Author Topic: Electronic Ignition  (Read 1415 times)

OLDNMKFR

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Electronic Ignition
« on: December 19, 2015, 12:31:07 AM »
I just rejoined the club and I don't even have another Kaiser yet but I already have a question or two. When I restored my 1966 Chrysler, I was advised to convert  it from old style points used in 1966 to a modern electronic ignition because it is a high performance 440 engine and it does start, perform, and run  much better than the original factory points setup did.
A few years ago I saw an ad in a KF monthly bulletin for a converted Kaiser electronic distributor but it had already been sold. Since Delco-Remy made the distributor, has anyone tried using a modern conversion kit using the mounting plate and magnetic pickup for a Chevy 232 six cylinder? For the Chrysler they make  new complete distributors for such a conversion but I doubt that anyone makes one for Kaiser.
I already have a new converted 12 volt starter for a Kaiser hydramatic that I bought back in 2012.   I converted my Kaiser Darrin to 12 volts back in the 1980's and was more than satisfied with the results.
Has anyone here done an electronic conversion or know a member who has? Thanks!

Current Family:
2017 Toyota IM
2003 Toyota Corolla
1997 Buck Skylark Custom
1966 Chrysler 300 Convertible (440 TNT)
Former Family:
1954 Kaiser Manhattan
1954 Kaiser Darrin #137
1948 Kaiser
1951 Kaiser 4 dr w/overdrive

Barnum

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Re: Electronic Ignition
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2015, 08:15:07 AM »
This seems to be what you are looking for. http://www.kaiserwillys.com/product/2372/willys-jeep-electrical-distributors-parts-accessories. It is for the 226
1968 Buick Skylark Convertible
1954 Aero Eagle
Taylor Brugman

MilesP

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Re: Electronic Ignition
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2015, 09:04:59 AM »
When I had my mother rebuilt a couple of years ago my mechanic installed an electronic unit and  new coil for my 6 volt system and it works great no points to fiddle with. he was a tractor mechanic so had 6 volt systems available

kenneth

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Re: Electronic Ignition
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2015, 11:49:22 AM »
Pertronix makes electronic ignition for Delco distributors.

joefrazer

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Re: Electronic Ignition
« Reply #4 on: December 19, 2015, 03:47:45 PM »
A fellow KF member installed electronic ignition in his 49 Frazer...it lasted about 30 miles and we got so aggravated with the poor performance that we did a roadside swap back to the original distributor and had no further problems. Looking back, I suspect the distributor he used for the electronic components was no good...I think it had a worn shaft which allowed it to wobble in the housing which caused the erratic behavior. The moral of the story - make sure you start with good components!

OLDNMKFR

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Re: Electronic Ignition
« Reply #5 on: December 19, 2015, 05:29:00 PM »
Thanks for the replies. Over the years, has anyone made any  new distributor bases? The old ones used to break the mounting tab off easily and early Quarterlies had lots of articles on how to fix the broken tabs. An aluminum billet repro might have solved the problem with all the new computer drawing programs.Are any of the Willy's 226 ones still available?
Current Family:
2017 Toyota IM
2003 Toyota Corolla
1997 Buck Skylark Custom
1966 Chrysler 300 Convertible (440 TNT)
Former Family:
1954 Kaiser Manhattan
1954 Kaiser Darrin #137
1948 Kaiser
1951 Kaiser 4 dr w/overdrive