1961 Dual Quad distributor replacement
I have run the original dual point distributor and a single point. Both are well worn and I would like to replace them with a "pointless" distributor with vacuum advance. Any recommendations on what to get? Want to be sure distributor and vacuum can fits under the ignition shielding. Any special installation and initial advance setting concerns? I can install a "pointed" distributor and come close to initial advance amount but not sure how to do it with a "pointless" type.
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Re: 1961 Dual Quad distributor replacement
A bigger problem is being able to turn the distributor far enough to set timing with the vac advance can contacting the carb. Why not just get the dual point rebuilt? -
Re: 1961 Dual Quad distributor replacement
I don't know what you mean by "well worn", but those distributors are easy to rebuild. If the shaft bushings are okay it's an easy DIY job, but if they are worn any competent machine shop should be able to replace them an hone to final dimension.
Search for a thread stated by me Dec/2012 "L-79 dist. blueprint/overhaul for some insight.
IIRC some years ago someone said that he was able to install a single/point vacuum advance dist. on a 2 x 4 induction 283, but had to rotate the drive gear 180 degrees so the dimple pointed opposite the rotor tip. I don't recall if he said the ignition shielding would fit.
The dual point uses the same point set as the I-6, and it's my understanding that an electronic switch can be installed to replace them, but don't know the details.
DukeComment
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Re: 1961 Dual Quad distributor replacement
Thanks for your reply. I am looking to "modernize" the ignition with a breaker-less distributor.Comment
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Re: 1961 Dual Quad distributor replacement
Thanks for your reply. Current vacuum advance distributor shows dwell drift with increasing rpm, scattered advance, and very little vacuum advance. I am looking to modernize the ignition system.Comment
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Re: 1961 Dual Quad distributor replacement
Those problems are likely due to worn bushings, excess shaft end play, or a wobbly breaker plate. Most parts can be sourced, but I'm not aware that new breaker plates are available, but there are a lot of used ones around. Millions were manufactured.
The OE breaker plate on my 327/340 turned out to be wobbly, which caused loss of dwell and ignition breakup. That was back in the seventies when you could still buy new ones. The problem had been there since near new, but it took me a decade to figure it out. It was so bad I bought the TI ignition from the "12-mile L-88", but after it quit twice I figured out how to make the single point system work.
You should at least disassemble them to inspect. Replacing points with an electronic switch is just a black box that can fail suddenly without warning. Point ignitions usually give you lots of warning.
That's one of the beauties of vintage cars - simple mechanical analog systems that are easy to troubleshoot and fix with a mulitmeter and simple tools.Comment
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