Points to Electronic Ignition and Jetronic Conversion? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Engr693 · #1 06-01-2006, 01:35 PM

I have a 73 450SL and want to convert from points to electronic ignition. There are a few manufacturers that make electronic ignition modules, Crane Cams, Pertronix, etc. Has anyone done this mod and do you recomment one brand over the other? (I have read some neg feedback on Pertronix)

I would also in time like to convert from Bosch electronic to Bosch Jetronic fuel injection. Is this possible without too much aggravation or expense.

Thanks,
Gary

rg2098 · #2 06-01-2006, 01:47 PM

I have used Pertronix twice and both times has made a night and day difference for the good. Both my 250 and a Rolls Royce I did the install in. The Pertronix slips right in with minimal work and doesn't have an external box like the Crane.

Nipperiley · #3 06-01-2006, 02:15 PM

I put a Pertronix in my mother's daily driver ('70 Chevelle small block) about five years ago. No problems whatsoever. Did notice a great improvement in the off idle performance. On that motor you do NOT need to pull the distributor, but I did anyway because I wanted to refresh the grease cup lubricant.

Uncle Puff · #4 03-21-2007, 08:26 PM

Hello. I have just purchased a 1971 250C and have the Pertronix conversion kit. I would like to know more info about setting it up. I appear to have the type of transistorized ignition where the box is mounted under the battery. When connecting the Pertronix, do I connect directly to the ballast and bypass the transistor assembly, or do I attach to the transistor assembly?

Thanks for any advice!

1971 250C

TimFreeh · #5 03-21-2007, 08:32 PM

Last summer I converted an old Ford 8N tractor from points to a Pertronix breakerless system - It worked flawlessly and the 60 year old tractor is an absolute joy to operate with the new system. It's one of the best aftermarket mods I've ever made. Highly recommended in my book.

#6 03-22-2007, 01:24 AM

IMHO,

A '73 450SL will already have electronic ignition, the points just trigger the switchgear box. There is very little voltage running thru the points, so they don't wear like in a conventional points/condenser ignition.

Just curious, are you having problems with the points fouling for the injection and the ignition? If so, the distributer can be re-sealed so that the oily vapour from the engine does not foul the both of the points.

It would be easier to switch to a used CIS engine than to convert a early D-Jet engine to CIS. The whole top end of the motor is different. D-Jet is a better system when it's working right.

That said, I used a Crane Cams XR-700 system on my old 300SEL 3.5(same basic motor), and it worked great and I never had a problem with it.

GaryF · #7 03-22-2007, 10:40 AM

I did the Pertronix conversion a while ago on a '73 450SLC. It works fine but I cant say that I noticed a remarkable difference, as previously stated you have electronic ignition already and you also probably have the blue coil which works well so you wont see the same benefit as some older engines. I would recommend getting a flame thrower coil if you go with the pertronix setup and leave the ignition box and wiring in place should you ever reverse the change.
If you do a search theres some good information about the conversion on this forum.

Arthur Dalton · #8 03-22-2007, 12:50 PM

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Which is Transistorized Ignition.

Electronic ignition would use electronic switching vs points ...ie, no
mechanical switching of any type.

smallblock450sl · #9 03-22-2007, 08:33 PM

I also installed a Pertronix kit into my 1970 small block Corvette. It worked fine for a few years, then one sunny day on a cruise..........Car stopped.......electrical smell....The unit shorted,took out the coil/cap/rotor/small amount of wireing. Went back to points and never had a problem again of being "stranded". Performance upgrade...I didn't notice the differance........ Sounds like the replies here were in favor......On other forums I've heard differant. Good luck on your project.

Alastair · #10 03-24-2007, 04:33 PM

Just finished converting over my 1975 280E to a 'Sparkrite 2000' ignition, as the original old transistorised device died....

I retain to original breaker-points, added a condenser and a standard non 'Ballast' sports ign.coil.

The 'Sparkrite 2000' is a pretty old device, I had sitting on the shelf for about 10 years, its a 'capacitive/reactive' discharge type system with switchable "electronic' or 'normal' operation. It 'piggy-backs' onto the coil with large spring-clips. I have used this same device on and off for about 20 years, Great little thing, but I dont think they make them anymore.....

I like the idea of being able to switch back to 'normal' ign, if for some reason the 'electronics' breakdown.

Works a treat, a quick check to the timing, and what a difference...Amazing!