How to find the right Automotive Replacement Ignition Points Sets AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Automotive Replacement Ignition Points Sets
- Point style
- Match the style to the distributor: standard, vented or perforated contacts, one-piece or two-piece, and window-cap externally adjustable for GM V8s. Styles are not interchangeable across distributor designs, and vented contacts are meant to resist pitting.
- Contact alignment
- Contacts should meet squarely and centered. Bend only the fixed arm to correct alignment. Misaligned contacts concentrate current on a small area and burn quickly. Misalignment is a common defect in low-quality sets.
- Spring tension
- Arm spring tension should be within the distributor spec. Weak springs let the points float at high rpm, which causes high-speed misfire.
- Gap and dwell
- Set the gap to the vehicle spec with a clean feeler gauge, then confirm dwell with a meter and reset timing. Dwell is the accurate measure, and changes in dwell alter timing.
- Rubbing block material and lube
- Lubricate the rubbing block with distributor cam grease on install. Rubbing block wear is the main reason the gap closes and the engine drifts out of tune.
Brands that matter
- Standard Motor Products (Blue Streak): Wide coverage, including vented styles for many applications.
- Echlin: Long-standing replacement points for domestic distributors.
- Bosch: OE-style points for Bosch distributors.
- ACDelco: Points for Delco-Remy, including window-cap distributors.
- Mallory: Single- and dual-point sets for Mallory performance distributors.
What to avoid
- Sets whose contacts arrive visibly misaligned or with a coating on the contact faces. Clean the faces before installing.
- Single sets bought for a dual-point distributor.
- Installing without cam lubricant on the rubbing block.
- Filing badly pitted points instead of replacing them and the condenser.
Questions
Should new points be cleaned before installing?
Yes. Wipe the contact faces with a clean solvent to remove any protective film or oil, which can block current and prevent starting.