Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/27/2112:14 AM
So I was thinking of running my factory dual point distributor vs buying a new electronic distributor, wiring, ecu etc. Basically just to be cheap. Do you think an electronic distributor set up would really be all that much better? This is for a driver car. I pretty much know the abuse I am going to get but just looking for a pat on the back to do it... lol..
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/27/2101:31 AM
A lot of the new china made distributors are junk, and boxes do seem to fail. I would get a good oem version if I went Electronic, then pay for a box that has a good reputation and get a spare. But points do work fine, both my cars are points and I have had no issues as a cruise car.
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/27/2106:11 AM
Mechanical usually doesn't suffer from Infant-Mortality (i.e. MTBF, etc.) as with Electronics. Why some SS devices fail soon & others live long lives. Soild-State usually either functions or doesn't. (i.e. Instant Failure-No Warning). Mechanical suffer from wear+tear over time. Exhibits some indication of pending/potential failure (misses, pinging,etc). High quality parts & low miles can equate to high reliability wrt a point dist.
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/27/2112:46 PM
Originally Posted by dragon slayer
A lot of the new china made distributors are junk, and boxes do seem to fail. I would get a good oem version if I went Electronic, then pay for a box that has a good reputation and get a spare. But points do work fine, both my cars are points and I have had no issues as a cruise car.
A lot of points and condensors fall into this category these days as well. Buy NOS.
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/27/2104:20 PM
Originally Posted by Sniper
Originally Posted by dragon slayer
A lot of the new china made distributors are junk, and boxes do seem to fail. I would get a good oem version if I went Electronic, then pay for a box that has a good reputation and get a spare. But points do work fine, both my cars are points and I have had no issues as a cruise car.
A lot of points and condensors fall into this category these days as well. Buy NOS.
Caps and rotors as well.
Ive bought about a half dozen nos Mopar sets of dual point sets . a couple tan caps an NOS coil , some Spare starter and horn relays , axle / spindle grease seals , etc etc
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/28/2112:59 AM
FWIW,
If you wish for a high output ignition then you can run a point-type distributor with an MSD module like a 6A or 6AL and high output coil like the HVC or blaster. Connect the dizzy wire to the white wire at the module. This should give you the clean, smooth idle that electronic ignition delivers without purchasing another distributor.
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/28/2102:30 AM
Originally Posted by Moparteacher
FWIW,
If you wish for a high output ignition then you can run a point-type distributor with an MSD module like a 6A or 6AL and high output coil like the HVC or blaster. Connect the dizzy wire to the white wire at the module. This should give you the clean, smooth idle that electronic ignition delivers without purchasing another distributor.
Exactly You can use a point distributor to trigger an MSD box and they work great. My buddy ran his El Camino over 6000 RPM with a stock Delco single point and an MSD 6AL box.
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/28/2105:56 PM
I'd say Electronic if it were my decision, that being said and without any performance desired/application information a single point dist may suit you well too. A duel point only gets you RPM capability and twice as many failure "Points"... There is also the Pertronix route, have installed many with great results. The benefit of a electronic dist is durability, less maint, easier starting. A lot of people have forgotten the attention that points require on a regular basis for good performance... Electronics ar'nt as needy. Good luck and have fun no matter what route you take.
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/28/2109:26 PM
I thought the purpose of "dual points" was to increase the dwell, nothing more. The reason for anything other than points is: a) takes nothing to spin the distributor and b) higher RPM capability. Nothing more.
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/28/2110:04 PM
Originally Posted by Stanton
I thought the purpose of "dual points" was to increase the dwell, nothing more. The reason for anything other than points is: a) takes nothing to spin the distributor and b) higher RPM capability. Nothing more.
First time I used a point/MSD combo was in the early 90’s in Nostalgia SS in an A990 package. Ran it to 7500 with the short points package from the old Prestolite days. Never missed a beat.
Re: Dual Point Distributor vs Electronic - 03/30/2112:19 PM
The dual point also opens on one and closes on the other so that helps with point wear, but you also have extra wear on the cam. Ball bearing distributor plate, metal collar, adjustable vacuum advance. Not just a limit adjustment.