[Kevin in NJ]

Here are some facts, not thoughts or opinions.

First off, If you are replacing points often you are doing something wrong.

A good quality used set of original used points may last several generations of ownership. My brothers car has 40 years on the set of points that came with the car. It depends on how many miles you put on the car and how properly you restore the parts back to factory.

Points almost never just fail if they are quality units. They will give you warning that something is wrong all you have to do is just look once in a while.

Modern points are more difficult to set then the originals. They always seem to jump a bit as you try to set them (on my Mustang that is). Though with the special tool it is easier to keep the exact gap. This has to do with how well the tool holds the tang while you tighten the screw.

The modern condenser is a risk due to poor quality control. They are mass purchased with a low bid contract to overseas companies. At the Mustang forums I have read of guys having failures with even Motorcraft branded recent manufacture condensers failing in days. You are better off buying the A&L Original style as they are likely spending some $$$ (probably like $.12 more) for very high quality capacitors.

If you seach the forums you will find way more people having troubles keeping their modern points right. Guys taking the time to properly restore their distributers to factory specs never have any problems. What will be expected is the point block to need frequent adjustment until the rubbing block wears into the cam.

Please do not get me wrong. Properly rebuilt with the modern plate and if you get a quality point set you should see long life with no problems too. But why spend the extra money when factory should out last your great grand children.