66 big block transistor ignition

[Ted K.]

What was the determining factor for the transistor ignition option? Did it come automatically with certain high performance engines or was it strictly an option?
My reason for asking I have a real 1966 427/425 and it has a standard coil set up, not transistor. I was told all 427/425's came with transistor ignition.
Has mine been taken off over time or could it have come without transistor ignition?
Thanks

[Joel F.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Ted,

The SHP big blocks had to have TI and was optional for most of the other engines (L-79 and up, if memory serves). Take a look at the left inner fender up near the grill. There should be evidence of a TI amp having been mounted there in the past. You could also look for evidence of the TI harness, clip, etc.

[Joel F.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

here is a picture (hopefully!)

[Clem Z.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

What was the determining factor for the transistor ignition option? Did it come automatically with certain high performance engines or was it strictly an option?
My reason for asking I have a real 1966 427/425 and it has a standard coil set up, not transistor. I was told all 427/425's came with transistor ignition.
Has mine been taken off over time or could it have come without transistor ignition?
Thanks

i ordered a new 66 427/425 HP and the TI was required

[Jack H.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

It depends on the model year and car's option configuration. TI was often an integral part of a given engine option while other times/places, TI was a separate customer order item....

[Ken A.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Your 66 425HP would have come with a TI system as it was part of the engine package. If your car is real, then it has been removed, which is not uncommon.

[Joel F.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Ken is correct and was the point I was trying to make. Check out the right inner fender for evidence of an amp having been there.

[John H.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Check out the right inner fender for evidence of an amp having been there.

I think you mean the LEFT inner fender (driver's side).

[Joel F.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Of course, you are correct. I had it right, I mean left in the first post!

Ever heard the line "your military left, maggot!"? Unfortunately, I have been on the receiving end back when I was employed by Uncle Sam

[Ted K.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Thanks for your help, I will definately look. Is the TI actually screwed to the front left fender? The picture is good but I thought I'd seen them attached infront of the radiator support.
Thanks,
Ted

[Joel F.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Ted,

It is bolted to the inner fender (wheel well). It is about inline with the rad support and could appear to be part of it, but is actually the inner fender.

Joel

[Clem Z.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

should be 3 holes in the inter fender where the amp was mounted

[Duke W.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

The TI system was not part of L-72, but it was a required option with that engine along with L-78, L-71, and LT-1 through '71.

So if you ordered these engines you had to order K-66 because it was a mandatory option.

A lot of L-72 and other mandatory TI option engines now have a single point or some aftermarket distributor. The K-66 had some reliability problems and could quit without notice. Often the fix was easy like a broken wire inside the amp or corrosion at the connector terminals, but most guys just saw it as a "black box", didn't understand it or want to take a look inside and didn't want to spend several hundred dollars for parts when a $10 junk yard single point distributor would basically make the engine run though not necessarily with optimum performance

Duke

[Ted K.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Appreciate all of your help. Checked out the 66 and there were three holes where the TI was once mounted. I also checked out a project L-89 coupe I have and found the 3 holes there. I have a 400hp 68 convertible project and it does not have the holes, as it shouldn't.
I learned something.
Thanks,Ted

[Clem Z.]

Re: 66 big block transistor ignition

Appreciate all of your help. Checked out the 66 and there were three holes where the TI was once mounted. I also checked out a project L-89 coupe I have and found the 3 holes there. I have a 400hp 68 convertible project and it does not have the holes, as it shouldn't.
I learned something.
Thanks,Ted

i consider a day lost when i do not learn something new. most days i learn it from my spell checker.