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.

05-22-2013, 01:56 PM	#1
vetteboy Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Olive, MI Posts: 35 Likes: 7 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: 1,435 Likes: 371 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: 7,742 Likes: 2,846 Liked 5,003 Times in 1,903 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: 1,226 Likes: 133 Liked 529 Times in 107 Posts	Re: Distributor question Adjusting points....you guys are giving me flashbacks filled with feeler gauges and dwell meters. __________________ Jim Kaekel 3836 STK