Anyone still running points with a module?

"there was a reason automakers changed ignition setups."
my engine doesn't even have a distributor...

 

Thats my plan.

 

Yea, deep East Texas answer to Ford's high prices

 

Where's the plug wires ?

 

Now that's altegether far more complicated, and even harder to hide if you trying for vintage looks.

 

Simplicity. Straight forward simplicity. I'm not building a race car. If a cheap easy reliable breaker points will do the job just fine for my needs, and all I'm asking for is a few more kilovolts, why should I make it more complex?

 

Then a Pertronix will fill the bill. here

 

Other than mounting the trigger wheel and sensor (which I don’t think is going to be much of a challenge) it’s a straightforward installation & all adjustments are easily done with a laptop.
And yes the “vintage look” will go out the window.
Although I did see a guy that mounted his coils behind the carb, other than making it look like a GM product it looks great.

 

if 'original' looks are important, im surprised a pertronix isnt the go to? its so simple. I have one on my 62 falcon with a 'painted to look stock' accel coil. keeps look original hasnt failed, ever. keep spare module in trunk just in case. On my maverick and galaxie went with the aftermarket hei system. GM got a few things right, those have been spot on as well. ONLY thing i had to do was limit the advance, used a timing advance restrictor plate on the advance unit and golden. all those options are bolt in, under 125, simple, and done.

 

All this brings back the memories of "changing my points" before any lengthy road trips....and that handy little window in the side of a GM distributor, plastic packages with cheap points/condenser/rotor. I used to love that fresh tune-up feel that seemed to go away in a week. I have all but forgotten that small, obsolete disappointment with the myriad of upgrades.

 

I suppose "original look" is the wrong term. "Piriod" is the term. I'm installing a 4 pot, Vintage 70s aftermarket valve covers, headers etc. But I really don't want any janky modules visible. And as I said before, Pertronix put a bad taste in my mouth already.

As for simplicity. If a laptops involved, it's not simple anymore. Can't fix an ecm with a matchbook. (A dime and a matchbook is all you need to replace/clean points)

 

i have to ask. how did pertronix pickup module put a bad taste in your mouth? shoot, ive run them on 2 strokes on the crank that spin to 10k, no issues. Only time ive seem them fail is if the insulating grease wasn't used. and, you can trigger an msd box off one. To that point (heh), you -could- also use a dyna-s module. (all under the cap) super clean install. Out of 14 vehicles i own, 12 being vintage, only one has points now, and thats a 67 kawasaki 120cc single.

 

Right after my 3rd Mallory debacle. Bang! Pertronix quit first try. Made it to work, that was it. It was the pickup, I just decided then that these aftermarket ignition systems just plain suck. Plopped In a used Duraspark dist out of a scrap motor and never had another problem.

Now, if I can fire a 12v coil and not have to change or modify anything about my dist. And it's all done with OEM parts. It's got my vote. My only complaint ever about points was the low voltage spark.

I get the impression alot of folks that don't like points are the younger generation, and never actually experienced points. Yes, you have to maintain them or they fail quickly. So clean and adjust them each oil change, there, that was hard. Took what, 5 minutes?

I will reiterate, aftermarket, and even OEM electronic ignition has failed and left me stranded. Had to get a ride or walk to the parts store, ect. The few times my points ignition failed, bike, truck, tractor or car, I fixed it right there with minimal tools. And points rarely just fail, (untill you leave the key on for hours at the drive in) they get dirty or worn and you notice a loss in power, oh, time for a tune up. Again, a few minutes of your time and minimal effort, and you're rolling just as you were.

On my next build, (not keeping it vintage) I'm very likely to use a GM HEI dist mod. GM might have installed the dist in the wrong place, but it's all contained in one unit, coil module and all. That's a neat concept and clean install. (no offense Ford guys, better dist all around) And again, reliable OEM parts.

 

I've run points on everything ive owned at some time that originally came with them, i'm very familiar with them (even though im 47). its -extremely extremely- rare a pertronix module just 'goes bad', but anything mass produced has a possibility to be defective. i think you're being a bit harsh on on judgement by just one experience. But i get it i guess. ive run many over the years and never had one fail.