Tune up advice

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by twood, Mar 19, 2021.

  1. twood

    twood Active Member

    Hi all
    This is my first spring with my 1969 Skylark and before i bring it out of the winter sleep, I want to do a complete tune up. I am going to get everything I need from Napa. It is close to me and have always dealt with them.
    I am asking what is the best for my Buick 350. Or what not to buy....There is a few choices and I do not want to get something that my engine will not like...If you know what I mean?
    Thanx in advance for any info or experience buying tune up components from Napa. I am going to do points, condenser, cap, plugs and wires etc...
    Cheers all
     
  2. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    My advice is to buy some sort of points eliminator kit. I use NGK spark plugs, and I prefer the spark plug wires from TA but any will work.just be sure to keep them away from the heat as that damages them. I use Kevlar heat socks on the wires so they last longer.
     
  3. twood

    twood Active Member

    That would be in the future. For this year I just want it to run better with the set up now. I am fishing for info on what these engines like....example ...type of plug, and best points ect. I guess It would help me if I even knew what to stay away from and or don't waste your money kind of thing lol
    This is my first Buick 350. I have had many Chev 350's....and It is a beast of it's own.
     
  4. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Replace gas filter.you will need 2 wrenches to loosen it from carb. It’s always overlooked. Ac spark plugs are fine . Parts from Napa should work fine. Napa gold oil filters are really good on a Buick. Suggest you get a couple. Get zzdp oil additive or oil containing higher zinc levels like joe Gibbs or vr1. I would add 2 degree of initial timing advance to account for wear in timing chain and gears.
     
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  5. Storm1

    Storm1 Silver Level contributor

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  6. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    Buy quality, not flash. I think Napa offers a cap that’s black and has brass contacts. Get it, the ‘better’ rotor, and black or grey wires. Don’t buy the bright yellow bazillion volt, thousand year guarantee stuff. Run a copper Delco or equivalent plug. Napa Gold filters are Wix, they’re about the best made.
    Patrick
     
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  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Is the engine completely stock?
     
  8. twood

    twood Active Member

    Thanks for the info so far...exactly what I need to know

    Yes it is.
     
  9. twood

    twood Active Member

    Can I still use the spiral core with points if I buy them now
     
  10. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    AC Delco R45TS, or NGK UR-4 for plugs

    AC Delco C349 cap with brass contacts

    https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1393077&cc=1379730&jsn=442

    The best points replacement is the one sold by lectric ltd and others,

    https://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless-se-electronic-ignition-conversion



    Yes, spiral core wires last a lot longer than carbon core. They are superior wires. I suggest you buy a universal set. That is the best way to fit them exactly. You make the distributor end and they are exact. I like the black MSD Super conductor wire sets.
     
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  11. Schurkey

    Schurkey Silver Level contributor

    Given the quality of modern parts--imported junk from China--if this were me, I'd be INSPECTING the existing stuff, especially the points.

    What you have may be better than what you can buy.

    Measure the point resistance with an ohmmeter. If it's good, set the dwell and walk away. If there's only a tiny "cone" of transferred metal--or no transferred metal--from one point to the other, leave the condenser alone, too. DO NOT file the points, and DO NOT break-off the little cone of transferred metal. GM spec for the cone of transferred metal is that you don't dick with it until the cone is bigger than the point gap.

    Look at the cap and rotor. Minor corrosion on the contacts? Scrape the corrosion off, clean out the dust and oil film, and put them right back in place.

    Don't forget to inspect the centrifugal advance and the vacuum advance for wear and proper operation.

    I use "spiral" (actually helical) -wound plug wires on almost everything. The screwed-up thing with plug wires is that "CUSTOM FIT" sets will be too damn long so they "fit" as many vehicles as possible. "UNIVERSAL" plug wires are cut-to-fit YOUR application, so they fit perfectly. Route the plug wires just as the manual shows, especially critical for #5 and #7.




    Mind you, If I had a points-style distributor and intended to "tune up" with new points, condenser, cap, rotor, and wires...I'd drop the whole works in the recycle bin and stab a Genuine GM HEI in place after pulling it apart for cleaning and inspection. Recurve the advance, put a low-resistance "button" under the coil. Maybe install a fresh pickup coil. That'll be the end of your ignition problems.
     
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  12. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    First thing I'd do if you haven't already is install an Autometer oil pressure gauge.
     
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  13. twood

    twood Active Member

    Thanx...great info

    Thanx...looking at them now. Am going to buy an digital one with the sensor at the block. I have had the ones with the oil line running into the car and the line came off inside the car...what a mess...lol
     
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  14. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Electrical vs mechanical you mean?
    The electrical ARE easier to install, and like you said, no worries of bringing hot oil into the car.
     
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  15. twood

    twood Active Member

    Yup...thats it...lol
     
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