Hi everyone, after looking at the existing threads on the subject, I still have a couple of questions.
Among the cheaper alternatives (Accuspark/Powerspark/...), is there a best alternative ? I'm worried by reports of trigger rings that wobble or don't fit snugly on some versions of this system.
My other question is why does the same type of system (DynaIII) I fitted to my MotoGuzzi twin require a "black box", while these don't (both conserve the mechanical advance) ? I'd be grateful if someone took the time to educate me. This is for a '71 Giardiniera.
Thank you !

There are two types of electronic ignition.The basic just gets rid of the points and condensors which are the main causes of failure. The other does away with the coil and also a more advanced that uses a signal generated by a sender which takes it from the flywheel etc.I would suggest you use a Powerspark or similar and use their uprated coil. Mine has been fautless since fitting.

Thanks Phoenix1, Accuspark is more easily available for me through FD Ricambi, but also seems to attract more flak on the forum for ill-fitting trigger rings. I'm trying to weigh my options...

I have Powerspark and I'm happy with it. Sure makes a difference.

I have the "AccuSpark" system on my engine, and have had no problems with it over a couple of years usage. Middle Barton Garage are the UK agents for the "Petronix" system (which I am led to believe they helped to develop). The company has a very good reputation over in the States, so there is no reason to believe that their system is not a good one.

Thanks gordinir & phoenix, it seems to be even-steven between the different kits, I will go for the Powerspark as it's the best-priced and their litt. says it will be compatible with my original 3.2 ohm coil.
I can then remove the spare points & condenser dangling from my rearview mirror ! Or keep it as a first-aid kit, I read somewhere that in case of a nuclear blast only points ignitions will survive the electromagnetic pulse...

The "Powerspark" sounds really good value and in my experience the company supplying it is excellent for service and information:

http://www.simonbbc.com/fiat

I am a hypocritical Luddite. Luddite as I like the points system because from experience I know that it works well and the "regular" servicing required, which is always quoted as one of the "down-sides", is almost irrelevant given the low mileage of the average user of a Fiat 500.
I'm a hypocrite because I do have a 123 distributor which I am using at the moment. But this is relevant to what I think may be the weak point of any distributor modification kit. The distributor itself and its centrifugal advance system in particular are subject to wear. That wear will cause an upset in the accuracy in timing and the efficiency of the sparking. The main reason I bought the 123 was because it is a brand new distributor from which most of the mechanical parts have been eliminated. Having said that, even then it's not electronic ignition in the modern sense and there are still wearable parts the rotor-arm and distributor-cap are retained and obviously there is a shaft rotating in bearings at high speed.

I used to be a Luddite about points too, but then I had to re-examine this when my only hope to demonstrate the superiority of my thinking was nuclear war (see above). The turning point was converting my high-annual-mileage '79 Moto Guzzi and never taking the cover off again from the Marelli twin-point "igniter". True, the centrifugal advance is still there, but its failure is an easy diagnostic when the rest is eliminated, especially the fickle condensers. And the shaft bearings run at half-speed so I only half-worry about them.

giardini said:

and the shaft bearings run at half-speed so i only half-worry about them.

Click to expand...

:d:d:d

Hi Giardini

I agree with Peter the 123 ignition is the best, but no experience of the others! My 500 L from 1972 had lots of initial problems with ignition failing. Even thought I was the problem so got the local Mechanic to set it up and replace parts several times in only short distances had to be towed home. Replacing points Condensers, coils frequently it really affected my love for the car.

123 ignition changed that.

9 years ago I bought the 123 ignition and double Coil and have never looked back. I still have all the original parts should heaven forbid I need to sell Betsie. Just piece of mind you jump in bit of Choke starts first pull every time even after 5 months sat doing nothing.

Its also so easy to set up. Ok not purist but it certainly works.

I used Fiat Ricambi in Holland not too far from you I believe.

Really changed my 500 experience still smiling after todays ride out top down.

Good luck

Cheers Gus

Thanks Gus, I'm sure 123 is the ultimate, I worked in a garage and we fitted them to everything from Silver Cloud to Traction.
However I want to keep the 500 a cheap thrill, I have other expensive habits (NOT cocaïne) to finance ! Just replacing points & condenser will do for me.

Keep on trucking

If you are going to retain points+condenser may I suggest that, due to the rubbish quality of most modern condensers, you use the "Competition Condenser" marketed by 'SWIFTUNE'. I have mentioned these before--they are made for competition cars that, due to the regulations, have to retain their original ignition systems---even GT40s!---they are well worth the extra cost; I used 1 and had absolutely no problems with it--ever,

the hobbler said:

If you are going to retain points+condenser

Click to expand...

Actually I want to get rid of them, but thanks for the tip about a reliable condenser, it might come in handy on other projects.

[RANT ALERT]

I've received my Accuspark ignition kit, of course the wires are 30 cm too short to reach the coil, but thoughtfully fitted with crummy crimped terminals. Why oh why don't they stick their "ready to use" terminals where the sun don't shine and give us a foot of extra wire instead ? :bang:

[END RANT]

giardini said:

[RANT ALERT]

I've received my Accuspark ignition kit, of course the wires are 30 cm too short to reach the coil, but thoughtfully fitted with crummy crimped terminals. Why oh why don't they stick their "ready to use" terminals where the sun don't shine and give us a foot of extra wire instead ? :bang:

[END RANT]

Click to expand...

I know exactly what you mean, I just about got away with it by making a special bracket for the coil AhhhhAhhhhAhhhh