I bought a new MP electronic ignition kit for my '64 225, but it came without any data sheets. No problem hooking it up, but I'd like to know more about it.

How does this unit compare to a stock electronic ignition as far as vacuum and mechanical advance specs?

Should I change the stock points-type ignition coil to a later stock coil, like the one from my Aspen donor car?

lancer_41@excite.com

If you got a performance kit, it might have smaller springs for the centrifugal advance weights, and it will have an adjustable vacuum advance canister. Yes, the coils are different. The electronic ignition has longer dwell duration than the points system, putting more of a load on the coil. I used an aftermarket coil (Accel SS) when my stock points coil went belly up.
Eric W


My Big B
ecwfury@msn.com

Thanks for the response, Eric. Any idea what the mechanical advance numbers are on the MP kit?



lancer_41@excite.com

No idea Gary, sorry.

ecwfury@msn.com

My guess is that it is a 23º (there should be a "11.5x" stamped into it.
Best to just check the advance with a timing light to be sure.
DD

1) The MP P3690789 electronic ignition conversion package (and the MP "high performance" electronic distributor, the part number for which I cannot recall) comes with one or two VERY weak mechanical advance springs that pretty much dump all the mechanical advance in VERY early. Not so much a "curve" as a diagonal line up the graph. This does not strike me as optimal for on-road usage, driveability, economy, etc. Doug?

The vacuum advance can is adjustable by inserting a small allen wrench (hex key) into the vacuum nipple on the cannister.

There is no need to change the coil; they are not different.

--DS

redbear@vrx.net

I tend to use a two spring system where the second spring is heaver and has a loop at one end. This allows for quick off idle mechanical advance which then slows as you get into higher RPMs.

As you noted, the Mopar Perf. Dist. does get you a light spring and an adjustable vacuum pod so you have most of the stuff needed to "dial-in" a nice advance curve. (Just add a heavy spring, some "trial & error" is required)
DD