Ignition with no points question
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,162
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From: Kannapolis NC
Ignition with no points question
I just purchased a 72 350 and took a look at the distributor today. I've owned several Corvettes including many C2's (still have the 65 in the avatar) and C3's, but all had points and condensors. My intention was to check the dwell, but this distributor has no points. It has what looks to be a hall effect transistor with a rotating "band" with 8 fairly large metallic square shaped fingers that pass in front of the transistor to fire the plugs. From this description, can anyone tell me what type ignition has been added here. It doesn't look like the Pertronics modules I have seen on other cars, but I'm curious as to what this might be. Thanks for any help.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
If the only wire is the original wire that used to connect to the points my money is on the Lectric Limited Breakerless-SE Electronic Ignition #38131 (about $180).
If that is what is in the car and you want to switch it back to points it takes about 15 minute, 30 minutes if it's your first time.
That's what I run in my 70 Corvette. Simple and works great.
Instructions are here: http://www.lectriclimited.com/breake...structions.pdf
If that is what is in the car and you want to switch it back to points it takes about 15 minute, 30 minutes if it's your first time.
That's what I run in my 70 Corvette. Simple and works great.
Instructions are here: http://www.lectriclimited.com/breake...structions.pdf
Last edited by Iceaxe; Jan 20, 2015 at 09:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,162
Likes: 4,171
From: Kannapolis NC
I traded my 04 convertible for the 72 in Greer SC with a motorcycle dealer who owned the car.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 183
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From: Belmont NC
St. Jude Donor '15
Thanks,...I got a few parts in Morganton last week and the owner of the store was just talking about the distributor conversion, said it was a good move. I'm in Belmont and had been searching a 250 mile radius for a while before I bought mine. I didn't recall seeing but one or two other 72's.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
To some degree, yes. For me, it is more of learning about some of the "old" (sorry guys) technology. I like to take things apart and figure out how they work. And then figure out how to keep them working.
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Kannapolis NC
Simple to install and adjust, but mostly easier to troubleshoot. You can tell if points are bad by looking, and if they are, spend about 15 bucks to replace. Electronic ignition is more expensive and harder to diagnose. Also electronic ignition is mostly troublefree and maintenance free. I enjoy being able to change and adjust the points and know exactly what's going on, but I also enjoy not having to. So, you choose.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
RIGHT! That's why all cars since, oh, about 1975, all have points. Much more reliable and maintenance free than electronic ignition systems. 
(I have all the tools for installing and setting up points, including non-GM points that have to be set statically, i.e., no allen wrench adjustment for dwell while the engine is running. BTDT. Don't miss it one bit.)
Pete
(I have all the tools for installing and setting up points, including non-GM points that have to be set statically, i.e., no allen wrench adjustment for dwell while the engine is running. BTDT. Don't miss it one bit.)
Pete
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Simple to install and adjust, but mostly easier to troubleshoot. You can tell if points are bad by looking, and if they are, spend about 15 bucks to replace. Electronic ignition is more expensive and harder to diagnose. Also electronic ignition is mostly troublefree and maintenance free. I enjoy being able to change and adjust the points and know exactly what's going on, but I also enjoy not having to. So, you choose.
RIGHT! That's why all cars since, oh, about 1975, all have points. Much more reliable and maintenance free than electronic ignition systems.
(I have all the tools for installing and setting up points, including non-GM points that have to be set statically, i.e., no allen wrench adjustment for dwell while the engine is running. BTDT. Don't miss it one bit.)
Pete
(I have all the tools for installing and setting up points, including non-GM points that have to be set statically, i.e., no allen wrench adjustment for dwell while the engine is running. BTDT. Don't miss it one bit.)
Pete
Okay I get it it's a old school stock thing, I respect that but for some fun... Why would the factory stop using points?
points are not easier to adjust than electronic, because you don't have to adjust electronic,
more reliable and maintenance free? no, points are far from "maintenance free" while you can see if points are off, as a moving wear item they do get off, and 15 bucks over and over adds up.
