any real benefit to upgrade to electronic ignition

[jeffbcn]

Hi,
I have a 47 5 window thriftmaster. It has a 235 from 58 to 62. Is there any real benefit to upgrading it to electronic ignition? Runs fine as is. If better, what system would you recommend? I want to use it as a daily driver.
Thanx.

[1project2many]

Well, the simplest answer might be to point out that almost all engine manufacturers today use electronic ignitions instead of points, including small engines. It must be pretty good for "everyone" to make the switch.

There are a lot of downsides to points. Points are unable to control or adjust dwell as the engine rpm changes. Point rubbing blocks wear causing the point gap to change which also affects dwell. Point contact surfaces also pit and erode with each cycle which affects dwell angle. As dwell changes, so does spark intensity and timing. Points can physically corrode even without use so parking a vehicle for a long period sometimes results in the need to pop the cap to clean & regap before the engine will start. Points are more likely to be negatively affected on days with high humidity and rain. And points can arc and burn if the key is left on with the engine not running.

Electronic ignition OTOH produces consistent spark and actually has the ability to monitor and adjust coil current for maximum potential spark. It can produce higher voltage sparks, too, which means you could run larger gap which can improve combustion slightly. It requires little maintenance and often works for years without a second thought. It generally requires less current overall and can often create a spark at a lower system voltage. If you want to read a bit more, start here: http://www.carkipedia.com/ignition_s...c_ignition.php

Ultimately, if you want to spend more time driving the driver, get electronic ignition. If you're going to go to 12V you might want to see if you can adapt a distributor from an HEI equipped 250. If you're sticking to 6V there are a few aftermarket conversions available, Pertronix probably being the best known.

[jeffbcn]

Thanx for the info I put a bid in for a hei distributor.

[1project2many]

Good luck. If you need it there's conversion info here:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...ersion.189074/

[Dan in Pasadena]

Use your stock distributor if it's in good condition and install a Pertronix ignition module. It's what I did on my '55.2 with 283.

Do a search for "Pertronix"

[1project2many]

Both types of conversion have their place.

The Pertronix is nice if you're trying to keep your vehicle looking all original. I keep looking at one for my '36 Plymouth but it's hard to come up with the $$. I've had my eye on an EI from England that's about 2/3 the cost of the Pertronix kit.

For the budget minded, HEI distributors can be found at low prices on Ebay and CL. Modifying the 250 distributor can be done in less than an hour and when you're done you have an OEM component that uses replacement parts available through regular parts stores.

[nvrdone]

I switched my truck & boat to petronix years ago. one of the best changes ive made

[jeffbcn]

Bought an hei dragonfire 30-1609 for $130 on ebay. Since it's a 47 with a 235 not a 216 I'm not really concerned with keeping it 100% original. I want a dependable daily driver. It's converted to 12 volt. I have electric windshield wipers, 12v reproduction gauges, turn signals. I'm going to also add seatbelts and ac since I live in Las Vegas.
Thank you all for the input

[_Ogre]

you will not be disappointed with your purchase
i did a similar distributor swap in a 63 chevy II with the 194ci I6
best thing since sliced bread

[mr48chev]

On one rig the easier starting and a gain of about 2 mpg were the results. That was going from about 10 mpg to 12 mpg so it was a big jump. Still it was remarkable how much easier it started.