Ignition options

[kf6wxj]

Right now I have a nice built 390 but only points type ignition. Ive been toying with the idea of going with a 40,000 volt coil and a bit later going flat out electronic ignition. What Ide like to know is if the coil alone will give any kind of results (Mileage, power) and/or will I see an improvement of any kind with the electronic ignition? Thanks in advance, Bill

[AlleyCat]

Electronic ignition is a fairly easy swap. A DuraSpark system would be my first choice. The spark is much hotter than a points system and they require far less maintenance. The only advantage to points type ignitions that I can think of is most problems can be diagnosed and repaired with minimal tools. Electronic ignition problems usually require the use of a DVOM ( digital volt ohm meter) to diagnose. Another plus with DuraSpark is the parts are available in any parts store. I have a Mallory UniLite system in my 72. It works well but I'm thinking of swapping to DuraSpark for just that reason.

[kf6wxj]

Any opinion on the Pertronix changeover? I like the idea of simplicity and honestly this looks like something I can do myslef. My skills are exactly the best but I have done tune ups and such. If you arent familiar with that set up here is a link:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Item ... 6310368216

[AlleyCat]

The Pertronix units are very popular but I've never used one myself. They do look simple and easy to install. I'd probably go that route if I didn't have so much used DuraSpark stuff sitting around.

[427]

Im running a late model electronic distributor i got from advance auto. Its the factory type and I fire it with a hot coil and MSD 6AL box. It works great.

[nevrenufhp]

I did too. Duraspark with 2 light advance springs, and ign box from Summit, on a stock coil from the Duraspark donor truck, and Summit plug wires. Been going for a year & a half trouble free, and I drive it 6 days a week.

[kf6wxj]

Sounds like its a win win situation. Now for the big question is it going to give me better power, mileage or is it just reliability that I can expect? Bill

[AlleyCat]

For a mild street engine the mileage gain will be slight. The biggest improvement comes at higher RPM ranges. Points systems will often " break up " or miss fire due to a condition called point bounce. This happens when the distributor cam is spinning so fast the spring on the arm of the point set can't keep up. The result is erratic spark. Electronic systems on the other hand rely on a magnetic field to control the coil. The only moving part is the distributor shaft. Both the spark and ignition timing are far more accurate throughout the entire RPM range with electronic systems. Maintenance is another big plus for electronic systems. Points systems require attention every 8 - 10k miles or so. As the miles pile up and the distributor shaft bushings wear the mileage intervals get closer together. Electronic systems can often run the life of the vehicle with no maintenance beyond the occasional replacement of the distributor cap and rotor.

Sorry for the long post.

[kf6wxj]

Update: I finally went out and got the Pertronix unit. In the instructions it says I need a coil that has a MINIMUM OF 1.5 ohms of resistance. My stock coil is reading 1.2? Should I wait to install until I get a new coil or will this work until I can get to it? It may be a while. Thanks, Bill

[AlleyCat]

Bill I'm not familiar enough with the Pertronix conversions so I'd be inclined to stick with what they recommend.

[kf6wxj]

It looks like I may have a couple of hours when the parts store is open tomorrow so I can get the coil. I cant wait to see the difference. Thanks, Bill

[sideoilerfe]

Im running a late model electronic distributor i got from advance auto. Its the factory type and I fire it with a hot coil and MSD 6AL box. It works great.

[Redcap]

I'll be that one guy against Pertronix units. I had three in my '67 and they all failed inexplicably. I went immediately back to points. Now, I'm getting ready to do a Duraspark distributor, Ford TFI coil and GM HEI control module.

[kf6wxj]

Well I dont know what I did wrong but I went by the directions and the module smoked. Ive been told I hooked up the coil wrong, that I hooked up the wires wrong, and a few other things. I dont know but they are going to send me another free so we can do attempt 2 in a few. Bill

[wildcard]

Don't you just hate it when stuff goes to smoking under the hood ? At least they worked with you on it.

Do you have to specify a 6 or 8 cylinder or is there a difference?