Electronic Ignition
 

Has anyone tried an electronic ignition? Any pros and cans?
Just wandering if that would be the best way to go.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

Stock ignition is VERY sufficient & easy to work on or to diagnose problems.
Bill W.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

The "Best Way to Go" , largely depends on why you drive your car and how you drive your car. Today's (as always) Model A's are purpose built. If you drive a lot and do a lot of long distance driving, or want faster speeds, then you might want to consider what is now called "A Touring Engine", which would include an Electronic Ignition system, with it's more powerful (and EXPENSIVE) coil, along with modern spark plugs and wires. You can not use the original Ford 'Pop out' switch with this system, and must also buy a modern replacement ignition switch and cable. The change over to Electronic Ignition really is much more (time, effort, money) than just switching a stock distributor for E.I.

On the other hand, if you enjoy the uniqueness of driving and maintaining an antique car, and the more personal inter-action with your Model A, then you would be more 'in sinc' with a stock factory system.

You need to give some real serious thought about 'Why' you want to drive your Model A, and the demands you expect of it.

I have done it both ways. My '31 Dlx Coupe is to remind me of my youth, so it is 'hopped up' (including an Electronic Ignition system). My '28 Phaeton is a bone stock factory-built car, because I love to interact with 'the genuine article' - the REAL Model A.


- Doug Vieyra, Eureka, Calif. -

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

i have fsi Electronic ignition kit of pertronix.
here in Norway, one good 6v battery is difficult to find. I overhauled the original tired distributor, and then mounted 12v fsi ignition. I am very satisfied.
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/...psd4457fbe.jpg

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

The only time I have ever come home on a roll back is when my electronic ignition failed. Points are just fine for me. In the speedster, speed and performance has not been a problem when I switched back to points. Did not even notice a difference.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

i have an FSI in my sedan and love it...
It is one less item on the A I have to tinker with...

Rog

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

We have FSI distributors in 3 cars and all 3 have performed flawlessly for thousands of miles. If set up correctly, you'll never regret the switch.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

I went to a show one time. There was a newly acquired '31 station wagon being loaded onto a tow company's flat bed for the trip home. Seems like there was a failure and no one knew how to diagnose the problem and no one had any parts. Of course there were plenty of original parts under peoples seats and most people knew how to fix an original system. If you decide to go to an electronic ignition, just be sure you understand it and carry extra parts.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

The original ignition properly restored will last for decades.
If the rest of the car is restored properly you will be able to run the car for extended periods of time at or above 60 MPH and expect over 20 MPG at those speeds.
You will have have to adjust the points. More often at first as the wear block mates to the cam. Then much less frequently.
The major plus is if something messes up with the original system it is likely that you will get back home. It will even work with an almost dead battery, just have to hand crank the start.

The electronic system may last for a while, but if they are not using lead based solder then it may fail from tin tendrils. These can happen even if just sitting around.
The electronic system depends on the voltage to be above a certain point. So a weak battery and the voltage drops below the critical point then you will not have ignition.
If the system fails you are stuck and you will need to be towed home. Some carry a spare dist just in case.
The electronic ignition may give you a slightly hotter spark.

So that is the basic difference. Some like having latest and greatest, but the originals system properly rebuilt with a burn out proof condenser is unlikely to ever fail. The probability of the electronic failing is much greater (I am an electronics engineer who has to keep old electronics working).

As long as you understand the limits of the electronics they work fine and you are likely to get many miles out of it. Your benefits are not much unless you are running a much higher compression head where a hotter spark would be an real advantage.

The original system with a good set of points (even old used points) should last decades with just occasional lubrication and adjustment. It is important to note that the points only need to be changed when the have something wrong which should be decades unless you are driving tens of thousands of miles a year.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

We have electronic ignitions on several cars, they all work very well.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

Hey Norway,
Nice picture. I run one like the one on the left..for many years and on a warmed up B.
I also keep a spare, like one on the right, but have never had to use it. Like some say and most believe....ALWAYS be prepared for emergencies, whether it's for Model A breakdown or other !

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

We've put an easy 20,000-25,000 miles on electronic ignitions, and never had one miss fire. They're not idiot proof though. They come with instructions for a reason. set it up specifically to the instructions, and never leave your key on and you'll be Rolling down the road with a car that fires consistantly, and accurately. No points closing, condensers popping, or cams that aren't consistantly. I always carry a spare module, but have never had to put on in on the road. Only fried one, and that was due to personal error, not the ignitions fault.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

The FSI is sweet as can be, and as said, pay attention, and
never leave your key on

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

One of the reasons I like my Model A's stock is the connection I gain with the ingenious methods of early mechanics and electronics. I get to actually experience and understand the engineering that went into making a car run in the dawn of the automobile age. Tinkering to the point of understanding the thinking that went into it is personally satisfying. It's almost like traveling back in time. When I want modern convenience and comfort, I drive my 2007 Honda. I don't own a Model A so I can have a boring, predictable modern car experience.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

I don't have my engine back together yet but I do have a distributor with modern points in it. Guess I will stay away from the electronic ignition.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

Yes I agree with that. I gave up on electronics in my Model A. I like to know and picture what's going on in my engine. The stock system works just fine.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

This comparison is equal to the comparison of different types of oil.Do a search and read all the opinions.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

ummm, I didn't catch that, what were the pros and cons of the oils again?.....:)

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

Oil good. No oil, bad.

Re: Electronic Ignition
 

Good one Ray!