Suggestions for a new distributor - MSD doesn't have parts to repair mine.

[BattlestarGalactic]

Had thoughts of mounting the condenser on the outside, like the old Mallorys, that way when it does fail I can get to it easily without having to unbolt blower and rotate out of the way......

lifetime supply of Motorcraft points:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTORCRAFT-POINT-SET-CONTACT-POINT-Set-IGNITION-POINTS-NOS-NIP-DP-3-/122518988010?epid=79055592&hash=item1c86b364ea:g:Kr0AAOSwjL5ZKeBE

Anyone know if these typically are heavy sprung?  Or what is the part number for the dual point set up?  Same?
I know the original tune up I put in it back in 2000 when I put it together had NO problem hitting 6K(rev limiter).   The cheapie Azone points set is what is in there now and not worth a crap.

[Heo]

Im just in from the shop where i have wired up the 390
to the test bench with a points dist that i picked up from
the barnfloor and i have blue nice spark
so easy to check for spark with points just open and close them
with a screwdriver

[shady]

Anybody know the actual specs on a Phord ignition condenser? Seems we could source a higher quality piece from a non-automotive source.

they are .21 - .25 mfd. There really aren't any substitutes for them. First, it is an odd value in the electronic world. Second, they would be really physically big with solid lead conductors which won't stand up to vibration.  You can tell if your condenser is off value if the points are pitting to one side of the contacts. Doesn't hurt to carry a spare or two in the parts box in the trunk along with the monkey.

[FElony]

Anybody know the actual specs on a Phord ignition condenser? Seems we could source a higher quality piece from a non-automotive source.

they are .21 - .25 mfd. There really aren't any substitutes for them. First, it is an odd value in the electronic world. Second, they would be really physically big with solid lead conductors which won't stand up to vibration.  You can tell if your condenser is off value if the points are pitting to one side of the contacts. Doesn't hurt to carry a spare or two in the parts box in the trunk along with the monkey.

How about these from the HVAC industry?  http://www.ebay.com/itm/253039618525

[shady]

Won't fit inside dist.  Plus they look old & age is an enemy of caps. 

[FElony]

Putting them outside the distributor is probably better for heat. What goes wrong from age in an unused cap?

[Heo]

Most european cars have them outside of the dist.

[Yellow Truck]

I laugh every time I read someone dissing points, because I know that sooner or later (usually sooner), their car is going to be a gutter-lane ornament. Points worked then; points work now. How could anyone think that Chink-produced modules would be the ticket to reliability? Insane? Why yes, yes it is. Pick your points tension to match your rpm range, set and forget. It's not like anyone here drives his FE enough miles to actually wear out a set.

There is no need for racial denigrations.

[Heo]

When i was in the Army i had a crappy old Ford Taunus
with a Pinto four  One early morning i was going back from leave
and it run worse and worse until it quit sowere in middle of nowhere
in the deep forest. the plastic nub  on the points had wore down
I found a ziptie in the glovecompartment that i was able to zip around
the points to get a new nub and found a knife that i was able to adjust
the points with arrived with 7 minutes to get in the uniform and fall in
Fix the electronics with a rusty knife and a ziptie if you can

[FElony]

I laugh every time I read someone dissing points, because I know that sooner or later (usually sooner), their car is going to be a gutter-lane ornament. Points worked then; points work now. How could anyone think that Chink-produced modules would be the ticket to reliability? Insane? Why yes, yes it is. Pick your points tension to match your rpm range, set and forget. It's not like anyone here drives his FE enough miles to actually wear out a set.

There is no need for racial denigrations.

Guess the admin here is a libtard, too, considering he just erased my reply post to you.

[FElony]

Putting them outside the distributor is probably better for heat. What goes wrong from age in an unused cap?

http://www.johansondielectrics.com/ceramic-capacitor-aging-made-simple

Not sure how much of this applies to item discussed, but the part about restoring effect at a certain temp is interesting, considering the environment under hood. Lots and lots of NOS caps on eBay; surely they are not all junk?

[Heo]

There is rumors that you could replace the Cap
with a potato for  a short while. havent tried it
though

[FElony]

There is rumors that you could replace the Cap
with a potato for  a short while. havent tried it
though

Cool. Next time I am parked in the gutter I'm going to attach a potato to the engine and claim to passers-by it was an R&D experiment that failed. With my BS skills, I'm sure I can convince.

[Heo]

    Guys remember to allways keep a couple of spare Potatos
in the trunk

[FElony]

  Guys remember to allways keep a couple of spare Potatos
in the trunk

Make sure you buy them from a ho.