Electronic distributor

[ObstructGenius]

What does a 61 monza need for an electronic distributor conversion and where can I get it?

[funvairs]

My first choice would be a new electronic distributor

http://www.perfvair.com/

[bbodie52]

The original 1960-1961 distributor design was only seen in those two model years. This early style is easily identified because it has a cap that is held in-place by clips, rather than the screws seen on the 1962-1969 Corvair distributor. Internally the early distributor uses a large rotor that covers the centrifugal advance mechanism, which is positioned above the ignition points. In the later design, the centrifugal advance mechanism is positioned under the ignition points and breaker plate assembly, inside the main distributor housing.

Distributor Design...

1960-1961 Engines had an early distributor design (seen on right) with a clip-on distributor cap. 1962 and later engines had a new design (seen on left) with the centrifugal advance weights under the breaker plate and a screw-on distributor cap.

The aftermarket electronic breakerless ignition systems from sources such as Crane Cams and Pertronix are designed only for the 1962-1969 Corvair distributor. They will not fit in the early distributor design.

The two Corvair distributor designs share the same mounting base and drive shaft/drive gear design, so the later distributor can be installed as a bolt-on replacement for the 1960-1961 distributor. Any 1962-1969 distributor will fit, but a replacement should be chosen that has a similar centrifugal and vacuum advance timing curve to provide an optimal performance in the 1961 engine.

The replacement aftermarket distributor offered by Seth Emerson http://www.perfvair.com/stinger-ignition-distributors/ is a direct bolt-in replacement for the original distributor. It also offers many modern advantages over the original Corvair designs. The advance mechanism is adjustable, and it includes a magnetic-trigger breakerless electronic ignition similar to the Pertronix conversion unit. This new distributor is brand-new and is more-cost-effective than purchasing and overhauling a used 1962-1969 Corvair distributor and then upgrading the used distributor with a Crane Cams or Pertronix module. If you want to optimize and modernize your original 1961 distributor for good performance and maximum, almost maintenance-free reliability, the new Seth Emerson distributor is likely the best way to go.

Performance Corvairs
Seth Emerson
3462 Kirkwood Dr.
San Jose, CA 95117

Phone: (408) 247-2237
Email: sethracer@aol.com
http://www.perfvair.com

[Nicad]

I have heard of very good results on European cars (BMW M30 inline sixes,etc) using a programmable distributor called 123 Ignition. Probably what I will be using on my triple Weber equipped 3.0 CS. I wonder if anyone is contemplating this type of thing on a Corvair?

http://www.123ignition.nl

[bbodie52]

The ignition system needs of a Corvair are not particularly complicated. The compression ratio is relatively low, as is the maximum rpm that would be seen with that engine. Ultra-high spark plug voltages are not particularly beneficial. The only real complication is with the turbocharged engine, which requires a special advance curve and makes use of a pressure retard timing system to manage detonation issues.

Getting rid of the ignition points and substituting a magnetic or optical trigger (typically Crane Cams or Pertronix) does a lot for stability and reliability. The new replacement distributor offered by Seth Emerson http://www.perfvair.com offers a new replacement distributor minus the wear issues with the aging original. Coupled with the integrated magnetic trigger electronic ignition control this replacement distributor meets or exceeds any requirements that would be beneficial to the Corvair, and does it at a relatively low price.

The GM-based Electronic Fuel Injection system developed by Ted Brown http://corvair-efi.com/ takes the ignition system one-step further by incorporating a Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) that uses computer-controlled multiple coils in place of a distributor. This system utilizes designs for fuel system and ignition system control that have become common in 21st century vehicles.

[66vairguy]

Keep in mind the Corvair had a number of different vacuum and advance curves (identified by the number on the 62-69 distributors and vacuum advance units). Seth's (Performance Vair) distributor is set up for an average Corvair and should work fine on a 60-61 engine, but you can converse with Seth and he can advise you on "tuning" his distributor to fit your car.

Now if you have a wild performance engine then you can go the computer ignition route, but that is for someone who knows how to set up such systems - not a DIY project for the average person.

[bbodie52]

[lostboy]

The other option is using the factory points to trigger a transistor ignition. There's a guy on my sohc4 forum who makes the units for 70s cb550 and 750 Hondas. He has also made the for rear engine specialists. I was thinking about having him make me one for the corvair as the one on my cb550 works wonderfully.


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[123ignitionusa]

I know this is an old old thread but it has already been done.
https://123ignitionusa.com/us-cars/gm/

This is a limited run. There is one Bluetooth in service now.
Hope this helps
Ed

[erco]

Yikes, for $685 they should include a new billet dist. clamp!

[vairter]

I have been running the Bluetooth 123 (probably the one Ed is referring to) and it has been running great. Fun to try different timing curves. Have gotten rid of the pinging that used to occur with the original excessive vacuum advance on my 140hp PG, without having to back off on base timing.

Yes, it is a bit pricey, but customer support is excellent and there is a very large installed base of these distributors on other classic cars, so they are reliable.

Terry