Pictures and information by Karl Schluter. Copyright.
Amplifiers, Modules, Spark boxes, and Conversions,
Stage 1.
If the Distributor is sound and you wish to just improve
the life of the points and maybe gain a few mpg then this is a way to go ;
Silicon Chip Magazine have a book you can buy that outlines both a CDI spark
box and a Multi spark box (multi spark systems fire more than one spark per
firing, up to @3000rpm before reverting to one spark) Here in NZ (and
Australia) Jaycar sell these kits as well. You solder them up yourself and they
take about 3 hours each for someone of basic skills. They sell a model
(upgraded KC-5419) that can be triggered by points, Hall effect (part -ZD-1900)
or Optical (ZD-1901) if you fabricate a windowed shutter, 4 slots for 4
cylinder, 6 for a 6 cylinder etc, to clip under the rotor around the cam lobes.
These are like the shutters used in aftermarket Hall effect kits
that trigger spark boxes or modules . (Study “hall effect” systems on the net,
Google is your friend!) .
Jaycar have just released a new programmable high-energy
ignition system (KC-5442) that will work with the above triggers. It can also do
knock sensing (KC-5444) as well as being able to allow you to set timing retard
and advance over a wide range all for just over $100 NZ. Jaycar part KC-5443
may be needed too.
The advantage of adding an amplifier/module to your points
is most of the arcing though your points is now gone!
You now have .5 of an amp instead of a full 5 or 6 amps
going through the points! Lots of these boxes were sold in the 60’s, 70’s and
some are still in use though the companies that then sold them are now mostly
long gone. Both CDI and inductive types are sold made up or in kit form. The
points can then last up to 80 000 miles and with this system on a 6 cylinder
engine, it can rev freely to 7300rpm plus.
Prepping the cam lobes the points run on by polishing the lobes and correctly using lubrication makes it a great set up with better starting etc as well. One great thing about keeping points is you can nearly always get home on points alone versus a burnt out spark box or computer!
Tip: Drill your Distributor cap with 1/8 holes (carefully)
at rotor height between terminals as this will release ionised air. This is
more important still when high-powered spark boxes are added.
Stage 2
The Aftermarket companies also supply full conversion kits
for Lucas distributors. At the moment I only know of the Crane inductive XR700
(6 and 12 volt, negative or positive earth) and the XR3000 modules that run the
optical eye system and the UK made Lumenition system .
I have run the Crane system myself; I had 10 years of great
service with it on a V8 before selling it. Crane offer both a Lucas and a
universal install kit. The above systems are optical with an LED eye. The
Magnetic ignition companies trash these saying dust etc will kill or weaken
these over time -bull! The truth is only a faction of the lens needs to see
anything and even Nascar teams and General Motors use these systems now.
Pertronix (Hall effect) are selling kits as well. These are
Hall effect which use a windowed wheel /shutter like the optical systems above
but with placed magnets instead of a light emitting diode. There is also a
Pertronix ll version as well. The Pertronix are most reliable with
the matching companies coil-you have been warned!
I would research all of these kits on the net before
buying. (Links to these companies are on the last Ignition upgrade page).
The Magnetic and Optical kits below will most often have a
remotely mounted module. The Hall Effect like Pertronix is usually built in
with only 2 wires leading from the distributor body, the module is contained
under the cap- very
hidden!
Continued in Ignition
Upgrade Part 3
Do visit the Ignition Upgrade Part 5 for links, companies etc.
Disclaimer:
The advice and guidelines given in these articles are given in good faith.
The owners and managers of the Galeforce Zephyr site will take no
responsibility for any injuries or loss sustained while carrying out the
described tasks and procedures or any consequences arising. Please read
the Safety First
Article