points ignition retro
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Freshman User
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points ignition retro
I have a 1986 f150, 300 engine, standard transmission that I am converting to non-feedback system. All emissions and computer are gone. I want to put a 71 points distributor in it. Pictures on line of 71 and 86 distributor look different. Will a 71 distributor fit in an 86?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
They claim the dist in this link fits 1965 through 1986, so they all should be the same.
https://www.ebay.com/i/191838774982?chn=ps
https://www.ebay.com/i/191838774982?chn=ps
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
First I have to ask why go back that old to points?
If you look up a picture of 80/81 dist. it will look close to the 71 as it will have vacuum advance that yours dose not have but it will be electronic so no need to replaced worn out points or need to set the dwell when the plastic rub block wears down.
A little wiring and the IGN box and you are good to go and never have to touch it again.
I am not a fan of them but that would be the HEI type of dist.
No need for the IGN box as it is built inside like your dist. now, but it has vacuum advance and no computer needed to work.
The hardest part is it will need a full 12 volts but that is it to work.
I would look into the HEI type. (edit: I see Franklin posted a link to one)
Dave ----
If you look up a picture of 80/81 dist. it will look close to the 71 as it will have vacuum advance that yours dose not have but it will be electronic so no need to replaced worn out points or need to set the dwell when the plastic rub block wears down.
A little wiring and the IGN box and you are good to go and never have to touch it again.
I am not a fan of them but that would be the HEI type of dist.
No need for the IGN box as it is built inside like your dist. now, but it has vacuum advance and no computer needed to work.
The hardest part is it will need a full 12 volts but that is it to work.
I would look into the HEI type. (edit: I see Franklin posted a link to one)
Dave ----
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
I have a 1986 f150, 300 engine, standard transmission that I am converting to non-feedback system. All emissions and computer are gone. I want to put a 71 points distributor in it. Pictures on line of 71 and 86 distributor look different. Will a 71 distributor fit in an 86?
The Answer to the question is yes it fits. All 300 I6 Distributors will interchange (Physically bolt in) .
As for why.
It gives you the option of running electronic or points, Not some thing you can do with HEI or the Dura Spark Dist's
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 781
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From: Sanford, NC
You can run an MSD box with points and the points just become a trigger for the box so
they never really wear out. I run this system on a 60s muscle car and haven't had to do anything to the points
in over 10 years.
they never really wear out. I run this system on a 60s muscle car and haven't had to do anything to the points
in over 10 years.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
So you may not have power going thru them to make them pit they still wear.
What is nice unless the plastic rub block breaks they will never leave you stuck some place like a bad IGN box will.
If I had a points dist. I would install a point eliminate kit.
Dave - - - -
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
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From: St Albert, Alberta
If you put miles on it the plastic rub block will wear down changing dwell and that changes timing.
So you may not have power going thru them to make them pit they still wear.
What is nice unless the plastic rub block breaks they will never leave you stuck some place like a bad IGN box will.
If I had a points dist. I would install a point eliminate kit.
Dave - - - -
So you may not have power going thru them to make them pit they still wear.
What is nice unless the plastic rub block breaks they will never leave you stuck some place like a bad IGN box will.
If I had a points dist. I would install a point eliminate kit.
Dave - - - -
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
If you put miles on it the plastic rub block will wear down changing dwell and that changes timing.
So you may not have power going thru them to make them pit they still wear.
What is nice unless the plastic rub block breaks they will never leave you stuck some place like a bad IGN box will.
If I had a points dist. I would install a point eliminate kit.
Dave - - - -
So you may not have power going thru them to make them pit they still wear.
What is nice unless the plastic rub block breaks they will never leave you stuck some place like a bad IGN box will.
If I had a points dist. I would install a point eliminate kit.
Dave - - - -
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points ignition retro
I'm an old-school kind of guy, fuzzface2. I like the simplicity of the old points ignition, plus the look of the smaller distributor cab. I understand that points require regular fiddling, but I don't mind that.
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I'm looking for the cleanest possible look under the hood, so if I can avoid another gadget that what I want. Also, I like the look of the smaller old points distributor caps. My concern is whether or not the cam gear will align with the distributor gear. Also, I'm concerned about hindering oil flow if machining of distributor shaft should block off an oil passage.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,926
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From: Saskatchewan Canada
The old cap will fit the Duraspark distributor. There will be absolutely no mechanical reason why the distributor would not interchange, no machining required.
It would be pretty difficult to pick up the visual difference between a 71 distributor and a Duraspark with the older cap. I am noting that the visual appearance appears to be more of a factor than reliability and performance, but the wiring associated with a Duraspark system is quite simple and it would be easy to arrange it in such a way that a clean look can be obtained.
I too wonder about the availability of points and old school caps vs. the Duraspark parts?
It would be pretty difficult to pick up the visual difference between a 71 distributor and a Duraspark with the older cap. I am noting that the visual appearance appears to be more of a factor than reliability and performance, but the wiring associated with a Duraspark system is quite simple and it would be easy to arrange it in such a way that a clean look can be obtained.
I too wonder about the availability of points and old school caps vs. the Duraspark parts?