points eliminator...does it help? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jott_06 · 11-18-2007, 06:47 AM

I was looking at a kit in summit racing the is supposed to eliminate the points in a points distributer and i was wandering if anyone has done this upgrade and if there is a good reason to do it.

Tx Firefighter · 11-18-2007, 07:34 AM

Doing away with the old ignition points is a very worthwhile endeavor. You never have to worry about cleaning or setting the gap ever again. Your truck will respond with a smoother idle and easier starting too.

If you're not totaly concerned about original appearance though, I'd swap to an HEI distributor instead of an aftermarket kit like you're talking about.

The HEI will likely be cheaper, it's all GM parts (read very reliable), and parts are available at any parts store if you even need a module or something.

dfosh · 11-18-2007, 08:01 AM

I know of a few people that have used them and they were pleased with the results. If you do use it i would suggest the Pettronics one used another brand and never got it to work . they were in fords . with G.M use the H.E.I. unless you just want the stock look .

Cannon007 · 11-18-2007, 10:39 PM

I got a pertronix kit that fit under the original cap and rotor for my old Ford 289 in my 68 Fairlane 500 and it was great! loved it and highly recommend it! only cost $70 too

MXmaniac · 11-18-2007, 11:31 PM

I've got the Pertronix Ignitor on my 292. Its a great set-up!

**WorkinLonghorn** · 11-19-2007, 10:15 AM

I bought a Pertronox for my truck and I didn't notice any difference in performance,idle,or mileage.I did notice that the one time I left the key in the "on" position while I was doing a job it never worked right after that and I had to chunk it.$90 wasted. I've heard the new ones won't do that though.I'm sticking with points and am happy with them.

Sweet72 · 11-20-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

I'm sticking with points and am happy with them.

That's a statement you won't see too often on this or any other automotive forum. The "lost art" of tuning a points distributor is not dead.

67_C-30 · 11-20-2007, 08:36 PM

I too have been setting and replacing points all my life, but I have yet to replace a points ignition with an HEI that didn't make a huge difference in performance. The HEI is simple a better iginition system. I can't say either way on the Pertronix because I have never used them, but a GM HEI skull drags a points setup!

**Stocker** · 11-20-2007, 08:45 PM

I have changed/set points as far back as the mid-Sixties, and put HEI in my truck simply because the points are a PITA to get to! I have had a lot of vehicles with electronic ignition, and never had one fail. In fact, I did have one ignition failure in my truck many years ago, before the HEI -- a coil expired.

I changed from points to an LED/chopper wheel ignition years ago in an older Dodge van. Can't recall the brand, but it worked perfectly.

Wouldn't bother me if I never saw another set of points again...

*Billla* · 11-19-2007, 10:24 AM

I have the Pertronix Ignitor in my '72; no problems after 2 years of daily driving.

I wouldn't expect a performance improvement - probably the opposite above 5500 - but this is where a stock HEI starts to crap out a bit as well.

The installation was pretty straightforward, and I like not having to mess with points

**PICKMUP** · 11-19-2007, 11:01 AM

The dwell stays put with the elec igns and you don't have resistance like with points. The HEI has higher voltage/spark and uses larger (better) 8mm wires.

DavesRide · 11-19-2007, 12:01 PM

My points have left me stranded to many times to go back. I was checking out a street rod mag when I noticed a custom hei cap that exits each wire post in the same relation to cylinder number. Makes for a very clean orginized look. It is called the Crossfire by Queen's Automotive Inc. Just a thought on the dizzy.

19673ontree · 11-19-2007, 12:59 PM

I have never understood this ?
I have drove chevy's with point's for 25 year's and have NEVER had a problem , the electronic setup's will just DIE in the middle of the road
on my 67 camaro I have put 90K miles on it over the past ten year's and have replaced the point's twice , I think it's that people do not understand point's in that they have to be set correctly to work and growing up with them I learned early how to do it , if the dwell is set with a dwell meter and the distributor has no shaft slack point's are all but BULLET PROOF !!!
you could not pay me to remove my point's ....

**WorkinLonghorn** · 11-19-2007, 09:04 PM

Same here. If you want a bunch of hi-tech gagetry to troubleshoot,get a newer model.

