The Ford Barn

sphanna · 04-13-2013, 10:10 AM

I thought I had read a thread with a discussion about electronic ignitions for the Model A. I have done a search and could find nothing. As I remember, this kit was about $200 and looked simple to install. Can any of you give me some information about electronic ignition conversions and what you think of this for touring car?

Curt Campbell · 04-13-2013, 10:32 AM

Hi Steve...hope you get some info. Restoring mine and soon going to decide on ignition.

steve s · 04-13-2013, 10:39 AM

fsignitions.com

V4F · 04-13-2013, 10:43 AM

FS ignition !!!!!!!!!! great stuff !

Ross/Kzoo · 04-13-2013, 10:50 AM

F-S Ignitions in mine for 4 years and haven't looked back. Some like the regular ignitions better. To each his own.

pat in Santa Cruz · 04-13-2013, 10:51 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

You will find good arguments for both original distributors and E ignition from all sides. Search this subject in the archives and you will find hours of discussion on it. Regarding electronic ignitions, the Pertronix ( now called 1st Street or FS) works well and installs easily as delivered and instructed if you don't mind a few modern looking wires. I have one with over 40,000 miles on it in one of my cars. The look of the modern wires bothers me though, so with a bit more effort, they can be replaced where visible with the original looking cloth covered wires. The additional power source wiring from the battery can be hidden as well with more effort so the engine compartment retains its original appearance. You still use the manual advance lever with this kit, which I prefer. The Zipper is auto advance, and looks un original. The drawback with all E ignitions is the cost of carrying a replacement module in case of failure is expensive. Failure rate is slight, but it can happen easily with a bad ground or power spike from a failing generator or alternator, which is why you source the power directly from the battery. If you are good with electronics, carry an original distributor timed to your engine and a couple of jump wires with alligator clips to re configure the wiring so you can drop that in as a quick fix if the E ignition fails on the road. With a stock points set up, distributor exchange in the event of failure is very simple, as you merely pull the dizzy, unscrew the ign lead, then screw it in the new ( pre timed) one, drop it in the head and drive on..

E ignition thread:
http://fordbarn.com/forum/search.php?searchid=2752773

John LaVoy · 04-13-2013, 10:51 AM

We have FS Ignitions on three cars, they work great and the folks at FS are real helpful to deal with. They make a kit to convert your distributor or they offer the Zipper that appears like an original but slightly taller and has automatic advance built into it. That eleminates the use of the spark adavance on the steering column.

Jim/GA · 04-13-2013, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John LaVoy

We have FS Ignitions on three cars...

<snip>

That eliminates the use of the spark advance on the steering column.

Thus freeing up that lever to use for Turn Signals.

Cool, huh?

sphanna · 04-13-2013, 11:10 AM

Thank you guys. You have convinced me. I just placed and order based on your input. I enjoy touring and last year I about melted during the KC Regional meet. To fix this, I also purchased and Air condition for my Fordor. These upgrades all go to my Fordor for comfort in twilight years. My beloved 30 Coupe will remain stock original.

glenn in camino · 04-13-2013, 11:57 AM

I took my electronic ignition off my car and went back to a stock distributor. It now runs better than ever and I have control of my spark.

chopo · 04-13-2013, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

I took my electronic ignition off my car and went back to a stock distributor. It now runs better than ever and I have control of my spark.

good deal Glen...... how about selling me your old electronic junk

Ross/Kzoo · 04-13-2013, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

I took my electronic ignition off my car and went back to a stock distributor. It now runs better than ever and I have control of my spark.

Does that mean that you had the "Zipper"?

steve s · 04-13-2013, 06:02 PM

I've got one of the earlier style that has the separate box that mounts behind the dash that I'll sell cheap. Brand new, never used.

Duffy1 · 04-13-2013, 06:18 PM

Electronic ignitions give you no warning when they fail . Majority of the time , points and condenser will give you advance warning via running rough ,missing ,etc . Know a lot of folks that removed the electronic ignition and went back to points and condenser .

AL in NY · 04-13-2013, 07:09 PM

sphanna - Very Important.....be sure to follow the installation instructions and run a dedicated ground wire from the battery connection on the frame to the electronic points module in the distributor!!!!

sphanna · 04-13-2013, 10:11 PM

I ordered the ignition kit that allows me to still use manual control of advance. I did not want one with the auto advance. Also, I have a spare distributor under my seat that is timed for my car. I know how to quickly change back to stock if my elect. ign. fails on a tour. I also have a spare coil for the standard point system. Yes, AL in NY, I am very aware of the positive ground needed. I plan to do as you advise. Thanks to all.

Duffy1 · 04-13-2013, 10:24 PM

What is the advantage of an electronic ignition in a low RPM model A ?

Chuck Sea/Tac · 04-13-2013, 10:40 PM

It's not for stopping point flutter, it's for a hotter spark, and never having to set your points, or change a condenser.

sphanna · 04-13-2013, 10:46 PM

Chuck Sea/Tac is correct. It will preclude point flutter but the other reasons are my reasons and should result in slightly smoother running and a small increase in MPG

Purdy Swoft · 04-14-2013, 10:17 AM

I'm a do it like you want sort of guy. I kept my original style distributor with original style points and a burn out proof condenser. I trust and can fix the original type setup. The spark comes from the coil whether its original type or electronic ignition. I use the Pertronix 40.000 volt Flamethrower coil. I figure that I get best of both worlds with this setup. I get much hotter spark, instant starts, clean running spark plugs, and feel the difference in power. I really don't have any problems with the points or the condenser and this mod only costs around forty dollars.

