Points ignition

[Spanky]

How many of us are still using ignition points instead of electronics? And then the question, why? I know some of us are old school and we like the old methods but what are your reasons for choosing your ignition system?

 

[Martin72]

How many of us are still using ignition points instead of electronics? And then the question, why? I know some of us are old school and like the old methods but what are your reasons for choosing your ignition system?

I'm still using ignition points on all my old cars ('27 Roadster, '31 Model A, '60 Harley and '72 Corvette). I still using them mainly due to simplicity. Easy to adjust points, clean points, etc. And....much easier to trouble shoot no spark issues on the side of the road. I'm not against electronic ignition, just haven't wanted to make something simple more complex. I guess if I wanted more of a hot rod, throw on a blower, dual carbs, nitrous, etc., I would consider EFI and electronic ignition with the ability to integrate all the systems, control timing based on boost, etc.

Right now, I'm happy just puttering around with a simple system.

 

[death trap]

I'm running a mallory dual point distributor a blast resistor and a generic coil. My old employer has a distributor machine we ran it on. It seems to start better, quicker with points. I want it to be like it was built in the sixties. Fewer wires and easier to fix.

 

[RodStRace]

Currently running an MSD box and dist. Because that's what it had when bought and it works.
Not a huge fan of them, they work well when they work but troubleshooting is "replace with known good unit and retest" and no side of the road repair.
It's like anything, go with what you know and are comfortable with, in the budget.
I don't trust modern replacement ignition parts, so I'd have to track down new old stock stuff to go back to points.
At least AC Delco uniset D1007 is still made in the USA.
Currently have other fish to fry, so will stick with it until it croaks or it's climbed to the top of the list.

 

[thebearded1]

I'm running points since that's what the engine has and I started and it hasn't given me any issues since. I've thought about doing an electronic conversion but it just seems like more areas to fail.

I will say it is getting harder to find quality replacement points and condensers.

 

[Rich B]

Just remember with a no maintenance electronic ignition system; there is no maintenance possible when it breaks down on the side of the road.

 

[RodStRace]

Just remember with a no maintenance electronic ignition system; there is no maintenance possible when it breaks down on the side of the road.

Well, let's take the SBC points dist VS the stock HEI, since most of these run that engine.
Points have 2 leads; the ignition switch feed with a resistor wire and the starter bypass feed. The HEI only has the switch feed.
Resistors rarely fail and it will still start with the switch feed, but more to troubleshoot.
Ignition coil is a R&I in either case. Pretty much even there.
Service parts like vacuum advance and shaft bushings about even too, but the points have spring force on the shaft. These should not be roadside fixes. ignition coil negative wire is shielded by the coil cover and short multi wire pigtail from cap to dist.
Changing points and condenser or uniset compared to module is roughly the same as far as spare parts size and effort. Considering wear on points, I'd give the module the nod here. Yes, the points can be serviced with sandpaper and a matchbook, but I'd say that is more effort over time than the module.
Cap and rotor are bigger for the HEI, but the difference isn't so bad you have to tow a trailer.
Tools for the job are roughly the same. Points needs a flat screwdriver, Phillips (rotor), wrench for the points lead and an Allen to set the point gap, plus the sandpaper and matchbook. HEI requires a flat and phillips, plus a 5/16" nutdriver for the cap, coil, and module. Slight lead for HEI.
In either case, a complete drop-in can be carried, which are roughly similar in size.

If you start getting into aftermarket EI, like MSD or Pertronix, I will agree that troubleshooting and roadside repairs are much less likely.

So overall if you can live with a bigger distributor like the HEI, it offers proven reliability and the same or better servicing. Hotter spark and better wires come along for the ride.