1976 308 GT4 electronic ignition - what's your view ?

Hi guys,

I have installed Nick XDi in my 308 GTS, happy with the result. Now I am restoring my 1976 GT4, I have bought another set of XDi . The Gt4 starts well and run well with point but I definitely want to change to an electronic ignition. , But On the other hand I want to keep this GT4 look as stock condition as possible. I am now wondering shall I just change to Petronix and maintain the twin coil and twin distributors look ? Or go for Xdi ?
What would you do ?

Option 1). Keep the original look and install Petronix ( but I m not sure about how it performs in a Gt4) .

Option 2) change to XDi, keep the original coil and distributors for future use if I want to convert back to stock look . ( I have tested Xdi on my 78 GTS, it performs well, but it does kill the original look )

 

Why not rebuild the Marrelli units? I kept both in my '77 GTB resto and I've been happy with their performance. I had the XDI unit ready to install and decided against it because the car was running so nicely with the original distributors.

 

People are going to huge effort to remove old modifications in order to put their cars back to original. So why would you modify your classic gt4 now? Original is original. Besides, why fix what ain't broke?

 

I total understand the desire to replace the Victorian ignition system but the market place rewards originality and the market place is getting stronger. If it is an otherwise nice original car I would leave it that way.

 

Please, get a grip, it is a $40,000.00 dollar car not a $400,000.00 car. If the modifications make the car more useable and drivable and can be mechanically reversed (how many non-red and tan cars are red and tan) do it! I have been to three FCA event over the last two years and including mine, have seen two running gt4s. I've seen more real Daytona Spiders, F40s and 212s... KEEP the original parts with the car when/if you sell it...
I was considering returning my car to the original white but after seeing the 250 California at Fantasy Junction (that had been modified and painted a different color in period) I have decided to buff, polish and touch-up the paint that was applied to my Dino back in 1980, address a few minor issues and enjoy a car that has a Pertronix ignition system, no pollution equipment and soon to be fitted with a RetroAir A/C kit designed for 308s. By the way, all of the equipment removed from the car is stored in boxes on shelves and should I decide to part with the gt4 (offers?) will go with it. Really though, I prefer to think of it as Jim Glickhouse said when he commented that all of his car are worth nothing because he doesn't plan on selling any of them.

 

Mine came with an electronic ignition. While I don't know that I'd do the mod I'm glad it's there.

If and when I return the car to completely original spec it will go, until then I'll enjoy its benefits.

 

I have a single distributor model and have a Pertronix unit fitted inside this and it all looks very standard, the benefits of the unit is far better than points. One upgrade worth doing. Too many people are getting hung up on originality, a subtle upgrade like this enhances the driving reliability. Check out what the classic Aston owners do like electric power steering and ignition, doesn't effect DB4-6 prices

 

I couldn't agree more with everything you said. I kept my Marrellis because after having them rebuilt, they work beautifully. I did change out the bumpers on my car and went to 16" wheels, and a race proven radiator, and got rid of the pollution hardware. I'm totally into making the car fun to drive.

 

You don't need to do anything visible.

Get Eric's Sanders (FerrariFxr here on F-Cat) drop-in unit. It keeps it stock and basically just changes the rotor, using the existing cam. It slips right on the cam and replaces the existing rotor and points.

It's tested, it works and it's a very quick modification. It's the least intrusive mod you can make and it works as well as any of the others

Eric is one of the most (if not "the most") knowledgable GT4 mechanics around. His daily driver,(when not in the Vette) is a 'black '75 GT4. He also builds (and sells) his own distributor timing machines. He is extremely knowledgable when it comes to ignitions - both for V12's and V8's.

If you want another ref. for Eric, ask Anthony Rimicci (italcarguy) who also has a GT4. I saw one of his units at Anthony's dad's shop (Santo's), just two weeks ago.

 

Thanks Dave, that's a great tip!

 

It's easy to slip a Pertronix in one dizzy, have that mechanical advance set by a performance shop. You can also use the existing ground wires to run the coils. And if you have the time and patience, you can make it look like you are still running points including all the external capacitors and wiring.

 

I suppose it all depends on how you plan to use the car. The points work fine but require more maintenance. The Xdi as you know works flawlessly and requires no maintenance. Another nice feature on the Xdi is the rev limiter.

In any event, keep all the original parts for the future as you already have heard and know.

Points are kind of fun but to really keep the car running in top shape do require frequent attention.