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I'm new to this board and boards in general, I work too much maybe. I just bought my second 1972 Delta 88 Royale Convertible, last one I owned 30 years ago. Looking for other 1972 Delta 88 Royale Convertible owners to chat with?
My first question to the board will be whats the best ignition upgrade I can give this 350 Rocket? Already got wet wires and took an hour to start, there must be modern upgrades to better this?
Welcome to the site, there are other Delta 88 owner members here. Post some pictures when you get a chance. How did your wires/ ignition get wet? To answer your question, although it will not produce a performance upgrade there are points replacement ignitions like crane, pertronix, etc and also you change to an HEI system. Points are hard to beat for simplicity and cost.
I got the wires wet cleaning the engine, I just took delivery from IL to MA and wanted to wash off all the dirt, etc before its winter nap. I like the look of that HEI system, although I want to stay classic and stock, I'm not a total purest and would spend a few bucks to increase reliability. I haven't worked on an old car since my last 1972 back about 30 years ago. My good friend mechanic is going to get things rolling as I give this thing the total going over, starting with the obvious primary systems. Do you use an HEI system?
you probably just need new cap,wires etc. i'm still running points in my 66 ,no problems and haven't touched them in 40k mi. next time dont stick the hi pressure hose inside the distributor cap. (jk)
Nice looking car. I like those factory wheels. I have an HEI in my 72 Cutlass I bought out of a junkyard over 20 years ago and have never touched it. You will need to change wires though. I have a Pertronix conversion in my 54 and am very happy with it. I have had one in my boat for years and it has never let me down. A lot of guys like points. I think good quality points are harder to find since a lot of them are made in China. You can probably still find some NOS Delco points.
Welcome Aboard! Nice car! I have a 71 '88 rag top (or 2, or 3). Two of them are red / white like yours. I may be able to help with parts or questions you have.
Can't offer you much as far a HEI advice, I am very happy with the reliability of the points system, I have had at least one car on the road with points for as long as I have been driving, never an issue and (in my opinion) less likely to leave you stranded than an HEI system. I have never had to walk with points, as more often than not, messed up points can be "repaired" with a screwdriver and a jackknife. A defective module in an HEI can leave you walking if you don't have a spare... My .02
Hi Guys, Wow, great feedback and welcomes, thank you. All your cars look awesome, I need to get some nice pics of mine, you guys give me the fever!!
Some good food for thought on the points vs upgrade ignition systems. I had a couple of 66-67 Chevy Malibu's in my youth and one I remember I had to dodge every puddle or the firing issues would start, no matter how I did the cap and wires, etc. Maybe just a proper install would keep things better, I'm an engineer by trade but my tools have been traded last 20 years for three kids, two dogs and a wife. I need to get back into the swing!!!! I kind of feel like I'm home with you guys emailing me with enthusiasm!!! I got my car delivered Saturday, already stared at it for about 27 hours since I garaged it, even cleaned the garage after 5 years to get her in!!
Nice to meet you guys, thank you for the replies, tips and things to noodle.
I converted the ignitions in both my '73 Custom Cruiser (sold in 2014) and '67 Delta 88 to electronic. Not a difficult process, works very well, and no more points/condenser etc. to deal with. This is not HEI, but it is electronic, and I highly recommend it.
Of course, this won't prevent a wet spark plug wire problem. My advice is, the next time you wash the engine, wait until dries before you try to start the car!
I once (back in the '90s, sold in 2001) owned a '75 D-88 convertible in the same color scheme. I now have a '67 D-88 in the same exterior color. Don't mean to hijack your thread, but I thought it's kind of cool to see the three together.
