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Classic/Antique Car Repair/solid state ignition vs .oem points

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Expert: - 2/19/2010


Question
I have a 57 t-bird and I'm thinking of changing to electronic

ignition, I have a 245 hp 312, how much more horse power will it

give me? I'm hoping for better gas mileage. I had to chuckle at

your story about Vauhgn Monroes t-bird. I'm sure you wanted to

die.

Tony Myers

Rathdrum, Id.

Answer
You are so right about Mr. M's T Bird incident but the upshot of the story is that he hosted my wife and I to a Saturday evening of diner, dancing, and show at his night club, The Meadows, in Framingham Mass. It seams that he hated the two seat bird and moved up to a square bird. Well, now to your bird. Unless you are going to race your car there is no reason to install the aftermarket electronic ignition other than to eliminate point replacement. The only improvement in power and fuel economy would be seen at higher RPM. The electronic ignition will increase the coil saturation at higher RPM and increase the potential coil output. At normal driving speeds the point ignition will give more coil saturation than you will ever use.
Good Luck
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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