Electronic Ignition question

[Dodgefran]

Hi, I've been reading about electronic ignitions being put in the flatheads. I have a 39 DeSoto 228 long block that I'm having rebuilt. What kind of electronic ignition is reliable enough to use in my situation, and how do I "get er done"?

Thanks

[jd52cranbrook]

I installed one from Langdons Stovebolt Six. I couldn't be happier with it. I swear I can turn the distributor 1/4 turn and it still does not miss a beat. I still need to do some testing, as he recommends a pretty advanced, (or retard, I cant remember which right now.) setting. But you wont be disappointed.

http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/

[jd52cranbrook]

In fact I bought a spare. I know, may sound wierd, but I take this car on cross country trips. I have a box in the trunk with many items just in case. Oh, it's a 218 P23 soon to be bored and stroked to 238 I think the final numbers are.

[blueskies]

Here's a few pics of the Langdon HEI. I have one on my flatty, and it's great. Nothing to adjust but the timing. They are only available in 12v negative ground, fyi. They are a mid 80's GM Mini HEI, with readily available parts at any auto store if you have a problem. The high energy spark allows a larger gap at the plugs, and produces a more complete burn of the fuel, and more power.

Pete

At a glance, they look stock. The cap is slightly longer but it's not noticable. I also used the round coil, and put it inside a finned cover to match my head and air cleaner.

[BobT-47P15]

So, Mr Cranbrook, is yours 6 or 12 volt????

[jd52cranbrook]

12 volt.

[grey beard]

HEI is for sure the best way to go. Parts are available everywhere and they are proven to be very reliable. My feeling is that these systems beat Pertronix two to one.

[BobT-47P15]

Not many around here seem to think very highly of the Pertronix item.

So, is there another 6 volt type available from another company????

[55 Fargo]

You can also use the electronic ignition from a slant 6. The distributor needs machining to fit into the flathead, this will work well providing you have converted to 12 volt negative, this won't work with 6 volt positive. I know someone who has done this in his 48 Chrysler and it works very well............Fred

[vitamindart]

any details on the mods to a slant dist for the flat head

[55 Fargo]

Iwould have to speak with my friend, he is the one that has done the mod, he is also a mechanical engineering prof at a local college, so he is quite talented with this type of thing. He mentioned he pulled the dizzy and electronic igntion from a wrecker, as he had already converted to 12 volt negative. I do recall he had to machine a part or make a part for the dist to fit into the flat 6 block. If you like I can contact him for futher details, he said it wasn't too complicated, but it wasn't an easy direct swap, he also has no use for the Pertronix igniton system.........Fred

[PatS....]

Hey Fred, if he's a prof., maybe you could persuade him to write us an article on the procedure for those who would be curious in the future. Why keep such useful knowledge to himself?

[55 Fargo]

Pat, you already know who he is it's Ed P from the 40s Canadian Chrysler Group, Ed has a lot of knowledge, and he is quite creative, he once took a 48 New Yorker Convertable and cut the body off it's rusty floor and transplanted in onto a 48 sedan floor, he said it wasn't all that difficult, this car is still in nice shape and being driven by it's owner in the USA

[PatS....]

Yes, I have heard of him. More info on the conversion would be nice, though. More options and more ideas is a good thing

By the looks of my floor, the part inboard of the rockers, it is the same as a 4 door floor.

I've also seen a 77 Chevy Caprice which had the body removed, leaving the floor and most of the firewall and then a 55 Chevy body was grafted onto that floor and firewall. Worked out fairly well and really quite simple.

Seems like a good way to save a badly rusted old car.

[Brendan D25]

Fred, could you post the info on the " 40s Canadian Chrysler site?" I and another forum member have asked you before but I guess you missed it.Thanks, Brendan.

[55 Fargo]

Hi Brendan, I thought I did send you a PM on this before, maybe it didn't go through, I will sned you an Email later on the contact/moderator of the site, there are only 30 members, and it is a very quiet site, but lots of good info, form experienced members.........Fred

[Brendan D25]

Thanks Fred, I'll be looking forward to it. brendan548@hotmail.com