Electronic Ignition for 66 mustang

[kngharley]

I want to convert my 200 cid mechanical point ignition to an electronic ignition. But I am not sure what I need to do this. Can anyone tell me what parts I will need to get? I am trying to get this car running for my daughter's birthday.

 

[CAMDEN289]

personally,I feel the quickest,cheapest,eastiest way would be to install a Pertronix Ignitor 1.They sell for about $65 and install into your existing distributor.I've been using them for years without incident(knocking on wood). The Ignitor 2 is more money and suppossedly better,but they have a high failure rate.

 

[CoupeBoy]

What are we working with here?

year?
make?
model?

Is the engine original or what did it come from originally (same questions as above)

Does the engine have a dual advance distributor or a Load O Matic?

I've never used a Petronix but I have set up 3 Duraspark II distributors with either a Ford Module or a GM HEI module. If you look on here you can read about how to set it up by viewing posts or looking on the fordsix or classicinlines tech pages.

-ron

 

[BENJENBROOKS]

I like the DSII ignition system, that being said, both of my mustangs have Pertronix systems installed, they haven't failed yet so I haven't replaced them.

If I had to do it, I would follow this article on Mike's website.

http://classicinlines.com/DSII_swap2.asp

Hope it helps...

 

[fordconvert]

Your 66 should be what was called a Load O Mattic. It was a fairly unique design as far as the way the advance worked. It only works with the spacial carb it was made to work with and is not very tweakable. If you plan on doing some mods and upgrades to things in the future now is the time to go to something like a DUI or DS2. If you are not into tweaking and plan to keep things fairly stock then the pertronix should be fine. From what I have read installing one of those does require you to reset the timing. I would check and see where the timing is now before you do the swap so you can put it back to the same place after the swap. I have also read that the I is the most reliable. THere are other brands out there but pertronix has been doing it the longest and is the most popular.

 

[kngharley]

The car is 100% original. It has the dual advance dist. It is a 1966 Mustang 200 CID. 42,700 miles. Purchaced from the original owner. It was a little old lady from El Segundo. Kinda wish it was from Pasadena. The problem is the car sat for a lot of years without being run.

 

[fordconvert]

Dual advance? So its a 'thermactor emission system' car. I assume that means CA emissions. Thats pretty much the 67+ dizzy with what is likely a pretty conservative (emissions friendly) curve in it.

Book says manual or AT would be a C6DF-E code dizzy.


Read up on the DS2 posts including the ones about using the DS1 '74 mav cap' which looks just like the points one then decide for yourself. Any conversion is going to add extra wires and require you to get 12V to the new system. The DS2 even with the DS1 cap is going to add a module/control box somewhere. If you are going to convert from what I have read the Pertronix I is the only way to go. Parts and rebuilds for your original dizzy dont appear to be an issue so its just a matter of what your ultimate goals are.

 

[Ba Mustang]

I use pertronix

 

[rommaster2]

now i'm not sure about the difficulty with the GM HEI module for the duraspark as i've only done the ford module but I must say it was as easy as the pertronix just more overall work. Difficulty though is the same as all the wires are color coded so you just look at the diagrams and its fairly simple .

If you don't have a loadomatic though then i'd imagine the pertronix would work just fine as long as you aren't planning on high output.

 

[ludwig]

It was a little old lady from El Segundo. Kinda wish it was from Pasadena.

Don't bother. Hers was a "brand new, shiny red, SuperStock Dodge..."

Your choices in order of expense are: 1) Pertronix I, 2) DuraSpark II, 3) DUI from Classics Inline (this site).

I have the Pertronix II with the 40k coil. It has worked without problem for 5 years or more, even after standing a long time. It is cheap, easy to install and you see an immediate difference in starting, pep and fuel economy. Guys here say that the Ptx I is more reliable. Could be.

The DSII takes a little more mechanical/electrical skill. You can buy the parts new at an auto parts store or get them salvage from the junk yard or mix and match; salvage and new.

The DUI is the most expensive but it is entirely integral. It gives you the same advantages of electronic ignition and all in a single unit. Mike, our sponsor, has had this engineered specifically for our small six engines.

I am waiting for a Pertonix failure so that I can upgrade to a DUI. Hasn't happened yet.

 

[757-A_V_8_R]

I used a duraspark distributor from '76 Granada 200, a '76 Granada 200 distributor cap (This allowed me to use my 65 style wires), 1985 Chevy Caprice 305 HEI ignition module, and TFI coil from an 85 F-150 (the e-coil has more energy than the canister style).If getting parts used there are many other models and years to source the parts. But the above mentioned models and years will get you the right parts at a store. Got all these parts new and in stock at a local auto parts store for under $100.

The wring is really not bad at all.

Here's a link to info and a wiring diagram.

http://www.carbdford.com/tech/HEI/hei.htm

 

[kngharley]

I took your advice(s). Bought the Pertronix I and the 40k coil. The car starts, runs, no problem. Two years of f...... with the carb, points bla bla bla and in ten minutes its fixed!! Thanks guys for all your help!! Craig

 

[cfmustang]

For the sake of making sure all options are listed, you forgot the Mallory Unilite. I have one and have been quite happy with it. As for price, it falls between the DuraSpark and the DUI...