Points replacement versus HEI Distributor
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Points were used in the 30's Modern HEI is light years ahead in technology. I used to run points in my camaro in the early 70's. At the dragstip every weekend and lots of street racing then ( our local constable always said "You kids want to race do it in the country" ). Points and dwell adjustments were at a minimum a biweekly event. 7500 RPM shifts eats them. Switched to HEI in the mid 70's and never ran points since.
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
That statement is not complete. The OP should have added "...for emissions and the average driver." My '76 has a more suitable advance curve from the factory for performance but it was still dialed in to meet emissions and please the masses. I prefer more performance so I'll improve upon my factory advance. And yes, HEI is the only way to go hands down. There was a reason why engineers stopped specifying single and dual point setups.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
Again, I mean no disrespect but for what ever minor HP/Torque increases you might net, the down side is: A toasted upper distributer bushing caused by that hefty aftermarket spring on them racin' points, diminished spark as the weeks pass and just plain old fashion mechanical complication complication: all solved by HEI... and if you like, the aftermarket along with a little savvy and a NetBook with a USB port.
Meanwhile, I keep a tow strap in the the center cubby incase I see you on the side of the road.
Last edited by ThePabst; May 17, 2012 at 10:37 AM.
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
To add one more comment, my HEI/vacuum canister is still all original and never been rebuilt with ~100K miles save for the advance kit and a coil I installed years ago. Reliability and then some!
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
So is mine!! Whats up with that?? It lasted longer than most of the guages and head light lifts.
Last edited by ThePabst; May 17, 2012 at 12:43 PM.
