Electronic Ignition Questions...

My engine is a stock 1600cc with EMPI performance heads and dual 40mm crabs. What are my options, pros & cons to switching to electronic ignition.

Jerome

Never having to adjust points again is a big plus...

Points can "float" (erratic ignition at high RPM), points rubbing block wears (timing very slowly retards from initial setting), and if there is distributor shaft bushing wear you may experience spark "scatter" (erratic timing)as the opening point may vary due to oscillation of the shaft.

Use a Pertonix "II" Ignitor (as opposed to the original Pertronix) and it will work with any 12V performance coil without using a ballast resistor (Pertronix I may need a resistor); best to buy the Pertronix "Blaster" coil to match it. Spark scatter will not be as erratic if it occurs because of the rotor-magnet/pickup design. You'll never have to set/change points or change a condensor again, but keep a spare Pertronix pickup unit in the trunk just in case the original unit dies (transistor).

Benefits are easier starting, very slightly better gas mileage, and greatly improved ignition performance above 4,500 RPM. Use in conjucntion with a capacitve discharge ignition for best results.

(Message Edited 6/6/2003 3:09:38 PM)

How would I change to a electronic ignition? How long should it take? Types of tool?

Thanks,
David

Just take the points out and screw the dude in. Figure about 20 mins and a screwdiver.
Bill

Bill,

Thanks.

David

After you "screw the dude in" check/reset your ignition timing.

Yeah, that too!

How do you know if you need a ballast resistor. What does it do and what line does it go in?

BD

You didn't say what distributor you have, that makes aa small difference in setting up the Petronix. We use Compu-fire only because that is what our distributor caries, I haven't tested them against each other to say one is better. If you have a new 009 Distributor the screws that hold in the retaining clips are too long to give the proper clearence from the dist. shaft and you will have to change the screw with the one that held in the original points. Also what cam do you have? newer cams take a more radical timing setting, check with the manufacturer of your cam for the correct timing.

Since we are on the subject, I was timing my 009, 1835, dual dells and having some trouble setting the advance at 3000 at 30 degrees. Have I forgotten something? Also, it was quite a bit different that what I set it at for idle (about 800 rpm and 7.5 degrees advance.) I was suprised how much I had to move it. What do you guys think? Time to rebuild the distributor?

First thing I would do is to get rid of those crabs, thier not adding much to the performance. Ha!

Jack's car has crabs? That's what you get for not using an inner tube for protection.
Ron

Priceless ! I am rotf !

Alan M