn the eyes and it starts up on the first crank of the key and idles smooth. My dads been a mechanic going on 40 years and of every thing he's worked on HEI was the least of his problems.

 

About the GM HEI. Ive had a couple of Suburbans that have factory HEI that uses a conventional looking distributor and a remote coil. Standard GM components and rock solid dependable.
It definitly is a much more compact distributor.

 

Doc Hereimp:

Yup, Points are much cheaper to tune, If you figure $3.50 for a set and 2 bucks for a capacitor, Vs 30 bucks for an ECM...

One thing you CAN say about points...

I have never, ever, heard of anyone stuck 100 miles out in the sticks, ... knee deep in snow ... by the light of the full moon ... Wife and Mother ~in~ Law in the Car Bit*hin' ; "It's Cold, FIX IT you freakin' Clod!" ...and a quadruped Carnivore eyeing your ankels from the woods beyond ... file and re~gap their ECM to limp home......

Plugs and wires are about the same though considering although you never needed the bigger wires, didn't we all buy them?

I don't know , If I had a retro rod, with points in it, and I wasn't racing it, I'd probably leave that way just for grins....

(Besides, what the H*LL else would I do with all these tools?)

However, If I had a highway car with points, HEI would be the first thing to go in..

...Doc imp:

 

Soooo, what are my options for a distributor !!

 

HEI,HEI

Points work OK as previous post but lots of maintenance!!! They came out with Dual points (Even in production cars)
to compensate for high rpm points bounce and low voltage of points (points always have to be adjusted for burn), and low coil output to the plugs. Then HEI, eliminated having to change points!! set timing unless messed with!! I use Chev HEI in all my cars to this day. Unless I fiqure the engine will be turning over 5500 rpm, where it will start to break down, If over 5500 I use the MSD with the 6AL box. Most cars down't go over 5500. HEI is one wire hook up and 1 wire tach. Only problem is the bulk if close to firewall or using Dual carb manifold. The HEI dist is cheap!! under $150.00 new full ready to go.

 

Hi, Just wanted to add...I had to pound my firewall in a little on my 1970 GMC pickup for the HEI to fit. It's just a work truck so It didn't matter. But I'll never run points again after having the HEI in it. Thanks, John

 

MSD Distributor with MSD Box and MSD Coil...

 

Hey figure8, I just saw an article on "Two Guy's Garage" that talked about converting your points distributor to an electronic unit by swapping out internal parts and keeping your old style coil. Looked pretty interesting and simple to do. I don't remember the manufacturer. Maybe someone else saw the program and will remember. Good Luck!

 

jpd37; Thanks; Actually I looked at kits to convert from points to a module system. My Chevy small block is in a 1942 Ford business coupe, so keeping it original looking wasn't a factor, just the issue of firewall clearance. No room for HEI eithout significant butchering. I finally settled on an MSD "ready to run" distributor and a MSD Blaster 3 coil. I will install them this weekend and let you know how I like them. I chose the MSD over Accel because I have had good luck with their modules in the HEI in my race car and have had problems with an Accel module. Phil

 

I concur with your choice. I have found MSD products to be a little more reliable too. I don't think you will be disappointed. I converted to electronic about 3 months ago and I noticed about a 1-2 mpg improvement over the points set up and it is burning the fuel better than before.
Good Luck!

 

I dig the points. I also like HEI too. I have the HEI in my BBC. Only problem there is the firewall clearance. I have points in my 70 buick 350 distributor. Never had a problem... well except when I let my girlfriend use the car... She was picking me up from work and while waiting, she decided to listen to the radio by turning the key to ON instead of accessory! ain: :smash: Points weren't more than a couple weeks old! I actually had 2 different girlfriends pull that number!

Rock on and God bless...

Señor

 

Anybody use Pertronix to replace points?

 

yep

i have used both pertronix and compufire to replace points in VW's before. i dont have a problem with points i just always went for the electronic/ magnetic ignitions. i never had a problem with them either.

i still vote HEI/MSD !!

the only thing that sucks about running a MSD box on a HEI ignition is when you are checking for spark and zap yourself.

both systems are pretty reliable tho.

the electronic points seems to run smoother by the way.
i dont think youll burn them if you leave your key on like points do. - that may be bull tho -

r4r

 

Anybody use Pertronix to replace points?

Pertronix so kicks points arse, it ought to be against the law.

i did it and would do it again. quick.:thumbup:

 

went with pertronix - extremely pleased. and easier to install than points for my olds. thanks!

 

points or hei

the points wear and change the dwell as well as timing where as the hei will not it has no moving parts and will out perform point even on its worst days as far as the aditional electronics such as crank sensors the will vibrate lose more electronics are okay when working right but its a big head ach when they go bad and expensive too remember electronics dont like heat and the motor makes lots of it usally around 200 degrees! but to each his own but for me the hei is tried and true!

 

Re: Re: Points or HEI........what's better?

Some Electronic Fuel Injection systems also provide spark control with indiv. coils for ea. cyl, but I haven't had a chance to try one yet.

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I talked to the MSD rep @ the drag strip last summer. I asked about the Distributorless coil per cylinder system PN 7600. He said it's a proven system, however for a blower motor output falls off a little at high RPM's. It won't say that in their catalog of course, but that's how he explained it to me. Also, it's a pricey system. It's a fairly new system too, Last winter, even though it was in the catalog, it was not available to buy. It may get better with R&D. I'm leaning toward the 7 Plus MSD. Same rep. said because of the high output(Output = heat) in needs to be mounted in a cool place. Anybody have experience with the MSD 7? Needs to be compatible with Hillborn EFI and a blower.