'74 Dual Points Ignition Advance Question

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squealingtires

'74 Dual Points Ignition Advance Question

Post by squealingtires »

I've read in numerous places to set the base timing on my '74 1796cc to 10deg BTDC to improve general engine performance. Tonight I read the Artigue tuning guide http://www.artigue.com/fiatcontent/Arti ... 124_MM.pdf and it pointed out the operation of the dual points on my distributor.
"The 1974 – 1978 distributor has approximately 10 degrees of fixed advance with the first (starting) set of points and 0 with the second (running) set (at 850 RPM). Normal running occurs on the first of points, with centrifugal advance to a maximum 36 degrees at 3500 RPM. The running points are activated when full oil pressure is reached and the water in the intake manifold passages begins to increase."
If I advance the distributor to 10 degrees BTDC over the factory specification then I'll have a 20degree advance during starting/warmup right? Forgive my ignorance but that seems like a fair bit of timing for a slow-cranking starter or am I overthinking this? This is just a pleasure car (no racing) and I usually run 93 octane. I will appreciate any insights or considerations anyone could offer.
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blazingspider
Posts: 173
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 8:44 am
Your car is a: 1977 fiat spider
Location: Nanuet, New York

Re: '74 Dual Points Ignition Advance Question

Post by blazingspider »

You are correct but most people disconnect the cold start set of points.
carl

Re: '74 Dual Points Ignition Advance Question

Post by carl »

concur, remove the second set of point and run a new wire straight from the dizzy to the coil. Then set timing at 10 degrees at idle. Put the removed set of points in the glove box as an emergency spare.

carl
squealingtires

Re: '74 Dual Points Ignition Advance Question

Post by squealingtires »

Is there a write up anywhere on removing the points and rewiring? I don't need a complete step-by-step but a picture with a couple arrows and maybe some tips and tricks would be really helpful.


Edited: I found this

"The process is as follows: Remove distributor cap and rotor. Disconnect the wire that leads to each set of points. Tape the two wires back to the harness so that they are out of the way. Remove one of the two sets of points (it does not matter which one; flip a coin) and its attendant condenser, and discard. Now, with an 18 gauge piece of wire and the appropriate crimp-on wiring terminals, connect the wire of the remaining set of points directly to the negative terminal of the coil. Start the car, and using a stroboscopic timing light, set the timing to 10 degrees BTDC. Congratulations, you've just converted your Fiat to single points. Simple eh? . "
carl

Re: '74 Dual Points Ignition Advance Question

Post by carl »

Yep, that's the procedure.

carl
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