"reliable" well, I can only go with what I have personally experienced,
In over 35 years of messing with more HEI's than I can count both bone stock and aftermarket tweaked I have never had any go out,
My 81 vette, converted to non computer hei went over 100K only swapping the rotor and cap once just because.
In my vw world electronic is so much better no one much even looks at points in them, and points in a vw are more like 20-30 for good german ones.
In my vw trike I carry a full points dizzy adjusted and ready to install, not so much fearing my electrics will fail but on a vw I can swap out the full dizzy faster than just the points...
The key to points is having the tools and time to adjust them correctly and repeat that as they wear...
I am just having fun with you guys if you dig points go wild with them....
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,162
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From: Kannapolis NC
Okay I get it it's a old school stock thing, I respect that but for some fun... Why would the factory stop using points?
points are not easier to adjust than electronic, because you don't have to adjust electronic,
more reliable and maintenance free? no, points are far from "maintenance free" while you can see if points are off, as a moving wear item they do get off, and 15 bucks over and over adds up.
"reliable" well, I can only go with what I have personally experienced,
In over 35 years of messing with more HEI's than I can count both bone stock and aftermarket tweaked I have never had any go out,
My 81 vette, converted to non computer hei went over 100K only swapping the rotor and cap once just because.
In my vw world electronic is so much better no one much even looks at points in them, and points in a vw are more like 20-30 for good german ones.
In my vw trike I carry a full points dizzy adjusted and ready to install, not so much fearing my electrics will fail but on a vw I can swap out the full dizzy faster than just the points...
The key to points is having the tools and time to adjust them correctly and repeat that as they wear...
I am just having fun with you guys if you dig points go wild with them....
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
You can check the dwell on that electronic system. But nothing to adjust as the system automatically keeps the dwell at 30 degrees. I have that system and really like it. So far it has performed flawlessly.
Pete
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I don't think anybody has been seriously saying what you (or anybody) should do regarding points vs. electronic. Mostly just having fun.
You can check the dwell on that electronic system. But nothing to adjust as the system automatically keeps the dwell at 30 degrees. I have that system and really like it. So far it has performed flawlessly.
Pete
You can check the dwell on that electronic system. But nothing to adjust as the system automatically keeps the dwell at 30 degrees. I have that system and really like it. So far it has performed flawlessly.
Pete
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
My 70 Torino originally had points. I could never figure it out but it burned out a set about ever 2,000 miles and the car would stop running. I converted to electronic ignition and ever since then I have nothing but disdain for points distributors.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
What? No one mentioned the merits of a magneto?
I say use what you like, but with points you better know how to do them yourself. How many shops have a dwell meter, much less know how to use one? I still have all of the tools after changing hundreds, but will stick with something a little more modern.
I say use what you like, but with points you better know how to do them yourself. How many shops have a dwell meter, much less know how to use one? I still have all of the tools after changing hundreds, but will stick with something a little more modern.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,162
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From: Kannapolis NC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
I think this is where the confusion arose:
Simple to install and adjust, but mostly easier to troubleshoot. You can tell if points are bad by looking, and if they are, spend about 15 bucks to replace. Electronic ignition is more expensive and harder to diagnose. Also electronic ignition is mostly troublefree and maintenance free. I enjoy being able to change and adjust the points and know exactly what's going on, but I also enjoy not having to. So, you choose.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
Of course there are benefits to modern ignition. My 68 L36 has had Pertronix and MSD and high end wires. I went back to good old stock points, because as I get older I admire originality. And they run just fine on a car that sees few miles.
My 65 4-4-2 has Pertronix.
As for those who consider adjusting points a pain, well I just dunno. I enjoy working on my old cars. Ha!
Just my 2 cents.
I got nothing against electronics.
My 65 4-4-2 has Pertronix.
As for those who consider adjusting points a pain, well I just dunno. I enjoy working on my old cars. Ha!
Just my 2 cents.
I got nothing against electronics.