is electronic ignition worth it?

[getitrunning]

just looking for opinions here on if you think its worth to get rid of points and condenser once and for all and spend the $100 for electronic ignition and high energy coil from Hamilton bob and another $20 or so for graphics style spark plug wires

[Eugene]

Your choice. Your money. Some folks swear by them.

Electronic ignition system will not make a larger/more powerful explosion in the cylinder than the standard ignition system.

In case I have an ignition problem; I can get plugs, points, coil, for the Cub, 6 1/2 days a week at the local auto parts store. Several days, after Monday, to get another electronic ignition system.

[ricky racer]

I've never changed the points or condenser in my '53 since I've owned it and that's been over 15 years. I don't know why you'd want to mess with something that is proven and works so well...

[NJ Farmer]

The only problem I ever ran into with my 3 6volt cubs were…..bad coils when running in Hot weather under a load (they were original coils) and bad ignition wires (they were original as well). Overall the ignition system is a well designed and reliable system for the Cub.

NJ Farmer

If your relying on 70+ original ignition parts ie coil,points,wires you might what to get new components for reliability.

[tnestell]

I really like my Pertronix conversion and Flame Thrower coil. Plugs are opened up to .035". Always has started immediately since 2006. I havent touched anything in system for the last 700 hours since the installation.

[inairam]

I have tried them on both 6-volt and 12-v cubs. I could not get them to work on the 6 v cubs. I found that using NAPA ignition parts ( as opposed to tractor websites or even OEM IH Case) has greatly reduced my ignition problems using standard points and condensers.

[Gary Dotson]

I don’t much care for the Pertronix on a 6 volt system but absolutely love it on 12 volts. I enjoy the lightening fast starts and improved performance. We proved, on the Cub dyno, a significant increase in both torque and horsepower, after the Pertronix install. I’ve installed a bunch of these in antique tractors and classic cars and the change is always amazing. Generally, I just use the stock coil, I feel the flamethrower is un-needed. They used to not specify suppression plug wires and in many cases I used the stock wires without any problem. Lately, they started to specify them. Follow Pertronix instruction sheet, particularly regarding coil choice and coil ohm value. I think most people who have issues with them, have not followed the instructions fully.

[radioguy41]

I have always found points to be reliable. If you use quality parts and they are set up correctly it will start as fast as any electronic system and, in my experience, be more reliable. No matter what happens with a regular ignition chances are at worst you can limp home. I've even filed and adjusted points in the dark at night using a paper matchstick as a feeler and got guys cars started enabling them to get it home or to the shop. Not so with electronic ignition. The only times I have ever been stuck dead is with an electronic ignition. When they fail, they fail, there's no limping home. Electronic ignition is a solution to a non-existing problem, IMHO, but it's your tractor and your money.

[Jim Becker]

I think most people who have issues with them, have not followed the instructions fully.

There is a statement with wide application.

[cdahl383]

If your tractor runs good now I'd leave it be. There are lots of tractors out there running on original systems doing just fine.

[Clemsonfor]

I'd leave it as is, simple mechanical system that just works. Not sure you can improve upon it.

[ajhbike]

I have been tempted many times on the cub and all the others when they get a little stubborn, but I understand points, cap and coil and all are fairly troubleshootable by elimination so I always stick with what I have

[Barebones]

I don’t much care for the Pertronix on a 6 volt system but absolutely love it on 12 volts. I enjoy the lightening fast starts and improved performance. We proved, on the Cub dyno, a significant increase in both torque and horsepower, after the Pertronix install. I’ve installed a bunch of these in antique tractors and classic cars and the change is always amazing. Generally, I just use the stock coil, I feel the flamethrower is un-needed. They used to not specify suppression plug wires and in many cases I used the stock wires without any problem. Lately, they started to specify them. Follow Pertronix instruction sheet, particularly regarding coil choice and coil ohm value. I think most people who have issues with them, have not followed the instructions fully.

Agreed. I have a 12-volt system on an Allis Chalmers, but it fouled plugs terribly after a rebuild. Installed the electronic ignition and it has started immediately ever since for many years and never fouled plugs again.

[Dave (69 lo-boy)]

I put a Pertronix ignition on years ago and my Cub starts instantly every time. I bought it because the points would break at the spring, probably cheap points, but I have been very pleased with the electronic ignition.

[coppersmythe]

I put a Pertronix ignition on years ago and my Cub starts instantly every time. I bought it because the points would break at the spring, probably cheap points, but I have been very pleased with the electronic ignition.

i have one cub with electronic ignition , two with points/condenser/coil , and one with magneto ignition. the electronic ignition is the only one i have not had to fiddle with . One caveat , pertronix ignition has one negative that could be dangerous ! Make durn sure you start your tractor out of gear. just a "bump" of the starter is all it takes coppersmythe......................PS: i like all my cubs, each has their + and - . Also , keeping your ignition system " whatever kind" in top working order goes a long way ..........