Better points?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Wingo, Ky
Better points?
Its about time to replace the points on my 73 F100. The ones that are in there now I think cost me 5 bucks. Is it worth it to get ones that cost 10-15 dollars? I know I seen some sets that cost 20-30 bucks I think they were MSD brand.
I was going to switch to Pertronix ignition but then thought to myself. Why ditch the bullet proof factory ignition when the aftermarket ignition may leave me stranded on the side of the road?
I make sure I reset the timing every time I adjust the points. How far can I turn up the timing? Its a 302 and I think the sticker says 4 degrees. I turned it up to 10 degrees and have no problems with spark knock(all emissions equipment is hookup and working). Made a world of difference in the way the engine runs.
I was going to switch to Pertronix ignition but then thought to myself. Why ditch the bullet proof factory ignition when the aftermarket ignition may leave me stranded on the side of the road?
I make sure I reset the timing every time I adjust the points. How far can I turn up the timing? Its a 302 and I think the sticker says 4 degrees. I turned it up to 10 degrees and have no problems with spark knock(all emissions equipment is hookup and working). Made a world of difference in the way the engine runs.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Points are points; don't waste money on "performance points" because the term in itself is an oxymoron. It's a metal switch; there's not much one can do to improve it. If you're interested in upgrading the factory setup, a Duraspark swap is a really cost-effective and reliable solution. I got tired of the points on my '73 Galaxie and I installed the Pertronix setup to make it "look" mostly original. I haven't been able to drive the car enough (ongoing project) to really put it to the test, but so far so good.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
Get a pertronix kit, and keep a set of points in the glove box in case of emergency.
As far as initial advance you can go from 12-14 degrees initial with out problems depening on the motor. And any old school head should have 32-36 degrees total advance.
As far as initial advance you can go from 12-14 degrees initial with out problems depening on the motor. And any old school head should have 32-36 degrees total advance.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Wingo, Ky
That is kinda what I thought but the people at the parts store tried to tell me otherwise. I don't drive the truck much so I don't have to reset the points or replace them often and the truck runs great and starts good so I will just keep this ignition system. Thanks guys.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 403
From: W. Central FL.
I am going to respectfully disagree with the statement that "points is points" or anything close to that statement. There is a difference in quality. I really don't know if the quality of a $20 set of points is better than that of a $10 set or not but I would stay away from those $2 points. The quality difference is in that of the contacts and of the rub block but I really don't know who builds a good set of points today. For years all I would use was Echlin or Ford. Install them correctly, gap them on the wide side and forget them for many miles.
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