Is there really a performance difference between stock points vs HEI, and an aftermarket HEI ignition system? Readers were curious, so we procured the necessary distributors and headed to Westech Performance for some dyno Points vs HEI testing.
Points vs HEI For this points vs hei test, we used Westech's resident mule motor, "Pepe," a 350-cube small-block, to test the power output of each ignition setup. The small-block was a fairly stout performer equipped with 9.6:1 compression, a Comp Cams 292 hydraulic cam, AFR 190 Street aluminum heads, an Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake, and a Holley 750-cfm carb. The advance curve on each distributor was set up exactly the same: 24 degrees internal mechanical advance (all in by 3,000 rpm) and 12 initial internal advance to generate a total ignition advance of 36 degrees BTDC. To ensure accurate results, the distributor's supply of incoming power voltage was carefully regulated, the engine coolant temperature was the same for each dyno pull, and each ignition setup was tested back-to-back no less than three times.
Pro Opinions
Performance Distributors says:
"We recommend converting to an electronic ignition on a musclecar engine over a point-type ignition system for several reasons. The first is reliability, as electronic ignitions are virtually maintenance free. Also, HEIs allow full alternator voltage to go through the ignition system, which with our 50,000-volt coil allows larger plug gaps for better combustion and more power.
Another benefit is simplicity-our DUI distributors are a drop-in installation with a one-wire hook-up. No external components are necessary thus eliminating messy wiring in the engine compartment. Most of all, our distributors are custom-curved for each specific customer's engine so engine-damaging detonation is eliminated, and it gives the most efficient combustion possible."
Accel Says:
"Replacing a points distributor with an electronic unit is typically done for reliability. From a performance standpoint, a lower rpm (less than 5,500 rpm), low-compression (less than 9.0:1) engine will work OK with points. For supercharged, nitrous, high rpm, or high-horsepower (over 400 hp) applications, an electronic distributor, CD box, coil, and spiral core wire set is the hot ticket. An aftermarket CD ignition delivers a tremendous amount of energy to the plugs and prevents fouling. Remember that an ignition system functions as a system-the distributor, coil, spark plugs, and wires all have to be in great shape to deliver the maximum spark energy. If one component of this system is weak, upgrading other areas is futile."
MSD says:
"Accurate and reliable ignition triggering is an important part of performance, and breaker points can be a weak point. You also need to consider the condition of the rest of the distributor. Even if the points are set precisely, your timing can be all over the map due to a worn shaft or bushings; plus, the centrifugal advance is probably not the most accurate. In a budget pinch, a points distributor will get you through but only to an extent. Although you can run an MSD ignition box with a points distributor, if you're increasing cylinder pressures, improving induction, or raising the rpm range, you're also increasing the need for not just a powerful spark but an accurate and reliable spark as well. In short, an electronic distributor and ignition should be on top of your "improve and replace" list in your quest for more power."
Points
Stock
HEI
Performance Distributors
HEI
RPM
HP
Torque
HP
Torque
HP
Torque
3500
241.2
362.0
238.3
357.6
244.1
366.3
3600
249.7
364.2
248.0
361.8
247.9
361.7
3700
258.2
366.5
258.2
366.6
257.8
365.9
3800
265.5
367.0
264.9
366.1
266.6
368.5
3900
276.5
372.3
273.9
368.9
274.5
369.6
4000
282.5
370.9
282.2
370.5
283.1
371.7
4100
289.5
370.9
287.3
368.0
290.2
371.8
4200
295.8
369.9
293.1
366.6
297.4
371.9
4300
309.0
377.4
302.7
369.7
307.0
375.0
4400
320.3
382.3
313.2
373.8
318.7
380.4
4500
328.8
384.9
324.7
379.0
331.6
387.0
4600
337.2
385.0
338.7
386.8
337.4
385.2
4700
349.3
390.3
348.9
389.9
348.5
389.4
4800
356.8
390.4
356.9
390.5
359.7
393.6
4900
372.1
398.8
369.0
395.5
371.6
398.3
5000
378.2
397.3
380.6
399.8
378.8
397.8
5100
391.0
402.6
389.8
401.4
389.9
401.5
5200
402.5
406.5
399.2
403.2
399.7
403.7
5300
406.6
403.0
402.7
399.0
404.9
401.2
5400
412.1
400.8
406.6
395.5
407.8
396.6
5500
412.3
393.7
414.2
395.6
414.9
396.2
5600
422.6
396.3
418.4
392.4
419.2
393.2
5700
425.7
392.2
423.8
390.5
426.9
393.3
5800
431.0
390.3
430.7
390.1
432.2
391.4
5900
432.1
384.6
428.4
381.3
436.2
388.3
6000
428.1
374.8
427.0
373.8
428.4
375.0
6100
433.5
373.3
427.6
368.1
429.6
369.9
6200
432.2
366.1
432.2
366.1
428.4
362.9
6300
438.1
365.2
437.5
364.8
437.1
364.4
6400
436.3
358.1
436.3
358.1
443.0
363.5
6500
435.7
352.0
435.7
352.0
438.6
354.4
6600
433.4
344.9
435.3
346.4
442.0
351.7
6700
444.1
348.1
446.0
349.6
452.8
355.0
6800
444.8
343.5
444.8
343.6
451.0
348.3
6900
424.2
322.9
417.9
318.1
417.6
317.9
7000
391.1
293.5
384.9
288.8
387.0
290.4
