So… in 2025, what’s the best electronic ignition conversion?

[RJ Squirrel]

Thanks for checking in Geoff. Coil is E-core. Just checked the voltage right at the connector on the module it is 14.3 volts while running higher RPMs.
Thinking this is not the issue now. So far 3 LX301 Std Ignition and one Napa TP45 modules have failed.
Edit: I have the 1-3-5 plug wires bundled together where they pass down between the PS pump and the head. Maybe there is some cross firing there causing the problem? I will fix this next.

 

[RJRENTON]

Squirrel,
High energy coil. Is it for inductive....or CD ign? They are different. A CD coil will likely take out a HEI module.

WHY??? WHAT is the mechanism of failure.....all coil's are inductive.....CD just feeds the coil primary with a higher voltage pulse to get a higher output voltage......the volts / turn ratio. On one hand you propose the HEI module is infallible......just sounds like supposition. Show us the proof that the GM HEI modules variable dwell is the answer, and how it works....a circuit diagram (schematic) of the module would be conclusive.......not out of an unspecified underlined, nameless publication.......curious minds want to know.......
BOB RENTON

 

[Runner 68]

Aaaaaah, yes. The Pert 4 pin HEI type module that multi sparks to the redline. When I emailed Pert to ask how it works, I got no reply...
I do not believe the Pert claim that it is electrically possible to provide multi spark with ONE coil & 8 cyls in a 4 pin module.
For these reasons:
- it would be the 8th wonder of the world.
- it would be a very desirable ign component
- & as such, you would have something nobody else has & you would patent it [ if it really worked ]
- no other company has it when it would be easy to pull the module apart, see what is in it...& copy it.

I do not see that this device could be capacitor discharge ign system because CD requires a sizeable transformer & large capacitor. MSD boxes such as 6, 7 are CD & require a box to house these large components.

That leaves the inductive ign [ II ]system which has it's own limitations. With II, the coil takes time to fully charge [ saturate ] the coil. With only one coil & lots of cyls such as an 8 cyl engine, you run out of time at higher rpms to fully charge the coil. GM's HEI solved the problem by using variable dwell. But you still have limited time & I can see no way that TWO sparks per cyl could be generated at 7000 rpm.

Maybe they didn't respond to you because the info is available online.
Running the Ignitor III on my Bird.
Not an ignition guru here but maybe this article will answer some of your questions.
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1404-pertronix-performance-products-ignition-systems/

 

[RJ Squirrel]

Hey Bob if I fry one more HEI module I am going to put in a points system!
Although all the failures I believe were my own blunders.

 

[threewood]

I'm a fan of Pertronix Ignitor III and Flamethrower coil. Multi spark, rev limiter, and gut the ballast resistor. Flawless for 8 years in my GTX. Mine is the drop in unit so it went in a factory single point distributor.

 

[Geoff 2]

Bob,
Go back to sleep. The MSD # 8207coil is an E core designed for inductive ign, has a 0.355 ohm pri rersistance. The MSD # 8251 is also an E core coil, but designed for CD has a 0.04 ohm pri res.

 

[Geoff 2]

Bob,
Where did I say HEI was infallible???????????????????????????????

 

[Geoff 2]

RJ,
You need to make sure your E coil is usable with inductive ign. See post #46.

 

[Geoff 2]

Runner 68.

Thanks for the link. The link [ or their website ] does not explain how they can get high rpm multi spark in a 4 pin module. [ Read post #35 ].

 

[Armyvet25]

The factory breakerless distributor is my favorite and reliable, you know that one brass feeler gauge on your old school feeler gauge, it's .007 and is precisely for setting the breakerless gap as a steel gauge clamps shut due to magnetism, set and forget it.
I still like a good points dist, and the same with the HEI conversion.

 

[RJ Squirrel]

RJ,
You need to make sure your E coil is usable with inductive ign. See post #46.

Thanks, I thought all E-coils were the same. The one I have is 0.35 ohm "advertised"
Just measured it-reads 0.5

 

[RJRENTON]

Thanks, I thought all E-coils were the same. The one I have is 0.35 ohm "advertised"
Just measured it-reads 0.5

And so it's decision time.....use it as is or not (E coil not withstanding).....waist an ECU because of incompatibility ......coil/ECU MISMTCH, ballast resistor or not, or "roll the dice" and take a chance......then bitch when it craps out......blaiming it on Chinese stuff......ot ask Ray @HALIFAXHOPS for a definitive answer........just my opinion........
BOB RENTON

 

[RJ Squirrel]

Yup your right Bob, buy entirely new electronic components from one supplier so they are "matched"
or install points system. My DIY "budget" system is not so cheap considering what I spent experimenting.

 

[65PlymSatellite]

I have honestly never had a single issue with my points (knock on wood), so I don't ever consider what I COULD possibly gain from switching over.

But If I ever did, all components would be purchased from @HALIFAXHOPS and I'd see what he recommends.

 

[RJRENTON]

I have honestly never had a single issue with my points (knock on wood), so I don't ever consider what I COULD possibly gain from switching over.

But If I ever did, all components would be purchased from @HALIFAXHOPS and I'd see what he recommends.

EXCELLENT PLAN.......
BOB RENTON

 

[Armyvet25]

good thing about points or hei conversion, you can carry a spare cheap and they don't take up space.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

good thing about points or hei conversion, you can carry a spare cheap and they don't take up space.

I did that, and carried around the wrong PerTronix kit.
This time the correct PerTronix will be installed, and I can carry the stock parts.

 

[cormagnum]

I just did the Rick Ehrenburg kit and i am very happy with it.

 

[440 4 speed]

I just did the Rick Ehrenburg kit and i am very happy with it.

Where can I find information about his kit?

 

[RJRENTON]

I did that, and carried around the wrong PerTronix kit.
This time the correct PerTronix will be installed, and I can carry the stock parts.

Bet you feel really dumb by carrying the WRONG Pertronix stuff....just like having a 13" spare tire when you have 16" tires on the car, something fundamenta. IMO....go back to the original points ignition system, enjoy the car and quit trying to "re-engineer" something that doesn't need fixing.....plus...look ar all.the $$$ saved by NOT buying stuff you don't need.....
BOB RENTON