Amazon: Electronic ignition with original coil

[AidanC]

Hi,

Is it possible to easily fit electronic ignition to an Amazon with the original armoured coil? I’ve seen references here to drilling the coil to access the positive wire but don’t want to do that. What other approaches can be taken?

Is there anything unique about the 12v supply at the coil? Could I just run a switched 12V supply to the ignition module positive from the fuse block?

[Burdekin]

A separate ignition system like megajolt or a 123 dizzy?

You just need +12v switched with ignition that is also on when cranking. You should just be able to leave the coil there if you want.

I did a write up on my megajolt install if you do a search, all pics are long gone though.

[AidanC]

Hi,

Sorry, I should have been a bit more specific- I was thinking of replacing my points and condensor with either a Powerspark or Pertronix unit, keeping the existing distributor which was refurbished a few years ago.

A help desk reply from one of the above companies said that the 12V supply to the ignition module must come from the coil positive even after I explained that it wasn’t easily accessible. I always thought of it as just a 12V supply but I’m not so sure now after they were so definite about using the coil supply.

[Burdekin]

This should help: http://sw-em.com/Volvo%20Ignition%20...rmored%20Cable

There will be folks who’ve done this install and can help.

[Ron Kwas]

Aidan;

You understand the underlying issue of needing to supply power, more importantly uninterrupted during Starting(!) the elec ign sys well, and how this is impossible when using the Ign Key to initiate Starting...but as long as you install a Momentary Start Switch at the same time you convert to elec ign (always a good idea, to save the Ign Key!), there no issue whatsoever powering the elec ign from terminal 54, because Loadshedding is out of the picture!

See: https://www.sw-em.com/123Ignition_in...ored_Cable.htm

The "diode cable" is an option, but as seen here (https://www.sw-em.com/Volvo%20Igniti...de_ORing_Cable ) the commercially made cables use an ultra-cheap 1A rated diode which has been known to fail. It is not my first choice, but iI I had to advise someone who absolutely insisted on using "diode cable" and their Ign Key for Starting (BAD!), I'd advise they use a 3A diode (like a 1N5406)!

Burdekin; Thanks for reference!

Cheers

[AidanC]

Thanks Ron,

Is your start switch kit plug & play for cars with a steering lock/ignition key combo? I’m guessing that the basics would be the same...

[simon roberts]

I have fitted Petronix,drilling the coil to connect using a conduit hole saw....covering with a grommet....works well....16 years later..👍

[Ron Kwas]

Aidan;

Late production 122s with Ign Sw in Steering Column do not use the same Ign Sw which has the Gorilla (key killer!) spring, so if that is what your car has, you would not need the Mom St Sw, which addresses the issue only found on early Ign Switches.

...and since the Steering Lock was the requisite anti-theft provision on these cars, I believe they also have the 140 style Ign Coil with primary power terminal (+) accessible (verify by inspection of Ign Coil!), which would be suitable for powering an elec Ign. Please inspect your Ign Coil to confirm this and advise!

Cheers

[AidanC]

Ron,

My car is an early '67 Swedish market 121 B18A 4 speed. Interestingly it has both the steering lock and older style ignition with the hidden positive on the coil. I don't know if it was an option chosen by the original buyer or was a production anomaly. It spent most of its life in Karlstad which wasn't a hotbed of car theft as far as I know...

[Ron Kwas]

Aidan;

This is indeed a bit of an uncommon combination...I will study wiring of the St Col located Ign Sw as provided by Simon ( https://www.sw-em.com/ignition_switc...gnition_switch ), but it would be very helpful if you could take some well-lit pix of the Ign Sw end of the armored cable...I would particularly like to see how they made connections to the Primary + node.

Edit: ...especially the Red Wire on Terminal 15 of the St Col Ign Sw...

Cheers