| Author | Message | ||
| Jonathan (Birdman)
Junior Member Username: Birdman Post Number: 187 Registered: 6-2003 |
Yeah, my stock ignition and ANSA exhaust pops a bit on downshifts too. I have always wondered why it does that and I even had the car tuned to try to eliminate it. (didn't work) Then I discovered that most carbed 308's do this. What's up with that? Currently, my stock system is working OK, but when it comes time to work on the ignition, I want to go electronic and I'm torn between a Millermon using a distributor or going totally electronic. Jonathan | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 621 Registered: 10-2002 |
I get flame on a 3rd to 2nd heel/toe downshift at the track--with stock ignition, but with an ANSA... I'm thinking this is more of a function of the exhaust than the ignition? | ||
| Philip Airey (Pma1010)
Member Username: Pma1010 Post Number: 499 Registered: 7-2002 |
Jonathan I get losts of flames on mine (HPX, Tubi) on downshifting at the track. | ||
| Jonathan (Birdman)
Junior Member Username: Birdman Post Number: 185 Registered: 6-2003 |
Mike, It only has 4 coils. Each one fires 2 cylinders at once, which is why it fires on the exhaust stroke of one cylinder while it is at the same time firing the power stroke on the other cylinder. This is touted as a "benefit" though I doubt it has any benefits. It certainly doesn't hurt anything though. Simple lawn mower ignitions based on a magneto work the same way. (The spark plug fires once every time the magnet passes the coil, which is once per revolution of the crankshaft, so the spark plug fires on the exhaust stroke as well as the power stroke). It's easier to just let it happen than try to come up with a way to prevent it because it doesn't hurt anthing. What I like about the HPX over the Crane and others is that it completely eliminates what I feel is the weakest link...the distributors and mechanical advance, not just the points. Cavallo, thanks for the comments! Sounds like it works great. I'm not sure I buy that stuff about scavaging the exhaust better because if it's actually burning leftover fuel during the exhaust stroke, it's doing it when the exhaust valves are open. I would imagine flames coming out the exhaust if this were the case! Jonathan | ||
| john asselta (Cavallo_nero)
New member Username: Cavallo_nero Post Number: 11 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ever since i installed the electromotive unit on my 308, i have been very pleased. there IS a performance gain that no other ignition boasts, and that is that the electromotive unit is so efficient that it fires on the EXHAUST stroke also - providing for much better exhaust scavenging - equating to more power because of the efficiency of the total burn. john 78 308 GTS euro.... | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 618 Registered: 10-2002 |
Tazio, looks do count for something, very true. That said, my priority is to have the healthiest, best running engine I possibly can... If I have to look at purple when I open the hood to have that, then I'll probably settle  . | ||
| Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Member Username: Nuvolari Post Number: 347 Registered: 9-2002 |
I have little doubt that the Electromotive is the best of the ignition choices out there. On a personal note, I do not like the underhood look of the system. These are old cars and the flashy purple annodized coil packs just don't look the part. I mean guys....we don't own these cars because they are the best value or performers; looks have to count for something. | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 617 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jonathan, That is the ignition that I'm considering moving to this winter... Many use it. My research on this has led me to think of it as the Valentine 1 radar detector... It's the most expensive, but it is the best. Not necessarily the best value given all the ele, but it is the best ignition. I think there's a single coil for each cylinder, though, so that would be 8 for this ignition (not 4). As Verell points out earlier in this thread, ignition options were also discussed in this thread: http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/112/328701.html?1066997312 Towards the end ("top" of the thread), there was a lot of commentary about this very ignition. Search the archives for "Electromotive" and you'll find a significant amount of information as well. Nick Forza, who sells the complete kit, has been a long-time sponsor of FerrariChat. --Mike | ||
| Jonathan (Birdman)
Junior Member Username: Birdman Post Number: 180 Registered: 6-2003 |
