steve, either setting will work OK. The gap changes your dwell setting. IIRC, the dwell is when the points close and then open as the dist. lobe opens and closes the points. IMHO, replacing the points and condenser with a "Perlux Igniter" unit is the best money you can spend on early Mustang. $70 bucks or so.
Howard

Ditto on the electronic ignition module.  However it is Pertronix not Perlux.  Also you want to get the Pertronix II,  They cost more than the standard Pertronix but I believe they have a better Adaptive Dwell and they will not burn out if you accidently leave the key on.

There is no dwell or point setting to mess with and your car will start so much easier and run smoother out of the gate.  You also do not get the deterioration over time that you get with point wear.  You install it per instructions, fire it up and never look back.

Last edited by boomyal (4/17/2013 3:08 PM)

Thank you for the offer MS, but as I live in Canada I hardly think it would be worth it.

I like the Duraspark II. I put it in my other Mustang but it was a roller 5.0 liter so it made sense with that distributor.

Since I already have a brand new points style dizzy in this one, I can't do it as Duraspark without replacing the distributor, can I?

 

Boom, showing my age I guess. MANY years ago it was called "Perlux Igniter" IIRC?
Howard

Always was easier to get forgiveness than permission!!!!!
LOL
Howard

hey LondonSteve, you don't happen to have an MSD box in all of this.  If you don't than all the info above is perfect, if you do, it changes everything.  With an MSD box the point gap becomes irrelevant as long as the contacts are opening and closing it will not matter.

mavken wrote:

I agree that the gap is not super critical. I remember my dad helping me set the gap to .017 for a 302 with a feeler gauge. I even recall hearing that you could set the points using a matchbook cover. Might be hard to find one now though.  I also agree setting with a dwell gauge is better, electronic ignition is even better.

The gap IS important, initial setting with a feeler gauge gets you running after which the gap really should be fine tuned with a dwell meter for best performance. I haven't done this in a long time since I haven't had anything with points in it for a long time, but I still have the trusty old Hawk tune-up analyzer that is useful for other things, even with electronic ignition, stashed in the toolbox.

Another plus for the recommendation to update to Pertronix or Duraspark.

Last edited by McStang (4/19/2013 12:42 PM)

If you are going to use points, and if you are not going to be revving to extremes, the feeler gage will work fine.  Once adjusted with the feeler gage, turn engine over until the points are closed, then run a peice of (we used to use "card stock" which is what business cards used to be printed on.) maybe blotter paper, or some other kind of lint free paper between the points to clean off impurities.  You'll be surprised to see dark skid marks on the paper after you have cleaned "new" points.
Good Luck

Can't believe you guys installed points without cleaning them first with some Carbontet! But I'm sure you always used the grease on the cam. I just looked in the glove box of the MG and guess what , 2 extra sets of Lucas points! There is also a Pertronix module just waiting to be installed.