Pete,
Yes, you have probably sparked a good discussion here. I, too, stuck
with points for a long time before converting to electronics. Even then
the electronics that I converted to was the very simple Pertronix Hall
effect unit. I am just the opposite of you in that I spent my working
life in the world of electronics and I like to say that I worked with it
too much to ever trust it. Even though I have converted to the
Pertronix unit, I carry a backing plate all set up with points and
condenser that have been set up in the car, so all I have to do on the
road In case of failure of the "trons", is to swap out the plate and
twist the distributor a bit to get home. I switched to the Pertronix
unit simply as a case of laziness on my part so I didn't have to
periodically replace the points, since our MGs (in particular our MGB)
are our everyday driver - we simply don't own any non MGs.
You hinted at, but never directly stated, what I believe is the best
argument for the old points ignition system. (Here I am talking from
personal experience) If (when) an electronic ignition system quits
working, you are going to sit where you are until the bloody thing is
replaced. If your system is the old points, you can always kluge it
together enough to get you home. The all electronic systems in today's
cars are probably the single biggest selling point for services like
AAA. Years ago, I read an article of the coming electronics revolution
in the automotive world. Among other things, the author waxed
eloquently about "active" suspension systems that would be
electro/hydraulic wonders that sensed every imperfection in the road
surface and correct for them in microseconds. The only thing that I
could envision, was driving down the highway at speed and having this
wonder system glitch (as electronics are prone to do - witness the
marvels we are sending these messages on), and having all four wheels
tuck themselves tightly into the wheel wells, leaving the car skidding
down the highway in a shower of sparks on it's undercarriage.
Yes, I will make use of newer technology, but only after careful thought
and only when I feel that it will truly serve me, not the other way around.
Cheers,
Dave
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