Tune up question. Eliminate points system?

714Speed · 09-13-03, 08:33 PM

I'm in need of a tune up on a 71 350\270 and wondering if I should go back stock with the points system or switch to the point-less set up. I do not know, personally, how to set the dwell and timing on a points ignition, I've always had HEI's. If I go with a point-less set up, is it simply a bolt in and go scenario or is there any fine tuning as with the points set up? Any experienced opinions would greatly help. Ecklers has a total tune up deal with wires, performance plugs, cap, rotor and points for $88.00. Neil

clar2001 · 09-13-03, 08:56 PM

Lose the points ! HEI

cruisin-davey-g · 09-13-03, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 714Speed
I'm in need of a tune up on a 71 350\270 and wondering if I should go back stock with the points system or switch to the point-less set up. I do not know, personally, how to set the dwell and timing on a points ignition, I've always had HEI's. If I go with a point-less set up, is it simply a bolt in and go scenario or is there any fine tuning as with the points set up? Any experienced opinions would greatly help. Ecklers has a total tune up deal with wires, performance plugs, cap, rotor and points for $88.00. Neil

Hi: One question you'll have to ask yourself if you go to an GM HEI set-up. Do you want to lose your tach drive & mechanical tach? On the other hand, you could go to an aftermarket Distributor; such as a MSD unit that has the tach drive; but it's rather pricey & you'll also be deveating from stock; if that's your choice. What I did was go to an aftermarket piont-less set-up. I used the "Pentronix" piont-less unit. It's easy to install & pretty strait forward. You'll retain your factory stock distributor & the only difference in looks on the outside of the distributor will be a couple of wires coming out of the dwell adjustment window; which will be running to the coil. One problem that I had with the se-up is that it didn't seem to preform as well as the old point & condenser set-up, until I added a MSD box; you can hide that in the inner fenderwell & your engine compartment will still retain the stock look. Many of the major Corvette places sell this unit; but I found that JC Whitney sells it the cheapest. I got my Pentronix unit when it was in it's infantancy & I'm sure the newer ones are much better units than the first ones. I got my unit directly from "Pentronix" in Silicon Valley, Ca. Check it out; I'm sure you'll feel it's worth it. Good luck.

Dave

atmmac · 09-13-03, 11:25 PM

The pertronix system is cheap and a pain in a** i returned mine when i realized it was defective after losing the magnets. Get the accel hei its awesome i love it on my impala.

cruisin-davey-g · 09-13-03, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by atmmac
The pertronix system is cheap and a pain in a** i returned mine when i realized it was defective after losing the magnets. Get the accel hei its awesome i love it on my impala.

Hi: I've had my Pentronix unit in my 'Vette for over 15 years & it works like a charm. You've got an Impala without a mechanical tach drive. Were talkin early C-3 Corvettes here. Most of us like the stock appearance & parts; but would like to update some of the stuff & retain the stock appearance. Putting a HEI type distributor; although it is better; it's a no-no in an earlier C-3 'vette for "stock" sake. We have to sometimes work with what we have & so it goes.

Dave

714Speed · 09-14-03, 02:21 PM

I have the Mallory points distributor now. Do you know if GM stock replacement points, caps, etc will work in the Mallory unit or do I have to buy Mallory branded points, caps, etc.? Thanks. Neil

Johan · 09-14-03, 03:28 PM

Setting the dwell is a simple 2 minute job if you just get a dwell meter (just turn one screw while car is running), but ofcourse you'll have to do it every now and then to keep it set correct.

Setting the timing (also very simple), will be the same regardless of your type of ignition.

I've just ordered a Pertonix kit, mostly because I guess it is a bit more reliable than the points.

Eric · 09-14-03, 04:06 PM

I installed Pertronix Ignitor in my old 71 and it worked like a charm. Low end response was improved and the car started a lot quicker.

cruisin-davey-g · 09-14-03, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 714Speed
I have the Mallory points distributor now. Do you know if GM stock replacement points, caps, etc will work in the Mallory unit or do I have to buy Mallory branded points, caps, etc.? Thanks. Neil

Hi: It would be better all the way around if you stick to the Mallory stuffings for their distributor. BTW: Is your Mallory Tach Driven?

