Alternatives to original ignition system.

Post Reply
walderse
Posts: 164
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:34 am

Alternatives to original ignition system.

Post by walderse »

Hello to all.
To be honest, I debated to as to where to put this post and figured "Electrical" was as good as any. The original Bosch distributors are quite functional and easy to work on. The easiest and most cost effective enhancement is the Pertronix ignition currently marked by Scott Ingham of Expediton Imports.

http://www.expedition-imports.com/c=PAk ... +Pertronix

Lke the Pertronix upgrade for the Unimog 404 trucks, this can bring new life into an aging system. The price is quite reasonalbe and installation is very easy. If, however, you are dealing with a completely warn orginal distributor or if you are searching for a completley new option, prototyping has been taking place with Power Arc. The plan is to offer a complete new distributor although the conversion will require mounting the original distributor's drive gear on the shaft fo the new unit. The company will use their air cooled VW distributor body as the base of their offering.

http://www.powerarc.com/ids/vp2.htm

I believe Power Arc will be using Raceway Services in Salem, Oregon as their initial distributor of these units but one would have to contact Jim Pettiti at Raceway for the details. Their website is:

http://www.racewayservicespaa.com/index.html

Specific references to a Haflinger unit will not be found on the webiste as this is all very new. Don't be surprizsed if you find an entire family of performance/functional enhancement items and services for Haflingers coming out of this organization in the near future.

Take care....one and all.

Jim Molloy
Waldersee Farm
http://www.northwestmogfest.com
User avatar
AustHaflinger
Posts: 2465
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:27 am
Location: Canberra Australia

Re: Alternatives to original ignition system.

Post by AustHaflinger »

My Haflinger has one of these fitted http://www.123ignition.com.au/images/do ... manual.pdf (there is an english section). Has 16 selectable pre programmed advanced curves and spark is provided by a coil pack rather than a traditional coil.

Seems to work very well.

Garry
Haflinger 700AP (73)
Range Rover Sport TDV6 (07)
Landrover FC 101 (77)
Landrover Series 1 SWB Station Wagon (57)
Landrover Series 1 SWB (57)
Jaguar E-type Roadster V12 (71)
Jaguar XJ12C (76)
User avatar
heinkeljb
Posts: 2753
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 12:49 pm
Location: Lewes, East Sussex - UK

Re: Alternatives to original ignition system.

Post by heinkeljb »

I am going to have to run the original distributor and points system for a while once I get my Haflinger roadworthy (Weather has been against me). However, I think I might look into electronic ignition of one sort or another later in the year.
There are advantages with the original system in that you are more likely to be able to fix a problem related to distributor / points at the side of the road than with an electronic system.

I grant you that you are less likely to suffer problems with electronic ignition, but if and when they happen. You are stuck! Replacement being probable. - Get them wet and replacement the only option.

Maybe the best compromise is an electronic assisted version. If the electronics go wrong, you can revert to the original system and have another go at making it work.

It probably doesn't make much difference to the majority of owners as if their vehicles break down, they either have their own "haflinger" transport (Trailer / van, etc) or they call out a breakdown service!

For those owner that end up in the middle of nowhere with no back up service, points can be bodged (usually), electronics can not.

Just my thoughts.

John
Haflinger 703AP LWB 1973 - (Once owned by Lady Sutherland & Sons.) Now called "Lurch" !

Have you hit the "DONATE" button at the bottom of the page after reading this post? Many thanks if you have!!
User avatar
Slantback60
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2013 6:31 am
Location: Near Seattle, Washington, USA

Re: Alternatives to original ignition system.

Post by Slantback60 »

Jim,
Great news, thanks for the info! I can vouch for the Pertronix upgrade from Scott- works great, makes static timing a breeze! (And yes, I do carry the points & condenser with me as an emergency spare. Haven't needed them yet)
I can also vouch for Jim Pettiti at Raceway. I bought my Ural from him 13 years ago; had him do some ignition, performance and reliability upgrades that made that Russian engine purr! (Purr being a highly subjective term when applied to Russian engines...) He and his crew stand by their work. Glad he's coming into the Haflinger fold!
Did I read correctly that you can input a Rev limit on the Power Arc? If yes, that will be a great engine saver!
Joel
1960 Austrian Military Haflinger
walderse
Posts: 164
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:34 am

Re: Alternatives to original ignition system.

Post by walderse »

Joel,
The Power arc system does indeed have a rev limiter. This would allow removal of the stock belt driven governor. One of the planned upgrades that Jim jhas in mind is a replacement crank and Dynastart pulley set. In place of the original items will be a set of toothed pulleys with a matching toothed belt. A small idler pulley could be nestled in place of the standard governor.

Jim has now had the opportunity to examine two Steyr-Puch engines and is formulating quite a few possibilities including increased displacement (with and without extending the stroke), dual carburetion, changes in oil filling/filtration/cooling and more. With his longstanding history of successful engine performance modification, I have no doubt his enhancements will be impressive.

Take care.

Jim Molloy
Waldersee Farm
http://www.northwestmogfest.com
Post Reply