Should I upgrade my '79 to electronic ignition?
08-17-08, 04:38 PM
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Should I upgrade my '79 to electronic ignition?
Hello, I have a '79 /w 13b holly intake and racing beat exhaust. Would an upgrade from a points ignition system to an electric one produce any HP or mileage gains?
Looking at mazdatrix it would cost about $450. Any thoughts?
BTW I'm getting 13-15 MPG mostly highway at 70ish.
Looking at mazdatrix it would cost about $450. Any thoughts?
BTW I'm getting 13-15 MPG mostly highway at 70ish.
08-17-08, 05:06 PM
#2
Main advantages of electronic ignition are more reliability, less maintenance, & in some cases better spark quality.
Better control of timing and more reliable spark might improve mileage somewhat, but it's hard to say how much; depends on how dialled in your current system is, I'd bet.
Better control of timing and more reliable spark might improve mileage somewhat, but it's hard to say how much; depends on how dialled in your current system is, I'd bet.
08-17-08, 07:06 PM
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"Would an upgrade from a points ignition system to an electric one produce any HP or mileage gains?"
Yes, Yes and Yes. 1980 or later distributors and control systems can be found easily.
RXDad
Yes, Yes and Yes. 1980 or later distributors and control systems can be found easily.
RXDad
08-17-08, 07:40 PM
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the points CAN work well, but they deteriorate really fast.
find a used 81-85 distributor, and do a search to find a wiring diagram (its very simple).
hotter spark, and its more consistent, it'll let you lean out the mixture, which gives you better mileage
find a used 81-85 distributor, and do a search to find a wiring diagram (its very simple).
hotter spark, and its more consistent, it'll let you lean out the mixture, which gives you better mileage
08-17-08, 09:25 PM
#5
Here is the link to show you what the procedure is.
http://www.mazspeed.com/ignitionswap.htm
It does not "ADD" HP but will probably feel like it because of a better spark.
As far as parts go check the WTB ads in the classifieds. Someone is always selling a distributor and if there are none for sale then post your own WTB thread.
It may help some with the mileage but the 13b with a Holley is not known for "Good" mileage especially if you can't keep your foot out of it. :-)
Some other things that may improve mileage.
Install an electric fan
Inflate your tires 5-8lbs higher than the listed pressures.
When you upgrade to an electronic distributor also run the 2nd gen leading coll. The procedure can be found in the archives. There are varied degrees of this system and I run just the 2nd gen leading coil with the 2nd gen leading plugs.
http://www.mazspeed.com/ignitionswap.htm
It does not "ADD" HP but will probably feel like it because of a better spark.
As far as parts go check the WTB ads in the classifieds. Someone is always selling a distributor and if there are none for sale then post your own WTB thread.
It may help some with the mileage but the 13b with a Holley is not known for "Good" mileage especially if you can't keep your foot out of it. :-)
Some other things that may improve mileage.
Install an electric fan
Inflate your tires 5-8lbs higher than the listed pressures.
When you upgrade to an electronic distributor also run the 2nd gen leading coll. The procedure can be found in the archives. There are varied degrees of this system and I run just the 2nd gen leading coil with the 2nd gen leading plugs.
Last edited by Rx-7Doctor; 08-17-08 at 09:32 PM.
08-17-08, 10:31 PM
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Would the 81-83 distributor work on his engine? He's got a 13b in it, so wouldn't he need to go with a distributor from an 84 or 85 GSL-SE? I can't say that I know a lot about converting from a 12a to a 13b, but I just wanted to raise the question in case there is a compatibility issue with trying to use a distributor from a 12a on a 13b.
08-17-08, 10:35 PM
#7
You can use any distributor from 81-85.
Would the 81-83 distributor work on his engine? He's got a 13b in it, so wouldn't he need to go with a distributor from an 84 or 85 GSL-SE? I can't say that I know a lot about converting from a 12a to a 13b, but I just wanted to raise the question in case there is a compatibility issue with trying to use a distributor from a 12a on a 13b.
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08-18-08, 11:55 AM
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Would the 81-83 distributor work on his engine? He's got a 13b in it, so wouldn't he need to go with a distributor from an 84 or 85 GSL-SE? I can't say that I know a lot about converting from a 12a to a 13b, but I just wanted to raise the question in case there is a compatibility issue with trying to use a distributor from a 12a on a 13b.
the curves are all in the FSM's, dizzy model number is stamped on it, 4 digits, like N304, N201 etc
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