Has anyone tried the HPX distributorless electronic system with the 4 coils that fires using a sensor on the crank pulley? Nick Forza advertises it: http://www.nicksforzaferrari.com/forzaferrariwebsite1008.htm Jonathan | ||
| Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Member Username: Nuvolari Post Number: 341 Registered: 9-2002 |
Actually Verell what I intended was for F-chat members to show their GTB's. Not only carb cars but 2 and 4 valve injected cars too. I am not interested in tech tips for the cars either in that thread, merely a resource of who has what on F-chat. The GTB register is a great resource and I use it often too. | ||
| Verell Boaen (Verell)
Intermediate Member Username: Verell Post Number: 1322 Registered: 5-2001 |
Tazio, re:"I want this to be THE post for the GTB!!!!" I believe you're a few years too late. The 308 GTB Register is well established & has excellent tech tips as well as very detailed info about the Carb'd 308s. It's TechTips apply to almost any 308 of course. Maybe 'THE FChat thread for the GTB' tho. | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 659 Registered: 2-2003 |
Contact Ben directly: [email protected] best rt | ||
| amsden (Andy308)
New member Username: Andy308 Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2003 |
You Guys Rock!!! Thanks so much, just got back from being stuck in San Diego fires... with my son, we flew out to see the Dolphin's!! So where can i get one of these? GT Car Parts don't have them.. The Ben Millermon Single Distributor Conversion Tampa resident Ben Millermon has pioneered a custom single distributor using a standard Mallory optical trigger with readily available caps and rotors (Search archives for details) There are many of these on 2v cars replacing the dual distributors and owners say they work quite well. These clamp on where the cap was and use the stock rotor drive post. Development problems centered around driving the tach, but he has a custom tach driver now. Cost around $500 without an MSD. thanks!! andy | ||
| Chris Shenberger (Shenbec)
New member Username: Shenbec Post Number: 29 Registered: 4-2002 |
Hi all, I am lucky enough to have an 80 euro gtb with the single distributor. The funny part is I did not even now it had electronic pickups. Last year I bought new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and points. Imagine my surprise as I was trying to find the points. From what Ric R. has told me the 79 and 80s had the electronic ignition. It isn't every day that you find out that your distributor is worth 3 grand. I don't get it. Electronic ignition, lighter bumpers, 16" wheels, and dry sump lubrication, why are these grey market cars worth less. | ||
| Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Member Username: Nuvolari Post Number: 337 Registered: 9-2002 |
The specific year for the electronic distributors I am not sure of. What I do know is that they have a different advance curve that makes more power and works with the euro 'hotter' cams that came on the early GTB's and GT4's. Also there are a lot of GTB owners here that have not replied to my GTB post. If you have a GTB here is the link and take a moment to give details on your car. http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/21/340255.html?1067350484 I want this to be THE post for the GTB!!!! | ||
| Dave (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 640 Registered: 4-2001 |
Tazio, my understanding was that unit came into play in 1980 carb euro cars. Not 70's. But I was wrong about my first wife, so I could be here as well. | ||
| Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Member Username: Nuvolari Post Number: 336 Registered: 9-2002 |
I too replaced my dual points distributors for a Euro single electronic. The difference is amazing and the look is 100% stock. Below is a pic of my install. As for the price, I got stupidly lucky and found one brand new for next to nothing. I hear that an electronic single distributor is north of $3000. That is HUGE money for a distributor.   | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 655 Registered: 2-2003 |
Actually, the late Euro single distributor 308s had a magnetic Hall effect pick up 'electronic' ignition... These distributors are rare and highly sought after, and are available from Dennis McCann and others - but they are quite dear. best rt | ||
| Dave (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 639 Registered: 4-2001 |
Mick, I hate to disagree but... The 308 did not come with an electronic Ignition as an option in the 70's. | ||
| Mick Andriesse (8valve)
New member Username: 8valve Post Number: 20 Registered: 9-2003 |
