I think what everyone's main point is that the electronic ignition is better
than points, but it's not a magical silver bullet for performance.
If you're running an incorrect mixture, unbalanced/leaky carbs, or fouled
plugs, spending your hard earned money on an electronic ignition conversion
is a waste of money and time. It's not going to give you an extra 20
horsepower over your points system (unless you're consistantly missing a
cylinder with the one you have now).
Both systems need periodical replacements of parts (spark wires, plugs,
rotors, distributor caps, BUT point systems need a frequent replacement of a
points assembly w/condensor. And points systems can have their casings go
ovular (out of round) with age due to cetrifugal forces, which can cause
misfires or weak spark.
If you've done your tune-up and changed out the other problem spots (coil,
terminal leads, dirty air filter, properly gapped new plugs, etc), and
you're still getting missfire or weak spark, and you HAVE to go to the next
logical step and get a new dizzy or conversion, then you should invest in
the electronic ignition. You'll set it and forget it (to borrow from Ron
Popeil). And an electronic system CAN (though not necessarily noticable)
increase the Fire in your Spit's belly (like the pun?) by maybe a horse or
two when using a hotter coil.
But I wouldn't throw away your points dizzy or spend $150 on a conversion if
your car is running fine. If you've simply got the money to waste then it
turns your car into a more reliable, faster starting car.
I'm running a Lucas point dizzy from a midget on my 1500. (The PO put it
there) and it's running fine, so I haven't felt the need to put in the
electronic crane unit I have. I just keep an extra set of points in the
tool bag, just in case.
If you're running the stock Lucas electronic ignition, all I can say is "God
have mercy on your soul."
Terry L. Thompson
'76 Spit 1500
Maryland
Did you know that Lucas invented the intermittant wiper? It wasn't on
purpose.
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