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Henry D. Chin (Hanknum)
New member
Username: Hanknum

Post Number: 50
Registered: 2-2002
Posted on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 7:46 pm:   

I agree with most here. I have a '78 308 and the HPV-1 was the first mod I did. I was having a serious misfire (melted one of my cats) and it was cheaper to change over than replace all the points, condensers, caps & rotors. Definite upgrade from the points & condenser ignitions. As for the later model electronic systems, it's questionable. Hope this helps.

Henry
Mark Eberhardt (Me_k)
Junior Member
Username: Me_k

Post Number: 244
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 7:50 pm:   

I changed to direct fire on my car when I added the blower just because the computer I bought to run the EFI could and I was upping the voltage and worried and old caps. The 4 coils were cheaper then caps. The stock ignition advance curves on US models and a little funney for emissions, but seem to work ok. If I were only doing 1 mod, the ignition would not be it. Also, Nick sells bolton kits, the link posted is for parts that may or may not include everything you need, the computer will not be configured to run the tach right, and you will need to make a mount for the trigger at the very least.

If you want 50% more power I will be listing my old supercharger for sale soon. That will give you a noticable improvement.
david handa (Davehanda)
Member
Username: Davehanda

Post Number: 361
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 6:58 pm:   

Tommy,
I'm not sure, and I'm hardly an expert on the subject. If I had an early 308 with a points type ignition, then absolutely, I would consider the Electromotive system. But on a later electronic ignition system, it becomes much more gray. Yes, there are cost savings, long term, but you are venturing into something that is more of an unknown, where as the factory system is known to be pretty reliable. For me, if my caps and rotors were toast, I would just get new ones and drive on...If my ignition system was failing, or my distributors needed rebuilding, then perhaps I would be on the phone with Nick... :-)
Tommy Anastasiou (Tommya)
New member
Username: Tommya

Post Number: 22
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 4:28 pm:   

Stu, David,
If you were in need to replace the 2 cups and rotors don't you think that replacing the ignition would be the right choice ??
stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member
Username: Balataboy

Post Number: 335
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 3:14 pm:   

Omar,
I've mentioned here before that I switched over to the electromotive system on my '85 QV and if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't spend the money. For me, I don't notice much of a difference at all in HP (and that's after adding a Tubi as well). I also am experiencing some starting issues I didn't before, and I think it actually runs a bit hotter than it used to.

I did, however, very much appreciate Nick's guidance, as he was very helpful when I was making the modification. I would suggest that if you go for it, be sure and give him a call!!

Good luck.
david handa (Davehanda)
Member
Username: Davehanda

Post Number: 355
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 1:57 pm:   

Jeff,
Thanks for the endorsement. I agree that the Electromotive system sold by Nick would be a mandatory addition when extensively modifying the car (the broad customization of ignition timing is very useful), but in Omar's case he is asking if this will add hp and reliability to (I assume) an otherwise unmodified car. In this case, I think it is a waste of dollars. In fact, I think pretty much all the "bolt on" mods most of us do are a waste of money for the hp they add, but that isn't stopping me from getting a Tubi anyway! :-)
Jeff Edison (Euro308guy)
Junior Member
Username: Euro308guy

Post Number: 74
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 8:11 am:   

Omar,
I have a lot of resect for Daves' opinion, but on this point I partially disagree. The electromotive crank fired system has an excellent reputation. Some of the most respected Ferrari tuners use it; to include Nick Scianna. Nick swears by this system, and to me, he is VERY knowledgeable. Norwood Autocraft also uses direct coil to plug ignition systems. My 308 has the factory ignition setup and has run reliably for the duration of my ownership, but, if I had a single hicup, I'd switch to the electromotive system you've pointed out.
All this being said, will you see a noticable power gain? Well, most likely not; however, if you want power and are willing to modify the car, (ie add Nitros Oxide, or turbo/supercharge the engine), I'd definaitely add this as part of the package. Until you've driven a turbocharged Ferrari, it is hard to really see your motors' output potential. Take a trip to Norwood. You'll be glad you did.
david handa (Davehanda)
Member
Username: Davehanda

Post Number: 348
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 1:14 am:   

Omar,
On a properly running 328, this is probably going to do nothing. That is, on a dyno, there is likely to be no measurable difference in hp. Reliability is debatable, but the factory system is relatively reliable...I think you are new to Ferrari ownership. To be honest, there are few cost effective upgrades on most Ferraris, short of just upgrading to a newer model....Most folks like to add a Tubi and K&N air filter, as it sounds cool, and (may) add a couple hp. Just my humble opinion.....
Omar (O. H. B.) (Auraraptor)
Junior Member
Username: Auraraptor

Post Number: 80
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Wednesday, December 25, 2002 - 11:31 pm:   

I know, but its a low priced upgrade. Will I see any real hp increases? Will reliablity go up or down?

http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/electro1.htm

Thanks for your inputs. Special thanks to Allan who informed me of this system.

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