Monday, November 22, 2010

How do you change the points on a 1974 Nova?

I am about to buy a 1974 Nova, it needs new points and I have never had to change points before, how do you do this, how hard is it, and where can I get points at? Also should I go ahead and change the spark plugs, distributor and spark plug wires as well, the car has been sitting since 2003, what do yall think? ThanksHow do you change the points on a 1974 Nova?
Best thing to do is get an HEI upgrade kit from Summit Racing's website. There are a number of them available from several manufacturers. Dump the old breaker-point style components...It makes life so much easier.How do you change the points on a 1974 Nova?
you can buy the points at your local auto parts retailer and they can tell you the correct gap and show you how tyo set the gap. To change the points you remove the distributor cap and the rotor button. You will see the points sitting under the rotor button remove the screw then the points the installation is the reverse of removal. Hope this helps.
you can get points at an auto store( Kragen, NAPA,Checker,Knecht). you should also change the plugs,condenser, cap, rotor and plug wires. the condenser may come with the points.

points are fairly easy to change, just make sure to set them properly.
It's easy to change. Just pop open the distributor cap remove the old points and install the new one. It's a gizmo probably held with two screws. I don't know why they use plural - points - because it's a very singular item. It's like the only thing under the cap. It opens and closes while riding the distributor shaft. Also under the cap: the rotor. You should put in a new cap, rotor, points, and wires unless the wires look new and heavy duty.



It looks like this:



http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/vi



Go ahead and click on a few of those images. They reminded me: you sould also replace the condensor. All these parts are cheap but very important.



Pics of rotors:



http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im
HI

are you sure it has points... the 70's was when they were going to Electronic ignition.

As far as the rest Yes change out the spark plugs %26amp; distributor CAP (not the distributor) %26amp; rotor and plug wires if they are bad.. All can be bought at any parts store.

If you change the spark plug wires be sure to do them ONE AT A TIME SO YOU DON'T MIX THEM UP..( this has be done a lot.) Same with the cap. the cap will only go on one way so line the new cap up next to the old cap and move the wires one at a time.

If its been sitting that long you may have to have the carburetor rebuilt and or cleaned it well be gummed up with the old fuel (float may be stuck, needle and seat may be stuck open as well as the jets may be plugged and accelerate pump shot from sitting dry.)

good luck on your project

Tim
Some 1974 Nova's have no points in the distributor, they were replaced with an ignition module which is screwed-down where the points use to be. If it does have points your GM dealer is the best source for new ones. Don't stew they're easy to replace along with a new condensor. The points are held into place with two small screws on either end of the point set. Don't completely remove the screws just loosten them up they'll slide right out. The condensor is held down with a ring sleeve opposite the points.



After you've installed the points twist the plate where the rotor springs and advance weights were sitting till a lobe of the points cam opens the points. Their should be .019 clearance between the points when the cam lobe is in the center of the point arm. Adjust with a small allan wernch on the left hand side. GM has a special cam grease. Don't wipe on too much.



To double check your workmanship hook up a dwell meter and start the car. With the small allan wernch lift the window on the distributor cap and twist the screw till you see between 28 - 32 degrees of dwell angle on the meter. 30 degrees is about right on the money.



Use an AC-Delco, standard or MSD cap and rotor. AC-Delco, Moroso, Taylor and MSD makes the best ignition wires. Don't use any of Auto Zone's cheap off-shore ignition parts.
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