Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Has anyone approached this?

These are simple engines.

I would dearly like to get ride of the timing problems.

Or is it not quite that simple?
GuY

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Pretty simple procedure ,just follow instructions that come with it.Ive had one on flathead for about 13 years .Make sure you get the proper coil if you go with it

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

It doesn't eliminate timing though

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

I fitted an electronic distributor 4 years ago and as Joe says get the matching coil you fit and forget never had anymore issues.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Same.
Or talk to Jim at Bubbas I'm sure he'll set you straight.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Coil is key! Love mine.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Modified my original distributor to accept a Chrysler pickup and installed a Mallory electronic unit on my F! 25 years ago, timed it and have never touched it since.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Some GM and Chrysler distributors can be modified to fit the flathead timing covers and they can be equipped with tuneable vacuum cans for a decent advance control through the whole range when combined with the existing centrifugal advance mechanism. They have to be tuned to work on the flathead V8 since it has different needs than nearly all other types of auto engines in use over the last 50 years. The electronic conversion is the easy part. Getting the advance tuned is not as easy but some of our contributors have proven it is possible with almost unheard of fuel economy while still having plenty of power. It's too bad FoMoCo didn't try to do this back in the day. The Load-O-Matic is a barely capable system and economy suffered. This also affects engine operating temperatures which would also have benifited from a decent ignition system.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

It's not necessary to have an electronic ignition, when the distributor has the right advance curves for your engine. This will determine the power, drive ability, and economy of your engine. However, the electronic unit replaces the points and condenser which a getting harder to find quality replacements.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

I run only electronics ignition on my antique cars. However I had one fail when I welded on the frame without disconnecting the battery.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

For $262, all your problems are over, i'll get one as soon as I can raise the money. This is sure a game changer, jim I'd look into this.


Aldon "Amethyst" Mappable Ignition System.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

I just read the instructions for this system, and I think the search for a better ignition system has been found. Just think of this: You can now use your present distributor and have any advance curve you want or need. I'm checking to see if they will be available in the US. Thanks for posting.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Pertronix does one for the 42-46 distributors. It (the reluctor) replaces the points and does away with the condensor. It comes on a base plate that adjusts the timing with the screw in the side, exactly as standard. The base plate comes with a new bush to support the rotor end of the shaft.
The down side is that you need two other things:
1. The correct coil to go with it.
2. a set of new ht leads that are not copper wire type. I believe this applies to ALL electronic systems.
I bought the first type reluctor (a mistake) The PertronixII has protection that prevents the unit from burning out if the key is left on.

I am lead to believe that this is a good option, more so if your cam is not in good condition.
None of this makes any difference if your advance components and vacuum brake are not up to spec.
If you are ever welding on any vehicle, it is good practice to disconnect the battery.
I hope that helps.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Ron ,
I just read all the info myself , looks pretty good on paper. Might have to try one myself.

I dont see any horse power advantage although the driveability might be much smoother. However many of these cars dont have a driveability issue ....there are pretty nice from the factory...

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

I run a crab with a Pertronics conversion plus an Amethyst unit. It works good. 12V negative earth. (ground). Have to use suppressed HT leads as stated above. Mine seems (so far) to be coping with my "dirty" 12V system supplied by my old fashioned generator and control box. My distributor has no mechanical advance mechanism and no vacuum brake either. The distributor is locked so no advance takes place. The conventional advance curve and the vacuum advance functionality is all handled by the Amethyst unit. I have been running it since July 2015.

I am in no way affiliated with Amethyst, or Aldon, the company that produces them.

Mart.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

HI Guys, I have a BUBBA Chev. dis. on my 49 with over 70.000 trouble free miles the only way to go. Jack.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Love that "Jim Linder, "Bubba" GM distributor I am running and the service is great as Jim seems to always be ready to go the extra mile and answer any questions.
A USA product!

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Jim and Ron, hope someone finds a US dealer and tries one of these systems. I would like to know what the operating principle is, what powers it, I would guess 12V but hard to say from what info is available. It sure sounds like a great deal if it works. I just want to know how it gets between the points and spark output to do all those things.

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

Mart, is it programmable, like a Megasquirt?

Re: Electronic ignition for flatheads
 

This system is the same as the GM TBI of the late 80's, early 90's that controled the timing as well as the fuel. Several years ago my grandson and I tried to duplicat it. Unfortunately, we failed. I then aquired an 88 chevy TBI system to install in my truck. However I was only interested in the Ignition part of the system. This unit allows for some serious tuning parameters, including blown engines.. AS for the stock fathead, if converted to 12v you can use the stock dist. Jim you might just become a dealer fo the thingamabob