Can someone explain what transistorized ignition is and how did it differ from the other ignition system options on the corvette? (LT-1 vs L46 ignition system)? Was it part marketing? Did it help provide a better spark?

 

Oldguard 7,

It was the only optional ignition system for the Corvette from '64 to '71. You either had the standard system or this optional Transistorized Ignition system known as K66. This system used a magnetic pulse distributor with a special winding coil and transistorized amplifier connected by a special wiring harness.

For more detailed information on how it works, see TI Specialties website.

 

Basically a Transistorised ignition was the next thing after Points. It comprised any form of electronic ignition. With GM it went from points, to a conversion kit in the same dizzy that was all solid state (transistors). Following that was HEI, I think.

 

Sixfooter is correct- GM went from points to the TI (only on special hi-performace) to HEI.

Back in the day, points were a bit limited in RPM, at high RPM the points would bounce and the engine would miss. Put a stronger spring on the points, and that would help, but I've seen a couple that broke the snap ring holding the breaker plate and then you got to walk. GM had a dual point system for a while too, trying to get the most out of it.

The TI was the next step of the day- magnetic impulse. That little mag pulse went to the TI amp that was basically an electronic switch that sent the pulses to the coil. Didn't really have an RPM limit and produced a fairly good hot spark. then GM went to HEI- 45,000 volt coil contained in the cap. Hook a 12v wire to it and you have a complete igintion system.

There's a lot of info out there about ignition- start getting into theory and looking at coil dwell time how magnetic fields work why coils work and on and on.

the later stuff like MSD and those guys went to capacitive discharge to get a hotter spark. It's all about spark and duration of it. All the major guys went at it a little differently, but the end result is about the same.

For a really hot spark- magneto systems have been around seemingly forever- faster it spins the more spark you get.

 

Yea, that was my memory anyways. Back in the day I had a 69 Chevelle SS. It had points. I put in a an accell eliminator system and then a dual point system and it helped with the points bounce issue. The next thing (this was 1976) was a solid state pickup, it used a hall effect transistor rig with a steel cup with slots cut in it for the trigger. That worked pretty good. The accell super coil I think claimed 50kv? Something like that. It would kick the sheite out of you if got bitten, Ouch!
Ahhh, the good old days....

 

I hooked a car that had one of those Accel Super Coils up to a Sun Tuneup Machine- had enough voltage it fired right thru the insulation of the coil pickup lead. found out when I brushed my arm against it.

 

50kV is just the insulation/dielectric rating. It has no connection with the actual energy that the coil can or will put out.