Hei or points??

[custom10nut]

I’ll chime in on this.
I wanted a HEI distributor, but wanted to keep the factory look.
I switched out my Dual Points for a Mallory Electronic Conversion kit.
It worked well for many years, but the module did go bad once, so I put in a new one and haven’t had any issues.

[Rich72C10]

My 72 came with some no-brand eBay distributor and it kind of sucked (never would kept vacuum on the Distributor Vacuum Advance thingy). I first switched to a PerTronix Flame-Thrower distributor but then switched to a Progression Ignition that I absolutely love - you tune it via a smart phone/device. When I am somewhere parked (say mall) I lock the distributor with my iPhone. It really tickles my inner "nerd" :-D

I still have the PerTronix in it's box, for backup.

Basically, I am way to lazy to even think about points ;-)

[67C10Step]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

Not being able to find an original GM HEI I bought a clone off eBay from a firm named BraveX. Billet aluminum housing and good quality oil impregnated drive gear. Cap looks good too. BUT everything electrical is very low quality. The first one lasted about a year before the module died. BraveX replaced it with no questions. Second one lasted about two months. BraveX again replaced it. Third one is in and running great. Let’s see how it goes ? Another problem I have determined is you can’t buy anything under the cap that’s made in the USA any longer.

I switched my truck to HEI and found this last statement to be painfully true. About 18-24 months and 1500 miles I got the dreaded no spark issue. Yep, module is out. So, I purchased two. One to replace and the other in the tool bag under the seat.

[LNP]

I run a HEI I got a new distributor from Summit. It was affordable came with a new cap & rotor. They even sell the wiring pigtail plug for a few bucks so you can make it a plug & play distribuotr.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...ckup/year/1969


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-890148/overview

['68OrangeSunshine]

With the GM HEI, you can keep a new, or known-good module in the glovebox. Don't forget the white insulating paste. [It is not White Lithium.]
With a spare module, I've been able to R&R modules on the side of the road while waiting for a tow truck. It was back UP in minutes. The only hassle was trying to call Roadside Rescue to call off their hook.

[BROWN 70]

hi guys, I have a summit also. was making trips from ca. to oregon worked great. then I finished the trips and blew a module. but!! I had one in the glove box. changed it and bingo still have it in there 2 years later. I do have another spare back in the glove box. LOL

[howzzzit]

Been points since 1972. Never fail. I believe it's part of the allure of older cars. A tune up can be gratifying.

[BRL]

I think I'm running an Accel Blueprint HEI back there someplace but it's been years since I even looked.

And no I don't miss fiddling around with a dwell meter.

As far as originality goes, I can understand if you bring the thing down to Pebble Beach but my distributor view is blocked by my big K&N air filter anyway and I drive with the hood down.

[1970cstblazer]

When I bought my '72 in 2006, the previous owner installed an expensive MSD pro billet small cap electronic distributor for it and tossed the original points unit. Fast forward 17 years and 15k miles, the truck lost spark while stored in my climate controlled garage over the winter. The module had suddenly failed. I then located the correct 1972 20 series points distributor, rebuilt it, and used old issued NOS Delco points, condenser, cap, rotor, and coil. I located original style plug wires. I put it all together, and the truck runs better than it did with the high dollar distributor.

[54blackhornet]

Even finding quality points is a challenge now ! I am planning on going by my local wrecking yard on a regular basis to try to find some original GM Delco parts.

[LNP]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

With the GM HEI, you can keep a new, or known-good module in the glovebox. Don't forget the white insulating paste. [It is not White Lithium.]
With a spare module, I've been able to R&R modules on the side of the road while waiting for a tow truck. It was back UP in minutes. The only hassle was trying to call Roadside Rescue to call off their hook.

Good point, the white paste is a thermal compound its used to help transfer the heat from the module to the distributor housing. Not using any can cause a early module failure. You can still buy a packet of it from Walmart online or bout any computer repair store.

[1970cstblazer]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

Even finding quality points is a challenge now ! I am planning on going by my local wrecking yard on a regular basis to try to find some original GM Delco parts.