Dave

cruisin-davey-g · 09-14-03, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 71Shark
I installed Pertronix Ignitor in my old 71 and it worked like a charm. Low end response was improved and the car started a lot quicker.

I know what you mean about it starting alot quicker, especailly with a MSD unit behind it. When I go to time my motor, I sometimes "bump" the starter & it starts so easily, I have to disconnect the coil. How's that for response?

Dave

Chas · 09-14-03, 06:20 PM

i installed a conversion kit to hei in my original distributor.....so i still have my tach....i also put in a new shaft and drive gear for the tach so im real tight and love the response...it starts instantly.....was less than $100.00 for the kit at car quest plus the cost of the shaft and gear kit from Ecklers......and i also made a nifty tool from the old shaft by cutting off the distributor end and now i can use it to align the bottom of the shaft and the pin.....i hate to throw anything away!
Good luck....Chas

cruisin-davey-g · 09-14-03, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vettedude73
i installed a conversion kit to hei in my original distributor.....so i still have my tach....i also put in a new shaft and drive gear for the tach so im real tight and love the response...it starts instantly.....was less than $100.00 for the kit at car quest plus the cost of the shaft and gear kit from Ecklers......and i also made a nifty tool from the old shaft by cutting off the distributor end and now i can use it to align the bottom of the shaft and the pin.....i hate to throw anything away!
Good luck....Chas

Chas: Yeah. I hate to throw away anything too. My wife calls me a "Pack-Rat". But, you know, just when you throw something away.......you'll need it the next day. Murphy's Law. You can also use that old Distrubitor shaft for priming your motor (or other engines). Just stick it in the hole & hook up a drill to it & pump the oil through the motor without starting it. I do that after I've store my vette for the winter months. Prime the motor before starting it.

Dave

Vettehead Mikey · 09-15-03, 12:54 PM

Quote:

I've just ordered a Pertonix kit, mostly because I guess it is a bit more reliable than the points. [/b]

Nope, sorry. The opposite is true. The pertronixs (It doesn't deserve a capitalized name) unit is FAMOUS for failing without warning and leaving you stranded. Happened to me once. Never again.

Points will slowly go out of tune but will never leave you stranded.

Do a search over on the CF site, C3 section to read some of the horror stories.

714Speed · 09-15-03, 01:25 PM

To answer your question about the Mallory distributor, yes, it is the mechanical tach driven unit, much like the original. I would like to buy the $88.00 deal from Ecklers that has the AC wires, plugs, cap, rotor, condensor, and points. I wonder if the cap is useable? Can anyone give me a procedure for setting dwell? Never done this before. Thanks. Neil.

cruisin-davey-g · 09-15-03, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vettehead Mikey
Nope, sorry. The opposite is true. The pertronixs (It doesn't deserve a capitalized name) unit is FAMOUS for failing without warning and leaving you stranded. Happened to me once. Never again.

Points will slowly go out of tune but will never leave you stranded.

Do a search over on the CF site, C3 section to read some of the horror stories.

The Pentronix unit never failed on me. may though, since I haven't run my motor in a long time, 'cause my 'vette's goin' through another transformation & has been down. But, I won't know until I go to start it back up. May not fail, you never know. One thing that was said when I picked up my unit from Pentronix in Silicon Valley, Ca back in 1983 was that clearences were critical in setting up this unit, especially the clearence between the little box & the ring. I made sure mine was "DEAD-NUTS" on. Just alittle out of specs could cause it not to perform right or make the car run radicial. I'm also using a MSD box along with my distrubitor & it really makes a BIG difference. Ask some of those "horror story" people if they were using MSD along with their units. May be the case if it's not set-up right. Just like a rear-end in the car.

Neil: If you've got a Mallory tach driven distrubitor, keep it & go with a transistor type ignition conversion that mallory makes for their point distrubitors. If you can get rid of the points & condenser, do it. Why do you think GM went to HEI? Boy, wish I could afford one of those mallory units. BTW: Mallory makes a multi-spark unit to go with their distrubitors & it's well worth it. Good luck! & keep the faith.

Dave