Electronic ignition

[Clifford Pope]

If points scatter is caused by worn bearings causing the timing point to move about, why doesn't an oscillating shaft similarly affect electronic ignition? Wobbling the shaft on which say a Lumenition vane is fitted will surely still alter the timing point?
What about backlash in the timing chain and distributor shaft gears?
The only absolutely fixed timing point would be a crankshaft position sensor.

[Mike Stevens]

"There is a difference at tickover."

Isn't that down to a variation in timing between the two systems?

Hi Alec,

Could be, but as both still use the points, the difference would be very small.

I still think that a good electronic system, even compared with a perfect distributor, would be better. It's a more modern design and if not using the points but some form of opto or magnetic 'chopper' I would expect it to out-perform a conventional system, especially at higher revs.

Just my 4p (4d?) worth!

Cheers,
Mike.

[mikey1044]

has anyone fit a Pertronix electronic distributor to a 2500S? i have a '77 and want to cross reference as i am in the USA. it looks like D177600 will work.
m

[tony]

I have had a Pertronix unit fitted in a standard distributor on my S for a couple of years now.
No problems at all, easier starting and IMHO better running.
Fit and forget.
Done the same with my Spitfire with similar results.
Tony.

[david_lall]

Aldon's Ignitor system is great - so too the Pertronix. In fact Moss UK sell both Pertronix and Lumenition and have never had a Pertronix system returned. I've rarely got more than 40,000 miles out of a Lumenition system and have found no difference in reliability between their Optronic and Magnetronic systems.

[Alec]

Hello Tony,

"Fit and forget."

That is a phrase I hear so often with electronic ignition, but the distributor still needs it's couple of drops of oil regularly, and check that the advance mechanism is functioning correctly.

Alec

[tony]

Hi Alec,
Sorry, by fit and forget I didn't mean neglect normal maintenance like oiling etc. Just that no further need to check points gap, condenser etc.
I know that you're not a fan, but I think these mods have proved themselves by now, surely if they're good enough for modern cars they're good enough for ours.
Tony.

[Alec]

Hello Tony,

no I'm not a fan for a few reasons, I don't believe that they give any appreciable performance gains over a sound points set up, they can and do fail terminally and I don't have any problems or have to adjust my points on a frequent basis. Therefore, for me, it is an unnecessary expense for no real gain. Yes modern cars use electronics but my Triumph is not modern so it is also an anachronism?

Alec

[mikey1044]

as i am in the US, it was easier to get a pertronix electronic dizzy. fitted it a few days ago and went in easily!
smooth sailing so far, and i like that it is all inside the distributor, no box mounted in engine bay like my estate.
Pertronix D177600 and the Flame Thrower Coil

thanks for the help!

[dallliiisss]

Hello Tony,

no I'm not a fan for a few reasons, I don't believe that they give any appreciable performance gains over a sound points set up, they can and do fail terminally and I don't have any problems or have to adjust my points on a frequent basis. Therefore, for me, it is an unnecessary expense for no real gain. Yes modern cars use electronics but my Triumph is not modern so it is also an anachronism?

Alec

I have to agree with you here Alec. Although I've gone electronic on my Pi I sort of feel the overall performance is a bit flat when comparing with the original points set-up, which wasn't flat at all. I think the real need for electronic ignition is a lack of any quality points parts to replace the old ones.

So far the things I've replaced on my 'old' Pi with new and contemporary items I've regretted; New carpet that looks way out of place; Bosch fuel pump that isn't quite as linear as the Lucas; and Electronic ignition. Thankfully I haven't decided to fit one of those dreadful high-torque starters as well, as the Lucas units can still be repaired quite easily.

"Well, just put it all back to standard then", I hear you ask. I might just do that.