Anyone have any experience with this system from Ecklers? Don't know who manufactures it. Are there any other conversion kits that are good and where to get them from?


1962-74 Breakerless Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit


Single Wire Hook-Up Makes Distributor Look 100% Stock

Eliminates Points


The Breakerless SE allows you to convert any 1960 to 1974 GM V8 breaker point type distributor with a windowed type distributor cap to a reliable solid-state electronic ignition, utilizing a fully integrated trigger and power module that fits completely inside the distributor. Unlike competitive systems, no additional wires protrude from the distributor, only the original points wire. The result is a state-of-the-art ignition with an absolutely stock appearance. Emissions legal in all 50 states. No distributor modification, disassembly or removal is required for installation. 3-year warranty.



Item# 40773
In Stock

$164.99 ea.

 

Click on "Breakerless SE" link to the left:

http://www.lectriclimited.com/mainpage.htm

 

I am considering the same modification, since there isn't an HEI out there with a tach drive. Is that a correct statement?

Talking to a lot of engine guys and being an engine engineer myself, the concensus seems to be that with a breakerless system and a good coil, near-HEI performance can be achieved.

 

I've done the Pertronix conversion and had no complaints.

The installation is very simple, with the only possible problem being excess end-play in the distributor (> .040).

 

¡No! That is not a correct statement:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DISTR...spagenameZWDVW

 

Ditto 'billa' above....I've put some 30,000 miles on my Pertronix with zero problems. That other unit looks like it has a Mallory Unilite-type LED trigger. I've had problems with unilites in the past- don' know 'bout that one...

 

Not true. MSD Billet Tach Drive is a real sweet distributor - I don't have one, but I set one up for a friend and I really liked working with it. He got it from Summit.

 

I converted my distributor, against Lars advice, within 3 months I went back to points. His view was that the only elctronic ignition that works properly was an HEI set up. Which I now have.

In saying that the guys that posted here with the Petronix (not available in UK) system seem to like it.

G

 

I ran an original Pertronix unit in my 74 for about 3 years with no problems. Then I started having problems with it cutting out and backfires in the exhaust. I switched over to the Crane XR1, which is much easier to install and have had no problems since. The Crane triggers off the cam lobes in the distributor rather than a separate magnet wheel so endplay isn't a big consideration. It installs with two screws and two wires that connect to both sides of the coil. A very simple install. It also has the advantage of having a built in rev limiter. Just as a data point, I forgot to turn the ignition switch off my car after doing some work on it and it was on for a full day, draining the battery completely. I recharged the battery and the car started right up with no problems, so leaving the key on will not hurt the Crane unit. I'm not sure if other units can do that.

 

personally I've never understood the reasons and logic for converting a points distributor to elctronic via one of these conversion kits.
There is no change in performance and the reliability factor is decreased.

all you are doing to changing from an electro-mechanical switch (points) to a electronic switch (the conversion unit).

There is NO increase in spark level which could increase performance.
I HAVE read posts where people installed these conversion units and report better starting and performance BUT I'd venture that their distributor hadn't been touched in years. A correctly set up and operating points distributor runs great so I'd say that if those same people took the time to get their points distributor set up and working correctly they would have seen the identicle performance increase that they reported when installing the conversion kit.

Points have been proven over the years to be VERY reiable and rarely ever fail. If they do, a simple spare set in the storage area of the car and a screw driver will get you running again in 5 minutes.
If the elctronic conversion fails you are stuck waiting for a flatbed to tow you home unless you want to keep an extra $165 spare in the car!

The only advantage I can possibly imagine the electronic conversions offer you is saving having to adjust your dwell on the distributor. I do that once a year every spring as I get the car ready for the "driving season" and it takes all of 2 minutes to check and adjust dwell.
If you want to spend $165 to save 2 minutes of labor once a year and to decrease the overall reliability of the ignition system it's your money........

 

I use the Accel points and keep a spare set in the car. NEVER had to use them. No performance issues to date.
Yes, it takes a little extra tuning skill to use points, as dwell will affect timing. Points actually provide a tuning variable that is NOT available in electronic replacements.

I considered going pertronix a while back and decided against it based on the above.

