Setting up phasing. The cams on the distributor shaft open the points.
Since each distributor has a 4 lobe cam, and evertime the points open, the corresponding coil fires off a high voltage spark, every single 360 degrees of distributor shaft rotation triggers 4 sparks. Each bank of the V8 is managed as it's own 4 cyl.
So, my second set of points, 45 degrees of rotation around the shaft will now set off the other coil. Alternating sparks every 45 degrees = 8 sparks from one distributor. Ta, da, it's almost modern.
Dwell is the length of time the points remain closed during the cycle. The coil builds up a charge during this time. The spec calls for a dwell of 34 degrees. So using a degree wheel and ohm meter, each point set is individually set to 34 degrees by adjusting the point gap that is reached when they are fully open. This is a critical item, as for each degree of dwell the points are off, the timing is off by the same degrees.
Soooo, after the tedius job of dialing in both sets, I then check to see if they open exactly 45 degrees apart. They were not right on, it read 46. So had to loosen one set and move it, then reset dwell, then check for 45. Darn, now at 44. This went on for a while, finally found the sweet spot of 34-34-45! Scribed marks and tightened everything down real good.
Stay tuned for the next episode of, "This Old Car"