Anyone know how to convert dual points to single?

HOLLYWOODSPIDER · Post by **HOLLYWOODSPIDER** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 11:42 pm

I thought I had found an article here on how to convert my dual points distributor to single points. Anybody know how to do this? Any info would be appreciated.

Spyderbuddy · Post by **Spyderbuddy** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:23 am

why not chang to electronic you will be a happier person

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:32 pm

the easiest way is to remove the relay and jumper from the ign terminal to the terminal that feeds one set of points. There are a couple of ways to accomplish it though

jprisbe · Post by **jprisbe** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 5:05 pm

Here's some instructions.

http://www.international-auto.com/index ... =ad&aid=68

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 12:36 pm

i agree with spyderbuddy on this one. Just changed myself from dual points to electronic.

never wanna go back.

mctaco · Post by **mctaco** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 1:06 pm

mbouse wrote:i agree with spyderbuddy on this one. Just changed myself from dual points to electronic.

never wanna go back.

What electronic system did you use? A Crane X3000? Was it easy? I've been thinking about doing this.

jprisbe · Post by **jprisbe** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 4:05 pm

mcyaco,

I put a Crane XR3000 in my '76 spider and am very happy with it.

I just saw a new one on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... S%3AUS%3A1

HOLLYWOODSPIDER · Post by **HOLLYWOODSPIDER** » Sat Aug 12, 2006 11:21 pm

I changed over to single points. Now my car starts every time. It was touch and go before. Also, I just won an Ebay auction for an electronic ignition setup (dist and coil unit) from an '81 Spider, which I will not be able to install for a couple of weeks.

As for the existing distributor, I had set the point gap and timing before, but never really got good performance. I found some info on setting the dwell angle, so I decided to try it out. Man, what a difference! She purrs like a kitten now, smooth as silk at idle. Much better performance, as well. And, I was finally able to use the "combo tune-up meter" that I bought for $2 at a yard sale a few years ago.

I wonder why the Haynes manual skips over such a performance-sensitive area?

bandit · Post by **bandit** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 4:59 am

the reason your noticing a performance increase is the 1800 dizzy
has to much advance curve 19 deg at the dizzy total at crank 38
their used to be a kit u could buy to fix this but its no longer on
the market .

I would just install the electronic system you'll notice even better
start up on cold mornings .

Dan

HOLLYWOODSPIDER · Post by **HOLLYWOODSPIDER** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 6:36 pm

I upgraded to an OEM electronic ignition with vac advance from an '81 Spider 2000. Much more reliable as far as starting, and seems more responsive. The whole setup (coil, dist and pickup) was $50 with shipping, and a new vac advance cost me $40.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 6:50 pm

wow, that's a great price!

engineerted · Post by **engineerted** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:45 am

FYI, don't forget to change out your Coil. Fiats with points, either have a ballast resisor or a high ohm coil. The add resistance reduces the voltage to keep the points from buring up any faster than they already do. Go to your local performance auto parts store and pick your self up a MSD blaster 2 coil. I think they are either .4 to .7 ohm resistance coils.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 10:22 am

the other thing to be aware of with a used elec dizzy is the condition of the pickup wiring. Those two wires get very brittle from the heat, and once the vac adv is replaced those wires start flexing again when the adv comes in. Quite often the wire insulation then cracks and falls off, allowing the wires to short out

HOLLYWOODSPIDER · Post by **HOLLYWOODSPIDER** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:01 pm

I'll keep an eye on the pickup wires. They seem to be supple and in good shape. So far no problems.

As for the coil, I used the OEM coil that I bought on Ebay with the distributor, so it should alreadt have the correct resistance.

Haps93 · Post by **Haps93** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 11:47 pm

I installed a Crane XR3000 on my 78 this spring and have no problems with it, however I am keeping my points stored in my glovebox (just in case). It was realitively simple to install and I'm definitely NO mechanic

. Prior to going to electronic I was having problems with hesitating as the rpm's increased.

....Haps

78 Spider

Anyone know how to convert dual points to single?

Anyone know how to convert dual points to single?

Did the change

Do Not Forget the Coil!