GM had introduced electronic ignition in the early 60's, way before the serious
emission laws.
There were aftermarket items early on as well, like the Judson unit.
The early systems were still with the points but the points now carried low
current as Peter C described,
so they did'nt arc and become pitted.
It would take some deeper research to determine when the points actually
disappeared and were
replaced by magnetic or optical sensors, but this was probably in the early
70's, and it was probably
done by Bosch.
There is an emmision component, dirty points misfire, thereby increasing
hydrocarbon emmisions.
On the flip side it means you also get better mpg when you get rid of the
miss-firing points, which
was the big selling point early on.
----- Original Message -----
From: Chris King
Subject: Re: [Spridgets] Electronic Ignition
I have to believe there is am emissions control component to the adoption of
electronic ignition.
GM HEI showed up in cars as cheap as the Vega and the Chevette in 1975 or so.
The BL
cars sold in the US got electronic ignition (remember those OPUS units, you
1500 guys) in 1975
as well, while the UK kept points up to the end of production. Why would BL (or
GM, for that matter)
put a more expensive component into the car unless they absolutely HAD to?
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