I think if I had two good prestolite distributors i'd ditch all the electronics.

Jacobs was good stuff. Dr. Jacobs actually invented the multi-spark discharge but I believe he sold the rights to Autotronics (MSD). I still have a Jacobs pro-street box laying around. years back I talked many times to the Jacobs tech's and they told me the multi-spark capacity discharge was designed to fix GM HEI issues. the last I heard on MSD boxes is they have a 25% return rate due to problems.

Jacobs did not invent the multi spark discharge ignition. That probably predates his birth. Earliest patent I can find that references more than one spark per ignition event was issued in 1939. It was both tube based and a non-contact electronic ignition system.

I'm surprised so many prefer points.
That was the first lesson I learned on maintenance.
Still run points on the stuff I have that came with 'em.


Still have no problems with factory electronic stuff either.
Knock on wood.

Points have the virtue of being cheap, easy and obvious.

electronic stuff isn't.

The factors that drove the OEM's to electronic ignition setups do not apply to me.

Do I have to worry about emissions? nope

Do I have to worry about economy? nope

Do I have to worry about a 50,000 mile warranty? nope

If my points fail I can usually fix them with whatever I have in my pockets. I cannot do that with electronic stuff and I have been fixing electronic stuff for 35 years.

I always carry a fingernail file and a matchbook.
Have had to use 'em on occasion. Surprises some folks a bit.

I think having to maintain them is the reason folks don't use 'em.
Same reason fuel injection swaps are becoming more and more popular.

I happen to be in the same position as posted above.
Emission, nope
Economy, nope.
Warranty nope.

ok. maybe I should have said the first marketable capacitive discharge for the aftermarket auto world. slice and dice but it's my understanding that there wouldn't be an MSD box without Jacobs.

What was the advantage of dual points over the single points?

Longer duration = hotter spark.

Also, in his book Dr. Jacobs mentions a nifty little device he came up with and sold for a while consisting of a dash-mounted unit that allows you to fine tune the ignition timing for different gas / driving conditions. That sure would be nice to have...

^^^ I got one of those (still on the shelf tho). In the Jacobs bible he has top notch info on maxing out points, (2 condensors in series & more). I liked useing 2 batteries & giveing 24 volts during WOT then in the corners you let off & it goes back to 12V & things cool. We cant use 2 batteries so that mixes that (for me). EDIT on a points dist, confirm the bushings/shaft radial play at the top (where the points are) is minimal (new bushings if needed) & shim the lower shaft end play to .005" (speedway mtrs has a kit of (5) shims for cheap).

What’s more simple than MSD box? Also no parts are needed when they don’t fail the MSD 6AL box in my Demon is at least 20 years old. If you’re speaking of caps and rotors well if you aren’t keeping a spare with you at all times then that’s your fault.

(You’re, your and you are directed as generalizations not at anyone in particular so that no one gets butt hurt)

considering the car wiring and engine bay locations are ready for the stock unit... A PERFORMANCE UNIT FITTING JUST LIKE ANY STOCK replacement is WAY easier LOL.

aaand I already have got two friends with damaged MSD Box &/or RTR MSD dist. Being overseas, thats a headache!

and about the YOU note... that's a problem we don't have in spanish, because we have two diff "you", one for single and one for plural LOL

Running a set of NORS Sorensen cross-cut high performance points and condenser in a '68 Chrysler distributor. Chrysler/ or aftermarket electronic boxes (insert color here, orange, black, chrome,etc) have left me walking too many times. I can fix a point/condenser problem on the road quickly, cheaply. Thousands of miles and so far no issues

you forgot Yunz, You'ns, Youse, Yinz, and Yizens.