**1970cstblazer** · 11-20-2007, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19673ontree

I have never understood this ?
I have drove chevy's with point's for 25 year's and have NEVER had a problem , the electronic setup's will just DIE in the middle of the road
on my 67 camaro I have put 90K miles on it over the past ten year's and have replaced the point's twice , I think it's that people do not understand point's in that they have to be set correctly to work and growing up with them I learned early how to do it , if the dwell is set with a dwell meter and the distributor has no shaft slack point's are all but BULLET PROOF !!!
you could not pay me to remove my point's ....

I agree. I never had any problems with the points in the Blazer. I always used AC Delco parts, serviced the cam lubricator, and set the dwell at 30 degrees. It always started quickly and I only replaced them once in 40k miles.

The truck came with a brand new MSD dizzy, which seems to work well, so I will leave it.

BurnerBrown · 11-20-2007, 02:02 PM

I have points in my truck and have had no problems in 2 years after tuning it up. Would a hotter coil help the stock ingition?

jorgensensc · 11-20-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavesRide

My points have left me stranded to many times to go back. I was checking out a street rod mag when I noticed a custom hei cap that exits each wire post in the same relation to cylinder number. Makes for a very clean orginized look. It is called the Crossfire by Queen's Automotive Inc. Just a thought on the dizzy.

Do you have a link? I can't seem to find them by googling.
Shawn

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 11-20-2007, 02:37 PM

Another thumbs up for "Pertronix" ignitor and their "Flame Thrower Coil." I put this in my 50' because hard starting and performance issues. I wanted a traditional look and I lacked the room needed to fit an HEI dist. The swap is very reasonable $$$ and the performance was unreal. Coil comes in chrome or black. Pertronix products are very dependable and this company is very helpfull tech wise.

esll.

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 11-20-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorgensensc

Do you have a link? I can't seem to find them by googling.
Shawn

**********************************************************

pertronix.com will get you into the ebay store and at least you can get a look at the products offered and prices. I'll see if I can find more info. for you.

esll

71 super · 11-20-2007, 09:06 AM

I have a Pertronix unit in my BB and it was day and night over the stock points, runs like a different truck. I recently bought the crane cams unit from summit for 64 bucks and change because of the rev limiter it has built in for my 4x4, but have not tried it yet, if like pertronix it should be good to go. I agree that the HEI is very nice, in fact I traded my brother the one that was in the 4x4 for his stock distributer and coil setup only because I want the truck to retain its original appearance, which to me is the only reason to ever switch away from an HEI.

11-18-2007, 06:47 AM	#1
jott_06 Camaro Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 472	points eliminator...does it help? I was looking at a kit in summit racing the is supposed to eliminate the points in a points distributer and i was wandering if anyone has done this upgrade and if there is a good reason to do it.

11-18-2007, 07:34 AM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: points eliminator...does it help? Doing away with the old ignition points is a very worthwhile endeavor. You never have to worry about cleaning or setting the gap ever again. Your truck will respond with a smoother idle and easier starting too. If you're not totaly concerned about original appearance though, I'd swap to an HEI distributor instead of an aftermarket kit like you're talking about. The HEI will likely be cheaper, it's all GM parts (read very reliable), and parts are available at any parts store if you even need a module or something. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-18-2007, 08:01 AM	#3
dfosh Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: greeneville tn Posts: 237	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I know of a few people that have used them and they were pleased with the results. If you do use it i would suggest the Pettronics one used another brand and never got it to work . they were in fords . with G.M use the H.E.I. unless you just want the stock look .

11-18-2007, 10:39 PM	#4
Cannon007 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 69	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I got a pertronix kit that fit under the original cap and rotor for my old Ford 289 in my 68 Fairlane 500 and it was great! loved it and highly recommend it! only cost $70 too

11-18-2007, 11:31 PM	#5
MXmaniac Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 356	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I've got the Pertronix Ignitor on my 292. Its a great set-up! __________________ Andrew '69 C-20(292, 4-speed) Retired Daily Driver '64 C-10(250, 3-speed) Fixerupper '97 F*rd Mustang GT(4.6L, 5-speed) Daily Driver If I only wanted two pedals I'd have bought a bicycle.

