electronic ignition

[1koolnet]

hey guys i have a 69 coronet 440 with a 318. wondering if i should keep the points, or go to electronic ignition. any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks david

 

[WileE]

hey guys i have a 69 coronet 440 with a 318. wondering if i should keep the points, or go to electronic ignition. any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks david

Personal preference. If you don't use the car often, points are fine. And you'll save the coin of the cost of EI. If you hate adjusting dwell & money doesn't matter, well then go for it.

 

[theman440]

Ditch the points.

 

[brandon64]

I personally like points, there simple and easy to change. They do go out often so I keep a spare set in the glove box.

 

[chrisd]

I prefer electronic. I haven't mastered the art of fine tuning, so it makes it alot easier. I bought a distributor and wiring harness through Year One for about $225. There's plenty other options available though.

 

[YY1]

I bought an electronic dist for $20 and cut the harness out of a junk car for $5.

Don't get a lean burn dist, but you CAN harvest some wiring from a lean burn car.

The dist connector on the harness is the same as a battery "maintainer" charger, and I've also seen them at trailer supply stores, if you can't find a 70s or 80s model in a yard.

You'll have to make up the other end manually where it goes nto the regulator etc.

..and you'll need a later model brain and that connector.

There are wiring diagrams floating around.

It's not that hard. I've done about five in the last 15 years.

For about the labor of changing and setting the points two or three times and just a little more $$ (unless you buy an expensive "kit"), you can make it so you never have to do it again.

I've never had a V8 Mopar electronic dist go bad, but have seen the inductor/reluctor (or whatever) go bad in other distributors. My Daytona ate about three.

 

[GTXKen]

Ditch the points, electronic is easier to tune, more reliable and makes for a better spark. You should be able to get all you need for your 318 from a junk yard for cheap.

 

[rlsbee]

Did you look at the Pertronix points replacement unit? I put one in my 383 and I like it. It's easy to do and pretty much retains the stock look. the only thing noticeable is an extra wire. I think there are other manufacturers. I used the 'Ignitor II' unit but the 'Ignitor III' has more features and it may be available now. The best part is that you don't have to mount a 'box' anywhere. It's all inside the ditributor. Another option is the MSD 'Plug n Play distributor and Pertronix makes one of these also.