i was just wondering because if it is not i will convert to H.E.I
2006-07-09 12:51:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes, however, you have to replace and set the points pretty often. The points effect the timing and control,the energy to the coil and therefore the spark to the plugs. A point distributor has a bushing on the points that rides on a rotating eccentric spinning on the distributor shaft. That bushing wears down and eventually the points gap closes, contacts don't open and ....NO spark engine quits. The contacts themselves wear and sometimes the condenser fails and stops the engine. (The Condenser is a small capacitor in parallel with the point contacts used to suppress arcing and contact burning. It also cuts down on Radio interference.) I used to change points in my Chevy about every 10,000 miles, more than that I was taking chances.
Hey.. did I mention the mechanical advance, there is a set of two weights , flat pieces with a hole in one end they are restrained by springs the advance the timing as the engine speed increases they are constantly moving in and out while you drive adjusting the timing. The hole in the little weights wear down becoming oblong an then sticking , and the little coil springs rust and break, getting into the works and stopping the engine.
Other than that...yeah pretty reliable...just a maintenance Item.
Both types have Vacuum advance systems
The HEI eliminates the 'wear bushing' uses a rotating magnet with 8 poles (if its a V8 six if a 6 Cly) that spin passed a sensor that sends a pulse to a electronic module that controls the coil and therefore the spark.
It is easy to change out, It eliminates the old point distributor, you remove the old separate coil, removed the ballast resister ( usually found mounted on the firewall near the distributor. Easy wiring. one ignition hot lead with a flat spade connector to the distributor connector. ( unless you have a Tach then a tach wire to the connector with the same type of spade connection.)
HEI is the way to go for reliability.
But if you want it to remain original, for collector value, stick with the points. ( collectors and classic enthusiasts prefer as original as possible ) If you do change save all your old stuff for when you sell the car. It may increase the selling price.
2006-07-09 12:56:42 · answer #1 · answered by Grumpy 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A "points" distributor will work fine, but has a lot more maintenance. Also, you need to be aware that the pivot holes in the centrifugal advance weights wear into an oblong shape, which requires replacement, and the weight return springs often stretch and break. If you're running a high performance/street racer, there is a lot of adjust-ability in this distributor. But if you're looking for an everyday driver/reliable distributor, I'd go with the HEI. JMHO, Good Luck!
2006-07-09 13:03:01 · answer #2 · answered by lugnutz59 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm usually a fan of doing things the old school way, but points wear out and have to be adjusted and replaced all the time. PITA. Go out and get a Pertronix ignition system. It fits right into the stock distributor, and we have never had problems on any of them that we have used. Plus they practically never need to be adjusted.
2006-07-09 12:58:18 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very reliable! I have a '95 Tahoe with the 350 in it and it has 234,000 plus miles on it. Like said previously, as long as you keep up with the routine maintenance, it will last you forever. I would say this is Chevy's "Flag Ship" engine!
2016-03-26 23:01:38 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Replacing it with HEI is the best, solves many problems as long as you have the extra room for the larger distributor cap and you will need to rewire it since it uses a full 12V wiring instead of the restricted wiring from the points dist.
2006-07-09 12:57:44 · answer #5 · answered by firstonthebadlist 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HEI distributors are more reliable and virtually maintenance free. If you have the room near the firewall, use the HEI. The spark is hotter, and points wear out.
2006-07-09 12:57:25 · answer #6 · answered by Nc Jay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Point ignition is somewhat reliable
It does not last as well as HEI
You are much better with HEI
You will get Better performance,Gas Mileage and the engine starts much easier,.
Especially in Cold weather....
2006-07-09 12:59:13 · answer #7 · answered by Vulcan 1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can do the "H.E.I." swap cheaply then do it,points are old tech and will always wear out and need adjustment.
2006-07-09 12:56:08 · answer #8 · answered by hjbergel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go with HEI;points is old tech that can not keep-up with high reving engines of today.
2006-07-09 13:03:36 · answer #9 · answered by srtransmision 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