I have a '69 roadster that is all original and fully restored. I drive it in good weather. I've never had it judged, and don't know if I will unless an event is in my immediate area (doubtful). What are the pros/cons of changing over to electronic ignition? All recommendations appreciated.
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Re: 1969 ignition
There are several alternatives for a solid-state ignition system:
(1) Acquire and install the factory original TI system (expensive because the distributor, coil, and wiring harness have to changed and a TI amplifier installed).
(2) Acquire one of the aftermarket 'drop-in' breakerless modules and use your existing wiring harness + distributor/coil.
One of the aftermarket systems (Breakerless SE) is a single wire system that can be installed without removing the distributor and/or adding an addition wire into the distributor to supply constant power to the solid-state module. It's the cleanest conversion out there and you can read about it at www.breakerless.com. But, eventhough this system is single wire, it isn't going to 'fool' the judges because they can see/detect it by simply lifting the point adjust window on the distributor cap....
Pros:
(1) Forget about periodic tuneups to tweak dwell due to points wear.
(2) Less ignition coil stress because the Breakerless SE automatically goes into 'sleep' mode when the engine is shut off regardless of the ignition key/switch setting.
(3) Slightly improved high RPM performance because the module is intelligent and automatically 'tweaks' dwell to compensate for actual RPM.
Cons:
(1) You're no longer factory stock with the car's original Kettering electro mechanical ignition and the change is detectable.
(2) Cost: At $60-160 for an aftermarket SS ignition module you can buy a LOT of points!
(3) With any system EXCEPT the Breakerless SE, should you suffer a failure on the road away from home, converting back to a stock points system is a bit of a chore.... -
Re: 1969 ignition
If by electronic ignition, you mean replacing the points and condenser with a 'pertronics' type electronic switch, about the only thing you'll gain is the elimination of a yearly adjustment of the dwell setting and occasional replacement of the points themselves. In terms of performance/starting/gas mileage improvements (talking real world, not advertising feel good BS) you'll see no difference.
On the down side, you'll be introducing a unit that has an inherent failure mode that really does not exist with points. The electronic units are well known for suddenly going dead, leaving you stranded. Most users recommend keeping your old points and condenser in the map compartment, along with a flashlight and tools so you can change back on the side of the road when the unit fails.
If your talking about swapping to a GM HEI system, again you'll see no improvement in performance, but now have a visually different unit with no tach drive.
If you're talking about an aftermarket system (Accell, MSD, etc.) a stock engine will see no performance benefit.
My 2 cents, hope this helps.Comment
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Re: 1969 ignition
Thanks to all; I'm keeping it stock.Comment
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A question for Jack; raising the points window
Jack,
In your posting you say: "But, eventhough this system is single wire, it isn't going to 'fool' the judges because they can see/detect it by simply lifting the point adjust window on the distributor cap...."
Is this legitimately done during flight judging?
GaryComment
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Yes. *NM*
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Re: Yes.
Yes, the window is raised,but but more than likely only in 70 1/2 to 74 while looking for the RFI shield.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: 1969 ignition
Understand your 'points'... I should add that in the long roads here in the south the old 'points system' gives me good reliability.
Saludos, Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMCComment
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