[TR] Electronic ignition systems

Joe Curry spitlist at cox.net
Mon Sep 27 20:58:50 MDT 2010


For what it is worth, most of the so-called "electronic ignition systems
that are offered as aftermarket upgrades are really only an electronic
trigger and don't do anything about controlling the engine timing at
different RPM.

If you want that sort of thing you will probably have to invest in a much
more comprehensive (read: expensive) system.  These by and large also
include an ECU which will also control an electronic fuel injection system.

I installed one of these (SDS) on my Mk1 Spitfire and although I invested
over $2000 in the system, I feel that it is well worth the effort and
expense.

Joe

-----Original Message-----
From: triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net
[mailto:triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of John & Pat Donnelly
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010 7:48 PM
To: 'Randall'; Triumphs at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [TR] Electronic ignition systems

> Even if it does make a difference, is more spark advance necessarily a
> Good
> Thing?  

What we're talking about here, given all other things equal, is if the
trigger mechanism is better using points or an electronic module. The real
key is whether or not the "trigger" is more consistent; did it fire when it
was supposed to and maximize the highest voltage spark it could. Given that
our cars are old (like me) the condition of the dizzy probably has a bigger
affect than anything else. 

Does anybody know if any of the electronic modules influences the coil
charge/discharge cycle based on engine speed? Or is it just a stupid switch?
If so then that influencing could affect advance and high/low engine rev
performance. I thought that the Pertronix was just a stupid switch and the
dizzy springs/weights controlled the advance.

Johnnie
'67 TR4A with points


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