Electronic Ignition, worth it?

[devilishdesigner]

just wondering if it is worth converting to a points-less ignition? mine works pretty fine at the moment, so I am willing to stick with it at the moment if it is best for the car. the engine is a B18b twin SU with supposedly 10.5/1 comp ratio, running a 003 bosch dizzy. what i want to know is whether a conversion will make the engine run better on a daily basis or whether it is purely a convenience thing?

thanks
Ryan

[BillKat]

It's a reliability thing; removes the wear on some parts and the need to frequently adjust points. Far more reliable, but if it ever goes pop it's not a roadside fix. Used to ride a bike with points, always had a spare set, a condensor, and a packet of Rizlas in the toolkit. Meant I could sort dead points in a few mins. Now I have a points bike converted to electronic - much less hassle.

I'd doubt whether any performance difference would be felt, except possibly in starting. Since the engine is the same, no other changes etc.

[Clan]

the main benefits from electronic comes at high rpm over 6000 rpm , the volvo/Bosch points are very good quality and never give problems ..

so , i guess you are better off staying standard ...

[mike gilbert]

I'd disagree and say fit electronic ignition. The Pertronix system is not expensive, is quite subtle in appearance when fitted. It does improve starting (especially when the cars been left for several days) and I think makes the engine rev more smoothly. Also when fitted with a high voltage coil it allows wider spark plug gaps for more efficient fuel burning and therefore improved fuel economy. Any wear in your distributor will also be negated with the new system.
I've fitted it to three of my 1800's and would do so again. But I do agree that there is little if any advantage in power output.

[Clan]

You are right of course , but the B20 engine never had starting problems on points and like all modern cars it's unlikely the electronics will fail BUT if it does then you arent going anywhere ! Unlike ponts when you can always get it going again somehow ... If you were talking lucas i'd ditch the points at once as i have done in the past but Bosch is excellent quality and never give any problems with points in normal use ..

[devilishdesigner]

thanks guys, thats sorta what I had guessed, not looking for improved performance or anything, more wanting to make sure that there wouldn't be any negative effects on performance or the engine (since it is a daily driver) the current system has been no hassle so far, but bits are getting harder to get.

[ricster]

Mike,
can you tell me which petronix & coil you installed.
I have a 1971 P1800E & have been thinking of changing myself.

Thanks

[mike gilbert]

I'm afraid the 1800E has a completely different system to the S so I would only be misleading you. I've never done it to an E or ES but I'm told the Electronic Ignition advantages are more pronounced in the injection cars like yours, so go for it. Look up Pertronix on the web and I'm sure they will do a kit for your car.

I agree about the EI systems being a total failure when they do go wrong and I keep meaning to keep a set of points etc as spares in my car for such a situation. They could be fitted quite quickly in an emergency, but I never get around to buying and carrying some.
My car did used to have starting problems when left for long periods before I fitted EI, but having said that I changed the fuel pump and filters at the same time and I have a feeling it may be that which has alleviated the problem as much as the spark.

Pertronix is only a UK supplier for the system. The proper name for the EI and coil manufacturers is Aldon Ignitor system - thats what you'll need to search for.

[Derek UK]

Actually Pertronix is the manufacturer and Aldon have been selling them for a long time under their own name. Their price is about 50% more than the same item in the original Pertronix box.
This site will give you the kit numbers for Volvo http://www.vintageperformance.com/re...ts/carapps.htm
Old type VW Beetle specialists may stock the one you want or give Mark Hannaford a ring on 01276 65554. He's the UK "representative" in Camberley Surrey.

[BillKat]

If no luck with the above, I know a guy who sells Pertronix. Only have his mob number so won't post just in case, PM if you want it. Nice bloke.