Simply go to Ebay. There are many good NOS USA made sets on there for less than you would spend at the local parts store for Chinese crap.

Here is an example:






https://www.ebay.com/itm/26630005985...Bk9SR8ipmd-6Yg

And the condenser:



https://www.ebay.com/itm/31406507965...Bk9SR_qNst-6Yg

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by body bolt

I added HEI 25 years ago and haven't touched the distributor since.

X2...............I installed a Delco HEI, pulled it out of a 1975ish.

[72SB]

Many just convert the stock points dizzy to a Pertronix unit. Have done this on every SBC, SBF and my I6 in the 72 C10

You just need to bypass the resistor wire to coil - with a 10 gauge copper stranded wire from IGN tap on fuse block for HEI of any kind. Pertronix has worked well for me on multiple cars

[body bolt]

Both of my Citroens and the Mercedes W108 have Pertronix and have worked very well requiring no attention after installation. I'd forgotten about them.

[1970cstblazer]

I've seen enough heat related Petronix points conversion failures to have me shy away from them. A couple of friends with vintage GM vehicles have been stranded at car shows after a heat soak, and had to be towed home.

[howzzzit]

How about this question? How many of you running points have ever had them suddenly drop dead? How many have had a hei drop dead?

[53burb]

Back in the 80s, I had a '74 Monte Carlo with points, they never failed on me. I didn't have the car very long tho. IIRC, I changed the spark plugs and maybe the points. If I did, I didn't adjust them. Anyways, fired back up, ran great, then died a couple miles later....pushed it home....sat for awhile...then sold it...
In around 2005, I had a '76 GMC 1/2ton 4x4 with HEI. Had it in family since about '78....the module gave out when I hit a bump on the road. I rolled the truck a few months after that....

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by howzzzit

How about this question? How many of you running points have ever had them suddenly drop dead? How many have had a hei drop dead?

In the late '70's my well abused 283 just stopped. No spark. The points had a growth on them that looked like Mt Shasta. Replaced them, never a problem again. That was the only total points related shut down I've had.

[72SB]

IMHO many Pertronix fails are due to bad install. Instructions are clear about measuring gap between PU and ring which is why spacers are included in various thickness. This includes shaft play of points dizzy that needs to be correct which would require the gear to be removed to add included shim. Then there is the point heat sink paste was not used under module. All these neglected install points will equal fail sooner or later

IMHO if doing a Pertronix swap in a points dizzy. Just pull dizzy and do it on the bench. It is a very simple item to install correctly

[body bolt]

I tend to agree with this. I killed my first Pertronix during installation by not following the directions. Since then none of the electronic ignitions of five of my vehicles have required any attention at all and we're talking years. I'm not saying they don't and won't fail but feel the issue is overblown.

[BRL]

Originally Posted by howzzzit

How about this question? How many of you running points have ever had them suddenly drop dead? How many have had a hei drop dead?

Actually I've had points suddenly drop dead, the dang leaf spring that closes the points decided to snap in half on the freeway on the way to work one fine morning.

[72SB]

...ah yes the old days of points. 17 years old, windows of the 57 Chevy fogged up....then get back in the front seat....engine won't fire.

Grab screwdriver and matchbook from glove box....ask GF for her nail file. Few minutes later, car starts. Ah yes, the good old days of points.

[RichardJ]

>>In the late '70's my well abused 283 just stopped. No spark. The points had a growth on them that looked like Mt Shasta.<<

Bad Condenser.
If metal transfers from one contact to the other, the condenser is either over or under the correct value. I seldom replace a condenser, especially if the contacts show a normal course appearance. Track record with new condensers is not good.

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by RichardJ

>>In the late '70's my well abused 283 just stopped. No spark. The points had a growth on them that looked like Mt Shasta.<<

Bad Condenser.
If metal transfers from one contact to the other, the condenser is either over or under the correct value. I seldom replace a condenser, especially if the contacts show a normal course appearance. Track record with new condensers is not good.

Yep, figure 25 is what it looked like.