Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


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Bill P. Offline OP
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Does anyone know of an electronic ignition conversion kit for a 1926 superior-v with a 171cu engine?

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Stay with you have since the electronic conversions usually cause issues.

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The Mangy Old Mutt

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Bill P. Offline OP
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Thank you.

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I had an electronic ignition on a '28 Chevy as a test from a manufacturer. It worked well until a complete failure with absolutely no warning. Luckily the engine was in my shop at the time. I carried a spare points distributor just in case. Installed the points dist and haven't looked back. Those can be fiddled with to get you back home. When the electronics are dead so is your car.


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I have been there, electronic worked well until it died. The modern computer controlled system is an even bigger pain.
Tony


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iagree

I installed an electronic ignition in my 1970 Impala. It lasted one week! The electronic ignition failed at a stop light in a major intersection on a Friday evening at 5:00 PM. A major traffic jam formed because of the failed electronic ignition in the vehicle. In 57 years of driving I have never had the point system in any of my vehicles fail.

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My advice would be to heed the above comments, but if you just HAVE to try electronic ignition, check out Summit Racing's site:

https://www.summitracing.com/search...ic-distributor-conversion-kits/volts/6-v

They're a reputable dealer,


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I am working on a breakerless ignition for 6v 6cylinder applications. My '35 will be tested

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Years ago I found a electronic assisted contact system. Basically it was a transistor that controlled by the original points and the transistor switched the coil. It worked well until the points oxidized and werent connecting, only had to rub fine emery paper between the points. The points didnt burn like standard systems as there wasnt the current flow in through them.
Tony


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Bill,

Here's how to do it using GM HEI parts:

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/convert-a-ford-or-chrysler-ignition-to-gm-hei/#wiring-diagram-2

It can also probably be also done using Mopar components from an electronic distributor.

Pertronix and Crane Cams conversions have failed in many applications. The ultra reliable OEM electronic distributor components may not be 100% failure free, but nothing is. Once, decades ago I was driving a company vehicle with point ignition and the point rubbing block broke off leaving me stranded. Nothing is perfect

Part of the fun of this hobby is tweaking the sensibilities of the originality purists with "stealth" modifications that make the antiques safer, more pleasant to drive and more reliable. The purists don't care about that because it irrelevant in a show-only trailer queen.

.Ray W

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I agree with the other comments above.

The electronic ignitions conversions for antique cars work great until they fail and then they are dead, whereas the good old points tend to slowly fade into the sunset and provide warning they need replaced.

On a Triumph website I participate in there have been numerous individuals report failures of the Pertronix units in Triumph TR4s while on the road and they end up needing a tow to get home.


Visit my website at: www.jakegingervila.wixsite.com/bobs-vintage-cars-

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Bill, check this out.

http://devestechnet.com/Home/HEIgnition

It's a conversion a hobbyist can do using a Mopar slant 6 reluctor and a GM HEI module. Those components have been in use on millions of engines for decades and have none of the reliability issues of the aftermarket junk like Pertronix and Allison electronic conversions.

Ray W

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Here is my take on the Ignition problems, most are experiencing, get rid of the Resistor Spark Plugs, then throw all that resistor wiring away. Rewire and adjust the timing. Yes you might have to make up new wires. Most "old" cars were not in tune with Radio interference, and todays radios and TV's are designed to shield it out.
I always had non resistor wiring on my coil, was noticing low power and the cause was resistor plugs and wires.
1954 chev 235 in my 38 pickup that hadn't been run in 30-35 years, it started, slow and hard, it now fires right up no messing around. The wire I obtained from ebay, the plugs I requested a replacement plug non resistor. Do the right thing, save a starter, and your dignity.


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