04-13-2013, 10:10 AM	#1
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	Electronic ignition I thought I had read a thread with a discussion about electronic ignitions for the Model A. I have done a search and could find nothing. As I remember, this kit was about $200 and looked simple to install. Can any of you give me some information about electronic ignition conversions and what you think of this for touring car? __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA

04-13-2013, 10:32 AM	#2
Curt Campbell Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ottumwa, IA Posts: 308	Re: Electronic ignition Hi Steve...hope you get some info. Restoring mine and soon going to decide on ignition.

04-13-2013, 10:39 AM	#3
steve s Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kalamazoo Posts: 1,656	Re: Electronic ignition fsignitions.com

04-13-2013, 10:43 AM	#4
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,522	Re: Electronic ignition FS ignition !!!!!!!!!! great stuff ! __________________ V4f

04-13-2013, 10:50 AM	#5
Ross/Kzoo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richland Mi. Posts: 1,172	Re: Electronic ignition F-S Ignitions in mine for 4 years and haven't looked back. Some like the regular ignitions better. To each his own.

04-13-2013, 10:51 AM	#6
pat in Santa Cruz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: santa cruz, calif Posts: 2,011	Re: Electronic ignition Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You will find good arguments for both original distributors and E ignition from all sides. Search this subject in the archives and you will find hours of discussion on it. Regarding electronic ignitions, the Pertronix ( now called 1st Street or FS) works well and installs easily as delivered and instructed if you don't mind a few modern looking wires. I have one with over 40,000 miles on it in one of my cars. The look of the modern wires bothers me though, so with a bit more effort, they can be replaced where visible with the original looking cloth covered wires. The additional power source wiring from the battery can be hidden as well with more effort so the engine compartment retains its original appearance. You still use the manual advance lever with this kit, which I prefer. The Zipper is auto advance, and looks un original. The drawback with all E ignitions is the cost of carrying a replacement module in case of failure is expensive. Failure rate is slight, but it can happen easily with a bad ground or power spike from a failing generator or alternator, which is why you source the power directly from the battery. If you are good with electronics, carry an original distributor timed to your engine and a couple of jump wires with alligator clips to re configure the wiring so you can drop that in as a quick fix if the E ignition fails on the road. With a stock points set up, distributor exchange in the event of failure is very simple, as you merely pull the dizzy, unscrew the ign lead, then screw it in the new ( pre timed) one, drop it in the head and drive on.. E ignition thread: http://fordbarn.com/forum/search.php?searchid=2752773 Last edited by pat in Santa Cruz; 04-13-2013 at 11:01 AM. Reason: add link

04-13-2013, 10:51 AM	#7
John LaVoy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 1,219	Re: Electronic ignition We have FS Ignitions on three cars, they work great and the folks at FS are real helpful to deal with. They make a kit to convert your distributor or they offer the Zipper that appears like an original but slightly taller and has automatic advance built into it. That eleminates the use of the spark adavance on the steering column.

04-13-2013, 11:10 AM	#9
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	Re: Electronic ignition Thank you guys. You have convinced me. I just placed and order based on your input. I enjoy touring and last year I about melted during the KC Regional meet. To fix this, I also purchased and Air condition for my Fordor. These upgrades all go to my Fordor for comfort in twilight years. My beloved 30 Coupe will remain stock original. __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA

04-13-2013, 11:57 AM	#10
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Electronic ignition I took my electronic ignition off my car and went back to a stock distributor. It now runs better than ever and I have control of my spark.

04-13-2013, 06:02 PM	#13
steve s Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kalamazoo Posts: 1,656	Re: Electronic ignition I've got one of the earlier style that has the separate box that mounts behind the dash that I'll sell cheap. Brand new, never used.

04-13-2013, 06:18 PM	#14
Duffy1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mo. City , Texas Posts: 725	Re: Electronic ignition Electronic ignitions give you no warning when they fail . Majority of the time , points and condenser will give you advance warning via running rough ,missing ,etc . Know a lot of folks that removed the electronic ignition and went back to points and condenser .

04-13-2013, 07:09 PM	#15
AL in NY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Upstate New York Posts: 1,160	Re: Electronic ignition sphanna - Very Important.....be sure to follow the installation instructions and run a dedicated ground wire from the battery connection on the frame to the electronic points module in the distributor!!!! __________________ AL in NY

04-13-2013, 10:11 PM	#16
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	Re: Electronic ignition I ordered the ignition kit that allows me to still use manual control of advance. I did not want one with the auto advance. Also, I have a spare distributor under my seat that is timed for my car. I know how to quickly change back to stock if my elect. ign. fails on a tour. I also have a spare coil for the standard point system. Yes, AL in NY, I am very aware of the positive ground needed. I plan to do as you advise. Thanks to all. __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA

04-13-2013, 10:24 PM	#17
Duffy1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mo. City , Texas Posts: 725	Re: Electronic ignition What is the advantage of an electronic ignition in a low RPM model A ?

04-13-2013, 10:40 PM	#18
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,354	Re: Electronic ignition It's not for stopping point flutter, it's for a hotter spark, and never having to set your points, or change a condenser.

04-13-2013, 10:46 PM	#19
sphanna Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Polk City, Iowa Posts: 526	Re: Electronic ignition Chuck Sea/Tac is correct. It will preclude point flutter but the other reasons are my reasons and should result in slightly smoother running and a small increase in MPG __________________ Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA

04-14-2013, 10:17 AM	#20
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Electronic ignition I'm a do it like you want sort of guy. I kept my original style distributor with original style points and a burn out proof condenser. I trust and can fix the original type setup. The spark comes from the coil whether its original type or electronic ignition. I use the Pertronix 40.000 volt Flamethrower coil. I figure that I get best of both worlds with this setup. I get much hotter spark, instant starts, clean running spark plugs, and feel the difference in power. I really don't have any problems with the points or the condenser and this mod only costs around forty dollars.