2 sets of points in my '48 sedanet????

[dale's48]

hi, got a 248 str.8 in my buick. took the distr. cap off and there's 2 sets of points. both hooked up. news to me and the shop manual only calls for 1 set. should i replace with 1 set, go breakerless, or just go with the flow? thanks for any opinions, dale

[onetruerick]

Dual-point conversion kits were available from the 50s until transistor and electronic ignition conversions became available in the 70s. I have never heard of one for the Buick 8, but since many GM distributors were similar, I guess one could have been usable on the Buick.

What you have might be a rare aftermarket piece - if it still works well, why not keep it? Dual point systems have more dwell than single-point systems, which gives you a better spark, so going to a single-point system would be a step backward. A breakerless system, especially a modern multi-spark system, would be the ideal solution, obviously, but again, if it ain't broke, why fix it?

[dale's48]

thanks onetruerick! i hear you-sounds like dual's are better than a single and i want to keep it 'original', so will go with the flow. kind regards, dale

[rcull]

I have one for my straight eight. You can find them occassionally on ebay. They are more dependable and longer lasting because they don't have to open as far to give you the total dwell. They are also more stable at higher rpm.