Would upgrading to a electronic ignition devalue a '79?

 

No - it's reversible. I'd use a later model harness and keep the original.

 

I don't think it would de value a car, unless it was done hap-hazardly, to where it was a problem or unreliable. To me, it's kind of like converting older 6 volt system vehicles to 12 volt.

 

I don't thin it would at all. As stated above, if its done correctly, it will be a more reliable ignition system and easier to service. Much like the original SA exhaust. The exhaust is no longer available and the accepted exhaust is a full Racing Beat exhaust. Its done right at that point and sounds great and the restoration circle guys embrace it. I would say the same applies to the electronic ignition system conversion as well.

 

As long as you keep the original bits and its reversible, no harm done and it improves the usability of the car.

 

Cool, I already have the harness and coils in a box. Just wasn't sure if I should do this.

 

Look into direct fire too. If you are willing to go this far, maybe you will go a little further and improve the car even more.

 

it makes the car drive so much better, its 100% worth doing.

in like 2005 i bought a nice 90k mile 79, and among other things, i rebuilt the distributor (cap, rotor, new breaker plate, points, condensers, etc), mainly just to do it. car ran ok for me. this one was the first rx7 i have ever needed a tow home with (rotary since 1994!), it turned out that the wire for the points broke, simple, the hard part was that the insulation was fine!

anyways, i sold the car (to NODE), and the point only lasted another 1,000 miles or something, and he put another set in, and same same.

he then upgraded to the electronic ignition, and it basically fixed everything with the car, it ran like a Seiko!

so ditch the points, its kind of neat, but they suck.