11-19-2007, 10:15 AM	#6
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I bought a Pertronox for my truck and I didn't notice any difference in performance,idle,or mileage.I did notice that the one time I left the key in the "on" position while I was doing a job it never worked right after that and I had to chunk it.$90 wasted. I've heard the new ones won't do that though.I'm sticking with points and am happy with them. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

11-20-2007, 08:36 PM	#8
67_C-30 I have a radical idea! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweet Home Alabama! Posts: 6,513	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I too have been setting and replacing points all my life, but I have yet to replace a points ignition with an HEI that didn't make a huge difference in performance. The HEI is simple a better iginition system. I can't say either way on the Pertronix because I have never used them, but a GM HEI skull drags a points setup! __________________ '67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club!

11-20-2007, 08:45 PM	#9
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,593	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I have changed/set points as far back as the mid-Sixties, and put HEI in my truck simply because the points are a PITA to get to! I have had a lot of vehicles with electronic ignition, and never had one fail. In fact, I did have one ignition failure in my truck many years ago, before the HEI -- a coil expired. I changed from points to an LED/chopper wheel ignition years ago in an older Dodge van. Can't recall the brand, but it worked perfectly. Wouldn't bother me if I never saw another set of points again... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

11-19-2007, 10:24 AM	#10
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,815	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I have the Pertronix Ignitor in my '72; no problems after 2 years of daily driving. I wouldn't expect a performance improvement - probably the opposite above 5500 - but this is where a stock HEI starts to crap out a bit as well. The installation was pretty straightforward, and I like not having to mess with points

11-19-2007, 11:01 AM	#11
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,126	Re: points eliminator...does it help? The dwell stays put with the elec igns and you don't have resistance like with points. The HEI has higher voltage/spark and uses larger (better) 8mm wires.

11-19-2007, 12:01 PM	#12
DavesRide Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Garageless, Missouri Posts: 408	Re: points eliminator...does it help? My points have left me stranded to many times to go back. I was checking out a street rod mag when I noticed a custom hei cap that exits each wire post in the same relation to cylinder number. Makes for a very clean orginized look. It is called the Crossfire by Queen's Automotive Inc. Just a thought on the dizzy. __________________ R.I.P ESLL Even as the body dies the spirit lives on in the people you touched

11-19-2007, 12:59 PM	#13
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I have never understood this ? I have drove chevy's with point's for 25 year's and have NEVER had a problem , the electronic setup's will just DIE in the middle of the road on my 67 camaro I have put 90K miles on it over the past ten year's and have replaced the point's twice , I think it's that people do not understand point's in that they have to be set correctly to work and growing up with them I learned early how to do it , if the dwell is set with a dwell meter and the distributor has no shaft slack point's are all but BULLET PROOF !!! you could not pay me to remove my point's .... __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

11-19-2007, 09:04 PM	#14
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: points eliminator...does it help? Same here. If you want a bunch of hi-tech gagetry to troubleshoot,get a newer model. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

11-20-2007, 02:02 PM	#16
BurnerBrown Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Landsale PA Posts: 82	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I have points in my truck and have had no problems in 2 years after tuning it up. Would a hotter coil help the stock ingition?

11-20-2007, 02:37 PM	#18
EAST SIDE LOW LIFE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., Canada Posts: 1,602	Re: points eliminator...does it help? Another thumbs up for "Pertronix" ignitor and their "Flame Thrower Coil." I put this in my 50' because hard starting and performance issues. I wanted a traditional look and I lacked the room needed to fit an HEI dist. The swap is very reasonable $$$ and the performance was unreal. Coil comes in chrome or black. Pertronix products are very dependable and this company is very helpfull tech wise. esll. __________________ Tomorrow is for doing today's stuff. ************************************* This truck has just the right amount of energy for me! Author: Warren Lake .... (member) Last edited by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE; 11-20-2007 at 02:46 PM.



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11-20-2007, 09:06 AM	#20
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,079	Re: points eliminator...does it help? I have a Pertronix unit in my BB and it was day and night over the stock points, runs like a different truck. I recently bought the crane cams unit from summit for 64 bucks and change because of the rev limiter it has built in for my 4x4, but have not tried it yet, if like pertronix it should be good to go. I agree that the HEI is very nice, in fact I traded my brother the one that was in the 4x4 for his stock distributer and coil setup only because I want the truck to retain its original appearance, which to me is the only reason to ever switch away from an HEI. Last edited by 71 super; 11-20-2007 at 09:07 AM.

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