Swap distributors - points to electronic?

Dec 09, 2004 10 Replies

Is it possible, feasible to upgrade from points to electronic timing simply by swapping distributors? From slightly newer Nissan Micra automatic engine to automatic older model - '88? Problems? Straightforward? Thanks for any feedback.


Hi Paddy

No its not, electronic distributors need some additional electronics.

Is this model specific ? Cos I just changed from points to an electronic Bosch dizzy and all I needed was the dizzy, a coil and a length of wire. Admittedly this was on a stone age Ford :)

In message , Steve Sweet writes

And these additional electronics are ................?

Also sprach "Steve Sweet" :-

Though this is sometimes bolted to the outside of the distributor - or even internal.

Depends on the type. Some are totally self contained requiring only the addition of a 12 volt feed. And possibly changing the coil.

Hi there

It can be, some cars were a simple upgrade, not necessarily so anymore.

Hi Paddy

An amplifier, usually an inductive discharge system and something to modify timing, that may be mechanical, may be electro mechanical.

Hi Dave

There ya go, additional electronics.

I'd say electrics, but then I'm a stroppy bastard.

True ;-)

When I built the MkII Escort based kit car 15 years ago I replaced the 'electrics' (points, condenser, coil) with some 'electronics' opto chopper and Luminition amp (as the opto sensor wouldn't drive the coil directly though I'm sure there are some that can / could).

I've just pulled the similar OEM system out of the Sierra re Bosch dizzy and external electronic amplifier (the two are joined together using 'electrics' though Dave) ;-)

Mind you I believe both the above are analogue, whereas I assume all the EMU based stuff are 'One's" and "Zero's" ?

All the best ..

T i m (computer / electronics / electrical engineer) ;-)

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