Anyone ditch the points, and swap in a electronic ignition? Just wondering what those that hads thoughts were on it. Might be looking to upgrade mine.

 

I'm definitely doing mine when I get the cash. Every report I've read talks about how you can maintain a good timing tune for MUCH longer with an electronic ignition as opposed to mechanical points. You have to have the engine re-tuned/timed after installing the box (or so I read) which is something I don't know how to do myself, otherwise I would have already performed the upgrade.

 

I was looking at the pertronix kit which includes wires, coil, and the distributor drop in piece.

 

I've looked at several as well and that's a good-looking kit. So you're going with an upgraded coil along with the electronic control box? PLEASE let me know how it feels after the upgrade. I still think you need to re-time the car after installing the box, though (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). Can you adjust the car's timing afterwards?

 

I didn't upgrade, mine came with it. I like it.

 

Will do, I just need to figure out if my distributor is a 25d or a 45d or what.

 

http://www.minimania.com/web/Item/MM.../InvDetail.cfm This is the kind of kit I was looking at. Theres no external box. I think your thinking of maybe some of the MSD products?

 

I run Pertronix and have for a few years. Well worth the money. Do it. You'll be happy. The distributor is stamped on its side with what model it is, btw.

 

it's the same one im putting on the car i building for my customers in Seattle........nothing but good things about switching over to electronic

 

That kit works great for me. An easy install and it will give you a chance to make sure that the vac advance (if your disty has it) works. Mine didn't - bad vac hose and some binding on the slider plate under the points. (You should be able to manually move the points a bit by sucking on the vac hose. Crude but effective.)

 

Norm, can you verify that the engine must be re-timed after installation?

 

What's the difference?

 

YES

MinixB, points wear and require adjustment to keep timing correct and performance up. The pertronix, once set, stays there. No more fussing. Also, very dependable and much less susceptible to moisture (you notice those devlish English placed your distributor behind the grill where rain comes in).

Be sure to follow instructions for installation and I suggest you purchase the matching coil. If not, make sure your coil matches the resisitance (ohms)required by the Pertronix or you'll burn it out as soon as the ignition is switched on. (don't ask, it was many years ago)

 

What are points?

 

MiniXB

http://home.earthlink.net/~goodspeeds/POINTS.HTM

 

Matt,

Retiming is a piece of cake and fairly often it is right on the spot when you install -- it's usually only a minor adjustment. I can help. I have used the Pertronics units in both my classics for eons, and only had one fail.

Paul

 

Thanks.

 

Point gap for a Mini = 0.015" or the thickness of a matchbook cover if you get caught out without your "feeler guage" (don't take that wrong, its a tool not a sexual aid)

 

I'm Saving up for a 123 dizzy for my mini

 

Whats the advantage of a 123 over a pertronix kit?

 

check out the website http://www.tdcperformance.ca/
also do a 365 day search for 123 in the minimaina

 

IMHO. for daily driving none, esp for the price differential. The 123 is a nice piece of kit and has a bajillion settings. But you only need one. The Mini isn't a finely tuned bit of engineeering like high end cars. Its primitive and coarse in its design. To me this is overkill unless you actually need to replace your distributor or are modifying your motor to a high level. At that point I'd likely switch to one. Unless you have lots of cash burning a hole in your pocket...

 

I did this when I rebuilt my XK-E, the points are difficult to reach and it just makes so much sense for the $$, I think I only paid about $100 for the kit and it's been trouble free for about 15 years now. My advice, just do it!

 

15 YEARS?? That's sold me... awesome.

Paul, I assume you need a timing light to do this? I'll order the kit, likely right after Xmas and will look to do this in the late Winter or Spring. Are any other specialized tools required?

 

Matt,


Sorry -- I wasn't following the thread. Yes, a timing light (which I have) will make things easier, and we will start off by static timing and move on from there. Late Winter/early Spring sounds find. No other "special tools" required.