 

Star has same TD HEI complete new HEI dist w/ tach drive for $163 ... 1-800-625-9454 ... check this thread for mo'info.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...highlight=star
-edit-with exception of the mechanical tach drive parts ... ALL ... ALL its parts are exactly same as for GM HEI ... replacements available anywhere that sells auto parts ... no need for a flatbed.

 

http://www.motorville.com/tabloid/page_50.htm
H.E.I. dist with tach drive...
Later,
Sly

Part# mtr9200tdr $154.99

 

To respond to your question about the Breakerless SE unit, I converted to this setup over the July 4, 2004 weekend and haven't messed with it since then. I like it. I also cleaned up the stock weights, installed some lighter springs per Lars' tuning paper, shimmed the end play in my OEM distributor, and replaced the OEM vacuum advance can with a newer stock unit, so all things considered, I did see an improvement in driveability from idle through WOT and all cruising speeds in between.

I went with the Breakerless SE setup for a couple of reasons. I hated fiddling with points back in the 70's. I also read complaints of the Pertronix units but also wanted to stay with the one-wire, looks like stock appearance of the Breakerless SE setup. While properly set up points work fine, so does this unit if installed properly. Your money, your car. Good luck with your decisions.

 

I originally posted that link to motorville p50 here at CF ... since then, Motorville established a separate retail unit (Star) ... since star's recent startup, motorville may not service non-wholesale accounts ... or they may, worth a try ... dunno? But, dist shown at p50 is same dist star retails for $8 more.

 

Well stated The key phrase here is "properly setup points"......which because of cam wear, contact degradation due to current arching, etc. is short lived and as close to an oxymoron statement as I have heard. I am sure when Lars made his statement about Breakerless point systems, he was refering to some of the early, cheap setups that were out to make a quick buck. The cold hard fact is that points are not anywhere near as reliable as electronic switching, period! ..... for the same reasons that FI is more reliable than carburetors

I knew I shouldn't have opened this thread


Bullshark

 

and you have accurate statistics to back up your statement that electronic conversion kits are more reliable than points?
I disagrre with that completely.
I have seen many, many threads and posts relating to problems and failures of electronic conversion kits and not only failures but also people switching back to points after initially switching to the electronic conversion kits because of problems. I have only ONCE ever seen a post relating a failure on a set of points.
Does installing an electronic conversion kit mean you are assured of it failing? Of course not, BUT these kits do fail and do have a much higher failure rate than simple points.
Should the failure rates keep you from purchasing the electronic conversions? Well, that's up to each individual to decide but with NO performance advantage to them and a true decrease in reliabliity I personally wouldn't use them. I had considered them, researched them, and decided there was no advatage.

Points are FAR more reliable overall and very easy to maintain.

If you want to compare MODERN electronic ignition systems to points, that's a completely different ballgame and not a fair comparision, but to compare an electronic conversion kit such as the Breakerless or the Pertronix, or similar, to point and calling the conversion kits more reliable is just plain incorrect and wrong!

As far as your comment on FI vs. carbs - that one is just too easy. I HOPE you are referring to modern FI units rather than the old Rochester units from '57-'65 which are known for being troublesome and finicky and where countless owners of original FI cars swapped them out for standard carbs.

 

I put the mallory e spark conversion in my 71 and it works great. It does not use a magnetic pickup. It uses an infrared beam and a shutter wheel, called a hall effect. This is a very high quality kit that only cost $60. If you are wanting a stock looking setup, this is not the best choice. It will look different because there are 3 wires instead of one. Electronic ignition will improve starting, mileage, and performance because it is more accurate. It can be used at higher rpms because you don't have to worry about the points floating. I agree, when the points are set right, they work fine. You have to realize, as soon as you start your engine after adjusting them, they are getting out of adjustment due to wear.

 

I'm just about to install a Crane XR3000, it eliminates the ballast wire and the circuitry just saturates the coil on every firing.
There's an external module to install and it has an optical trigger, and I have no idea how well it'll work, but I had a Pertronix unit suddenly fail on me in the middle on nowhere. If this fails I'm going to buy an HEI unit with a tach drive, i've seen them but they're pricey.

 

As a matter of fact, I do! and If I didn't, I can't even comprehend what the Weapon systems that I design and develop with today's technology would even look like, let alone what little capability they would have. I am sure you must have had some bad experiences and I do respect your position on what's right for you, but don't sell that to those who are asking for technical guidance, because I respectfully claim you are misinformed.

Bullshark