Retro-fitting a modern electronic ignition into a 1962 4-cyl

[Larry_Rarus]

Does anyone have any experience with replacing the old points type distributor in a 61-63 Tempest 4-cyl with a breakerless type?

[Larry_Rarus]

The V8 hardware won't work. Although the dimensions are the same, the geometry is all wrong. The crank throws on a 4 cylinder engine (180 degrees) are at different degrees than a V8 (90 degrees). The same goes for the camshaft. There is a much, much simpler way to do this and I'm well on my way. I bought a Pertronix Ignitor II kit. It's a bolt-in swap. It fits under the stock distributor cap and needs no external hardware support other than a good coil and a 12V feed. The kit cost $73.

http://www.pertronix.com/ignition_products/ignitor_2.htm

[Larry_Rarus]

Well the Pertronix Ignitor II electronic ignition is in my 1-bbl 195 3-speed Le Mans. I was simply astounded as to how easy it was to install. I kept thinking there must be more to it, but there wasn't. Pop, the cap, remove the rotor and old breaker plate with points/condenser still installed. Install the new plate with the ground wire. Slip the electronic module over the posts, ensure there is a slight gap between the module and the pickup, and run the two wires to the coil. There are only two things to watch out for. The first is that the plus side of the coil must have full voltage (not passed through an external resistance wire). The second is that the distributor cap itself must be filed ( 1/4" x 3/16" slot) to allow for the two leads to escape the cap. The little Trophy-4 fired right up and purred like a kitten. I got the kit from Eastwood for a little over seventy bucks. If it's time for you to tune-up your engine then you should certainly consider this option.