Electronic Ignition Question

[Guest]

I would like to change my points/condenser set-up to electronic pick-up set-up. Any recomendations for doing this with the stock coil? Any experience with an increase in gas mileage or is it more of a matter of increased reliability? How often does the electronic pick-up set-up need replaced?

Thanks a mil,

Lee

[wazzu70]

Do a search on Petronix. I cant vouch for the increased mileage or anything because my car has always had the setup, otherwise I would provide a better answer. Im pretty sure the upgrade is mostly for the reliability. My system looks to have been installed for quite some time and Ive never had any problem with it.

[FL02]

I got a unit off fleabay and the installation was really easy. It starts better and revs higher. I was glad to take points out of the ingnition equation, and set my carb back to stock settings ...cuz' now it's running brilliant. I did have a problem with the plate comming loose in the distributor causing the pertronix unit to vibrate. This caused my tack to act weird. When I fixed it, I used some thread locker on the single screw on the mounting plate. I got my unit for under $100, and now don't have to think about ponts. Good Luck

[chrome68]

(nt)

[chrome68]

Pertronix seems to be more of a robust and durable style, and simple to install. there's rummors that you can burn them up if you leave the ignition on, but not running. I have a feeling that only happens if the magnet happens to be in the "fire" position. cause many say that it's never happened, and some say it has.

You could use a crane kit as well, never had any problems with mine. although the style doesnt seem as durable, since it uses an optical trigger, and a shutter wheel. magnets would have to get sooooo much more dirt and grime on them not to fire. but the crane is supposed to have better preformance specs. but I dont think it's all that much better. I have one running each.

As for coil, it depends on what system you install, and how much resistance it needs. if you put in a new ignition system, it's a good idea to change the coil too, since the point of ditching the points is for reliabiliy. Better spark is just a bonus.

In either ignitions case, you shouldent ever have to change it once it's installed and adjusted properly. nothing is bullet proof though, and everything eventualy fails. but these units are tested and true. my 1600 is incredibly rev happy, but my points would burn up monthly if I took it past 6k much. now it'll hold a steady 6.5 on the freeway & never had a problem with it. not good for my alt, water pump or oil pressure, but it begs me sometimes. anyhow, the pertronix is a easier install, and costs less, and could be more reliable (less in it to go bad). so it's your choice.

[BillWilliams]

system. It is a points replacement device.

Crane, MSD or other units are electronic ignition units. I have run the Crane XR 700 for 5 years and thousands of miles with no problems, so far.

I use the Bosch Red coil with the red coil ballast resistor.