Ignition debate

O

oldredford

Senior Member
I have 2 Model A Fords and one has the conventional point ignition and the other has the FSI electronic. I can't tell the difference in driving the cars. I know points need adjusting and electronic doesn't. I noticed the electronic starts a tad easier. Below are my own observations on pro's and con's with both ignition systems. What are yours?

Pro's for electronic. Once you set the gap you can forget about them. Easier starting, hotter spark. Maybe better gas mileage.

Con's for electronic. Cost more, have to remember you can burn the module easily like leaving the key on when motor is off and voltage spikes, these are a few things to consider.

Pro's for points, cost less, more forgiving, easy to maintain.

Con's for points. Must adjust at intervals. Some times harder to start. Weaker spark caused by the internal ballast resister in the coil.
 
Con for electronic: better know how to fix it yourself if you are out on tour and all your buddies are running standard. They all have spare parts, but not for your car.
 
oldredford said:
I have 2 Model A Fords and one has the conventional point ignition and the other has the FSI electronic. I can't tell the difference in driving the cars. I know points need adjusting and electronic doesn't. I noticed the electronic starts a tad easier. Below are my own observations on pro's and con's with both ignition systems. What are yours?

Pro's for electronic. Once you set the gap you can forget about them. Easier starting, hotter spark. Maybe better gas mileage.

Con's for electronic. Cost more, have to remember you can burn the module easily like leaving the key on when motor is off and voltage spikes, these are a few things to consider.

Pro's for points, cost less, more forgiving, easy to maintain.

Con's for points. Must adjust at intervals. Some times harder to start. Weaker spark caused by the internal ballast resister in the coil.
Click to expand...

You can also burn out a coil by leaving the key on in an original system..
 
With high compression 6.1 head , some have reported that the FS zip out of the box can't seem to get the ignition retarded enough when under load , i.e.,up steep hills , causing possible bearing issues. To remedy this, some try different advance springs or other modifications to lower the advance down from 28 deg. .
 
I have the FS Zipper distributor which has mechanical advance. I modified the advance so there is only 26 degrees total advance. I also reworked the distributor top plate and connected it back to the spark lever. I time the engine with the spark lever fully down, but now I have about 15 degrees of retard by moving the spark lever up. I did this so on a long hill climb, I can retard the spark for better performance.
 
And here we go again "oldredford". This must be the fifht thread about the same subject in a few days !
 
I bought quality condensors for my 49 and 66 Mustang. Both junk. I figured if I was going to go unreliable I would go with pertronix. I bought the suggested coil also. I carry a spare distributor too. Easy enough to change out. I fought hard on the decision to convert until the new condenser went bad and almost stranded me.
 
As far as condensers go , I don't think that it would be that difficult to rig an A&L model A condenser on later cars that uses a condenser . Make up a pig tail and connect the A&L condenser to the switch side of the coil . It shouldn't be that difficult to mount the condenser near the distributor and coil . The condenser doesn't know the difference between 6 or 12 volt . The A&L condenser just may be the only really good condenser made now days .
 
3.6rs said:
If you can read, write and speak my language the same as I do yours, you have the right to speak...
Click to expand...

Hello 3.6rs,
Sometimes people have a problem with comprehension, its not the first time.
Regards Brian.
 
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