Distributor question

vetteboy · 05-22-2013, 01:56 PM

I’m close to getting my race motor done(BBC stocker) and was looking for some advice about distributors. Right know I have an Accel duel point. Is there any benefits/power gain by going to electronic distributor? I have never had any problem with the Accel. So do I buy a new distributor or use the Accel. I would have a use for the Accel if I bought a new distributor. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Brett

Lew Silverman · 05-22-2013, 02:15 PM

Just one man's opinion, but a points-type distributor will never give you the accuracy a more modern, electronic distributor will. One advantage to the dual-point unit was that you could widen the dwell between the point-sets to increase the spark-duration and coil saturation. A well prepared H.E.I. or other modern distributor, with the addition of a multiple-spark ignition system, will be able to do that and so much more. Add in the increased maintenance of the older distributor, and I think you'll be much happier with an electronic unit.

Lew

Richard Grant · 05-22-2013, 02:48 PM

A new electronic distributor coupled with a good MSD box will be worth the cost due to the better cranking, less problems with sparkplug fouling, and no problems with points. I fought a point distributor before going the MSD route. I would never go back. Even though you can use one set of points to trigger the MSD, you don't want having a set of points getting out of adjustment or failing to fire.

Mark Yacavone · 05-22-2013, 03:37 PM

I can't imagine a BBC budget Stocker, but you can use what you have for now.
As Richard said, use one set of points to trigger the MSD ,no condensor, no springs..The point drag will bring the advance back for starting purposes.
I've run Accel points up to 8400 with no problem. Just check the gap every once in a while.
The points won't pit , but the rubbing block will wear a little.

Jim Kaekel · 05-22-2013, 04:29 PM

Adjusting points....you guys are giving me flashbacks filled with feeler gauges and dwell meters.

Mark Yacavone · 05-22-2013, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Kaekel

Adjusting points....you guys are giving me flashbacks filled with feeler gauges and dwell meters.

Still have my dwell meter, Jim.

It doesn't take long on a GM vehicle.
Even if it gets off a little in this scenario, it really doesn't matter as long as you compensate with the timing.

Jeff Lee · 05-22-2013, 07:53 PM

Dwell affects timing....timing does not affect dwell....that's a mantra from the past!
I wouldn't worry about using that Accel dual-point. In fact it's probably a good starting point. Get the car running and ad the MSD (or whatever) later. The dual point will be fool proof. As we all know, electronic ignitions are not always fool proof. One less thing to worry about for now.

Tom keedle · 05-23-2013, 04:52 AM

toyota ran points thru an electonic box years ago, the points lasted forever, just keep the rubbing block lubed, but my question is, if you run both points,will it still increase dwell?

05-22-2013, 01:56 PM	#1
vetteboy Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Olive, MI Posts: 35 Likes: 4 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Distributor question I’m close to getting my race motor done(BBC stocker) and was looking for some advice about distributors. Right know I have an Accel duel point. Is there any benefits/power gain by going to electronic distributor? I have never had any problem with the Accel. So do I buy a new distributor or use the Accel. I would have a use for the Accel if I bought a new distributor. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Brett

05-22-2013, 02:15 PM	#2
Lew Silverman VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 1,438 Likes: 372 Liked 129 Times in 59 Posts	Re: Distributor question Just one man's opinion, but a points-type distributor will never give you the accuracy a more modern, electronic distributor will. One advantage to the dual-point unit was that you could widen the dwell between the point-sets to increase the spark-duration and coil saturation. A well prepared H.E.I. or other modern distributor, with the addition of a multiple-spark ignition system, will be able to do that and so much more. Add in the increased maintenance of the older distributor, and I think you'll be much happier with an electronic unit. Lew __________________ Lew Silverman #2070 "The Wagon Master" N/SA

05-22-2013, 02:48 PM	#3
Richard Grant Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West Monroe, La. Posts: 301 Likes: 9 Liked 13 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Distributor question A new electronic distributor coupled with a good MSD box will be worth the cost due to the better cranking, less problems with sparkplug fouling, and no problems with points. I fought a point distributor before going the MSD route. I would never go back. Even though you can use one set of points to trigger the MSD, you don't want having a set of points getting out of adjustment or failing to fire. __________________ Richard Grant 4988 STK

05-22-2013, 03:37 PM	#4
Mark Yacavone Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Miles From Nowhere Posts: 7,416 Likes: 2,582 Liked 4,453 Times in 1,694 Posts	Re: Distributor question I can't imagine a BBC budget Stocker, but you can use what you have for now. As Richard said, use one set of points to trigger the MSD ,no condensor, no springs..The point drag will bring the advance back for starting purposes. I've run Accel points up to 8400 with no problem. Just check the gap every once in a while. The points won't pit , but the rubbing block will wear a little. __________________ We are lucky we don't get as much Government as we pay for..... Will Rogers

05-22-2013, 04:29 PM	#5
Jim Kaekel VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,222 Likes: 134 Liked 498 Times in 104 Posts	Re: Distributor question Adjusting points....you guys are giving me flashbacks filled with feeler gauges and dwell meters. __________________ Jim Kaekel 3836 STK

05-22-2013, 07:53 PM	#7
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Distributor question Dwell affects timing....timing does not affect dwell....that's a mantra from the past! I wouldn't worry about using that Accel dual-point. In fact it's probably a good starting point. Get the car running and ad the MSD (or whatever) later. The dual point will be fool proof. As we all know, electronic ignitions are not always fool proof. One less thing to worry about for now. __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX

05-23-2013, 04:52 AM	#8
Tom keedle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Berthoud, Coloraduh Posts: 695 Likes: 13 Liked 7 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Distributor question toyota ran points thru an electonic box years ago, the points lasted forever, just keep the rubbing block lubed, but my question is, if you run both points,will it still increase dwell? __________________ without losers,winning means nothing.