Ignition points

[D S.]

This is a general query regarding ignition points. 'Back in the day' when one bought ignition points a condenser usually came with it separately in a box. Now besides those I see ignition points with the condenser as an integral part of the points. The problem I had using the integral unit was trying to get a feeler gauge in somewhere to adjust the gap. With the condenser removed on the older style it is much easier to see to adjust. Regarding longevity would name brands have longer life than off-brands?
Which is best to use? AC Delco ignition points with separate condenser or off-brands with the built-in condenser?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Chuck G.]

Re: Ignition points

I'm aware of the point/condenser combos, but have stayed away from ever using them.

I've used NAPA/Echlin and AC Delco points with separate condensers for years without any problems.

I only use a feeler gauge to get me in the ballpark when I change points. After that, I use a dwell meter to get them spot on.

Do the "unipoints", i.e point and condenser combo sets interfere with inserting an Allen wrench into the window to adjust the points?

Chuck

[Michael W.]

Re: Ignition points

Do the "unipoints", i.e point and condenser combo sets interfere with inserting an Allen wrench into the window to adjust the points?

Chuck

No- never had a problem with setting either initial gap or final dwell. Even with E10.

[Jack H.]

Re: Ignition points

Plus, the point/cap combo assy's won't fit your stock '70L-72 distributor IF you've got the full/correct factory setup with the RFI shields installed on the distributor breaker plate!

[D S.]

Re: Ignition points

Plus, the point/cap combo assy's won't fit your stock '70L-72 distributor IF you've got the full/correct factory setup with the RFI shields installed on the distributor breaker plate!

Jack, I don't think my '70 requires the RFI shields. Hope not anyway. The ignition points combo fits inside there. I had to remove the shielding box and distributor cap and rotor just to get a bent feeler gauge in there to adjust the gap.

[Duke W.]

Re: Ignition points

This has been pointed out a zillion times. All "name brand" points are made by Standard Motor Products.

There are six different NAPA/Echlin point sets for single point distributors not including the "uniset", and most of these versions are available in other brands including "Delco", but they all come from the same source.

There was a thread about this a few months ago, and a cleaned up version will appear soon in The Corvette Restorer.

Duke

[Alan S.]

Re: Ignition points

Hi Scott,
I believe you're right about the RFI shield in the 70 model year.
The way I read the TIM if the engine has the full distributor box with lid it didn't have the RFI shield; but if it got the later 70 and 71+ one piece distributor shield, it got the RFI shield.
Regards,
Alan

[D S.]

Re: Ignition points

This has been pointed out a zillion times. All "name brand" points are made by Standard Motor Products.

There are six different NAPA/Echlin point sets for single point distributors not including the "uniset", and most of these versions are available in other brands including "Delco", but they all come from the same source.

There was a thread about this a few months ago, and a cleaned up version will appear soon in The Corvette Restorer.

Duke

Sorry, Duke, but I did an archive search and did not see the specific threads and posts. Given as old as many of us are we tend to forget and reminders like mine help to speed things along.

[Michael J.]

Re: Ignition points

This has been pointed out a zillion times. All "name brand" points are made by Standard Motor Products.
Duke

That is why I always use Standard Blue Streaks.

[Duke W.]

Re: Ignition points

Sorry, Duke, but I did an archive search and did not see the specific threads and posts. Given as old as many of us are we tend to forget and reminders like mine help to speed things along.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...+CS89&uid=6684

[Pat M.]

Re: Ignition points

Hi Scott,
I believe you're right about the RFI shield in the 70 model year.
The way I read the TIM if the engine has the full distributor box with lid it didn't have the RFI shield; but if it got the later 70 and 71+ one piece distributor shield, it got the RFI shield.
Regards,
Alan

That's my understanding too. My May built 70 has the two piece box and no RFI shield and was judged correct ... except once, when I didn't know enough to argue about it.

[D S.]

Re: Ignition points

That is why I always use Standard Blue Streaks.

Thanks, Michael. I will remember that in the future and know that I will need points again. The car now starts at the touch of the ignition key and runs smooth (for an LS-5) now that I got the new points and condenser on it although the previous points on it looked okay. Previously it ran rough and choked out when I tried to accelerate coming back from a Goodguys event last year.

[Duke W.]

Re: Ignition points

Now all you have to do is figure out which of the six different point sets are best for your engine.

Duke

[Jim T.]

Re: Ignition points

My July 18th built 1970 came with the RFI two piece shield over the points and condensor. I started using the uniset Delco points when they first became available in the 70's.
Install them right from packaging and use a dwell meter to adjust. I also apply some Blue Streak lubricant on the point set contact area of the distributor and just a little bit of lubricant on the rubbing block of the points.

[D S.]

Re: Ignition points

Now all you have to do is figure out which of the six different point sets are best for your engine.

Duke

Duke, my Corvette is a 1970 LS-5 with auto. Which of the six do you recommend?

Thanks,
Scott