points ignition retro
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
ex·tra·po·la·tion
ikˌstrapəˈlāSH(ə)n/
nounnoun: extrapolation; plural noun: extrapolations
- the action of estimating or concluding something by assuming that existing trends will continue or a current method will remain applicable."sizes were estimated by extrapolation"
- Mathematicsthe extension of a graph, curve, or range of values by inferring unknown values from trends in the known data.
In other words, if they make a HEI distributor that fits all those year engines, more than likely all those engines take the same distributor. We know in 1965, that these engines used points, and in 1986 they used electronic, and this HEI dist fits both. Even though it's not definite evidence, it's shows a pretty good chance it will fit.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Originally Posted by LarsTurner
I've seen plenty of places that sell points on other such parts for the older trucks, so I'm not worried about that.
It's also important that the distributor shaft endplay and sideplay is within limits. A mechanical ignition trigger system will not tolerate excessive clearance or "slop", an original high mileage distributor, the dwell will usually be erratic and won't hold. Among other problems.
As far as "fiddling" with points constantly, it was usually spec'd for every 8,000 to 10,000 miles, but most people aren't using 50 year old trucks as daily drivers anymore. Use quality ignition parts and they shouldn't need any attention for years. They need to be cleaned off now and then with a point file.
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From: Virginia
The pertronix would be a good swap in for a points unit. I am thinking another side advantage would be a better timing curve from the older distributor instead of the smoggy timing curve of the later electronic versions. No proof of that though.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2018
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I feel confident that I can get quality points and condenser on line. To me, knowing that I have a simple, old-school ignition system that 'made America great' is worth any tinkering with points.
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I believe the Pertronix has an external control module. The goal is to have a clean-looking engine compartment.
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From: Virginia
The ones I have used do not. You do not know it's even there, except I think there is one extra wire leaving the distributor. Using a electronic switch instead of a mechanical switch improves the coil switching, which gives a hotter spark that does not deteriorate over time. There are good reasons they did away with points, but the points will work.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
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From: Houston
the one i installed in my old '58-59 Ford 641 Workmaster tractor fit under the cap where the points mounted. Has two wires to feed through, one to the coil negative for the trigger and the other wire to the positive side for power of the unit.
you can also run these units with factor ballast resistors which is what i will be doing with my 56 Ford. Wont be as hot of a spark as if i bypassed the resistor but it would still be considerably hotter than the points trigger.
its a great unit and ive had it on the tractor for 4 years now i think. Fires up every time and runs great, before the swap was hard to start and didnt run too good.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: douglasville
The old points distributor with a pertronix in it is the way to go, I have done away with feedback systems on a lot of V8 trucks this way. I don't know about the inline 6 but on the v8 you can use the original cap and cap adapter and it looks like that's the way it came factory.
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Joined: Jun 2018
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LarsTurner,
for what its worth,
My son recently bought an '82 F150 with a 351W, the previous owner retrofitted the distributor with an older one with points, condenser, etc. They kept the ignition control box from the DuraSpark II system, cut some wires and re routed a couple as well. It works ok but I am not sure its as good as it could be.
I would imagine the ignition control box could be eliminated altogether, I have not spent the time to figure it out.
for what its worth,
My son recently bought an '82 F150 with a 351W, the previous owner retrofitted the distributor with an older one with points, condenser, etc. They kept the ignition control box from the DuraSpark II system, cut some wires and re routed a couple as well. It works ok but I am not sure its as good as it could be.
I would imagine the ignition control box could be eliminated altogether, I have not spent the time to figure it out.
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