Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

[Michael H.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Is it advisable to replace even if the old amp works? Other then operating in higher temperature does the new circuit board offer better switching than older transistors.

Reason I ask is the unit I have still works when I tested on the work bench. I spun the distributor with my machine and used the correct harness and even a set of cylinder heads with spark plugs and wires all grounded back to my car battery. Best way I could figure to test, just like on the car..

Sorry to hijack thread just looking for opinions.

I installed a new M&H amplifier circuit board in my 66 about two years ago. There IS a difference ! The car starts faster and runs better. I noticed the difference immediately.
Got mine through T I specialty.

[Ned T.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

The only part I have left in the car is the amplifier with broken ears, so I wouldnt have anything to trade in to him. The system was taken out of the car a long time ago according to the last owner. The amplifier was still on the inner fender but thats it. SO this price was for a complete system. I need the 1111954 distributor. Is this an odd one ??? I was thinking of going to a regular distributor when I heard that price, but I dropped that thought immediately. Dave is very knowledgeable on these distributors and a very nice guy to talk to and also a NCRS member but I have to keep looking. I found a system from Chicago Corvette supply for 1800.

Ned

[Warren F.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

I can tell you that OEM new old stock Transistorized Ignition pieces are pricey. A new harness ran $772.00 on ebay awhile back. Amplifiers with original label, full part number embossed in NOS condition are now about $350.00. A working original coil with original label in nice condition is $700.00. A T I distributor needing to be rebuilt is $1200.00. Finding the original vacumm advance cannistor is not easy.

Your slightly over $3000.00 with these costs.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

I had no idea these parts are that expensive, I am not really up on TI but can't you use the distributor to trigger a MSD box?? I have a TI coil shown in the pic part #437 that looks period correct but I can't ID it from any application.

What I can say from my research is the system I purchased is over the counter with the never produced 1970 LS7? distributor tag# 1111465 dated 9 J 8.

[Michael H.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

can't you use the distributor to trigger a MSD box??

Timothy,

Yes, I used an MSD box with a Delco TI/FI distributor on a race car decades ago. It worked very well. I had to contact MSD to get the correct wiring diagram though.

We also used an MSD box with Delco TI distributor for dyno testing.

[Terry B.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Excuse my lack of knowledge but with that high of price and it sounds like everything is going to have to be purchased, why not just set the car up correctly as a points car? I didn't see if you had the correct alternator but that is something you would have to have too for TI if I'm not mistaken.

I have not checked my JM but I believe TI was an option not mandatory for a 400 hp car. I'm not sure, however. Others please confirm.

[Ned T.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

The T.I. was not standard on the 400 HP. It was "optional". It is designated with the block suffix MK, which I have. This would kill me in points if I didnt have the correct system wouldnt it??? Im very new to this and not sure if Im going for judging.Seems like a tough job to say the least. I dont mind doing the work or putting the time into it to get judged, but being new to this and getting all the correct information to do the car correctly seems impossible. Im ready to start assembling my chassis and just finding out bolt finishes is challenging. However I did want to at least have the T.I correct.

[Jack H.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Depends on what the end game is... If it's a matter of factory concours correct (appearance + function), you're stuck with hunting down those correct/original factory TI ignition parts.

If it's simply a matter of function, one of the distibutor internal, drop-in, solid state ignition modules (like the Breakerless SE system) get the job down quickly and rather inexpensively ($159)....

[Joe L.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Here's how I feel about TI: In my collection I have several NOS TI distributors, a few used TI distributors, several NOS amplifiers, a few used amplifiers I could have converted to the solid state module, lots of NOS TI distributor internal parts like rotating and stationary pole pieces, NOS TI coils and used TI coils. So, I could add TI to my car for very little cost beyond what I've already paid over the years and I'd have enough parts support to keep me going for several lifetimes. However, you'd NEVER, EVER catch me installing or converting any early Corvette I owned to TI. Never in the past, not now, and never in the future. NEVER. EVER. [however, the parts aren't for sale].

[Clem Z.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

i repaired TI units for years till the parts ran out and the only problem i found was the amps internals and this can be cured by using the newer after market ones. keep the ground wire tight at the amp and seal the the back of the amp with RTV.even the newer units are not fool proof just watch a NASCAR race and see how many racer have to switch the MSD boxes during the race

[Ned T.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Well if the car had T.i. originally what do you do about judging?

[Joe L.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Well if the car had T.i. originally what do you do about judging?

Ned-----


If that's the primary concern, then the answer is simple: re-install the TI system. If a car is primarily a "trailer queen", TI presents no problems, whatsoever. If a car is primarily shown and/or entered in NCRS/NCCB-type judging events and driven only "around town" and for things like local cars shows, etc., TI is no problem, whatsoever. If a car is taken out on the road for long road trips a long way from home, that's another matter.

[Ned T.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Joe,

The car will be used only around town and to local car shows. Maybe a longer Sunday drive once in a while but thats it. Im still trying to decide if I want to go all the way for NCRS Judging. Thanks for the information. Ok now...about that NOS system you want to sell me.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Ned,

Does your 69 still have the TI harness on the fender?? If so, you only need a distributor and I have seen them in Carlisle.

[Scott S.]

Re: Transistor Ignition 1969 427/400

Is there any way to 'fake it' and run points or a breakerless SE with the appearance of TI?

My '72 had TI that the PO had retrofitted to the car (lord knows why). It started acting up and I got rid of it. I quickly discovered that you need to be an expert on how it works because you'll have a heck of a time finding someone who can help you when it breaks. The scarcity of parts only makes matters worse. For less than the cost of a new pickup coil I bought and restored a points distributor, a new coil and a new engine harness (to be rid of the hack-job done to install the TI).