Andy, electronic ignition was an option in the 70`s for the 308. I am not sure if it was available to all countries back then, but I have a Euro 308GTB from 1977, with a Ferrari original single distributor electronic ignition.(i.e.no breaker-points, but electronic pickup coils). PLease inform with Maranello Concessionaires in the UK about availability.Or register with www.owners.ferrari.com and check out the spares section of their website(you will have to download ISOVIEW first, but it is an automatic popup)To see the parts numbers for the Electronic setup, make sure you click on the Euro 308GTB, 1977-1980. Good luck, Mick | ||
| Steve (Steve)
Member Username: Steve Post Number: 471 Registered: 2-2001 |
Andy I did my 77 a few years ago and went with a Pertronix's set up. Converted 1 dist. and it looks all orig. except no points. Works great. | ||
| C.C.ofAtlanta (Atlantaman)
Member Username: Atlantaman Post Number: 280 Registered: 3-2002 |
Andy, I just changed my system over to an electromotive unit--works awesome!!! and the best thing--NO MORE $$$$$ on distributer caps and wires | ||
| Dave (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 638 Registered: 4-2001 |
If you ever want to show you car, or are concerned with originality then by all means keep it original. But, If you are looking to improve the ignition system, smoother running over time... no point drift, using your choice of plug wires, better over all daily driver, Going to an electronic ignition system is one of the best mods you could make to the car. My 77 is the Norwood conversion in the pic. While I was after a hint of the original look in doing the conversion, as in a single dizzy euro model, if I had it to do over again, which I way in the future, I would have probably gone with the electromotive style system, as it does away with the cost of the cap and rotor all together. Saving even more money in the long run. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1750 Registered: 4-2002 |
My car has had for many, many years a Crane/Alyson XR700, optical pickups, with stock coils. Seems to work fine. If you are getting fireworks from your plug wires, time to replace them! | ||
| Verell Boaen (Verell)
Intermediate Member Username: Verell Post Number: 1307 Registered: 5-2001 |
Andy, Take a look at this thread: /b{308/328 distributor replacement and upgrade options} http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/112/328701.html?1066997312 It's got a pretty good overview of the options & some pointers to suppliers. Next would be to search the 'Technical Q&A Archives' for options you're particularly interested in. (Note that in the search tompics pull down menu there are entries for both the current & most recently active topics (Technical Q&A). And the longer-term archives (Technical Q&A Archives). As a newcommer, you might want to take a look at the list of links to several of the more useful on-line resources: http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/112/337274.html?1067000321 It's fairly far down the thread. | ||
| Andy Falsetta (Tuttebenne)
Member Username: Tuttebenne Post Number: 328 Registered: 3-2003 |
Andy, Welcome to Ferrari Chat from another '77 308 GTB owner! I've got s/n 23153. What number is yours? When I got my car I noticed a high rpm missfire. After going through the ignition the problem was eliminated. The only time it comes back is if I load up the spark plugs by doing a lot of low rpm driving. I replaced the caps and rotors to be safe (they were a lot cheaper 17 years ago) as well as the points condensers and wires. The wires were aftermarket 8mm high performance wires and they fit into the looms and caps with a little patience. I eliminated the idle switch and the corresponding set of points too. Finally, I replaced the stock Marelli coils with MSD Blaster coils. This was 17 years ago and other than a few sets of plugs, I haven't had need to look at the ignition since then. Best wishes on ownership and on resolving your problem. Another Andy | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 2127 Registered: 5-2001 |
there was a recent thread that listed all the potential options you could go with, check the archives... If you intend to drive the car, rather than "show" it, by all means, switch it. BTW, welcome Andy! Dave | ||
| amsden (Andy308)
New member Username: Andy308 Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2003 |
Greetings... Anyone know where I could purchase a good Electronic Ignition Kit for a 77 308gtb? Any thoughts on keeping the original versus going this way?? Also has anyone ever had arcs occuring from their Spark Plug wire harness? Thanks! Andy |