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Ok I really have tried searching but, how can I put better Ignition on my f-head 134?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by theshadoww, Oct 12, 2006.

  1. theshadoww

    theshadoww Jeep-a-holic

    I've been searching for a couple of hours and I can't find info on upgrading to electic ignition (or anything better than what I've got) for the f-head 134.

    It seems like all I find deals with the V6, regardless of the fact that I'm searching for the f-head motor.

    Please help! I need info on upgrading the ignition to something reliable, low maintenance, powerful, etc.

    Please speak in plain english, pretend I'm pretty foggy on DUI's, MPI's, HIE's, Plantronix, etc, etc.

    Thanks
     
  2. toolbox

    toolbox If you get bored, I've got the projects.

    Re: Ok I really have tried searching but, how can I put better Ignition on my f-head

    Try searching for "pertronix". It's the most popular electronic ignition conversion for a points type distributor. HEI (High Energy Ignition) was used by GM starting in 1975, and is the ignition of choice for GM motors (V6 and V8). Won't find one for :hurrican: though. A properly tuned points setup works fine...but they are kind of a pain to setup and keep tuned (thus the Pertronix conversion popularity). Using a dwell meter seems to be a rapidly dissapearing art :oops: .
     
  3. Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

  4. evanjm

    evanjm Yeah, it's got an F-head.

    Re: Ok I really have tried searching but, how can I put better Ignition on my f-head

    Speaking of setting up points, that's something I need to learn more about. Does anyone know of a good place (maybe online) that has a write-up on doing this on an old jeep motor?
     
  5. CD60

    CD60 Member

    Re: Ok I really have tried searching but, how can I put better Ignition on my f-head

    Points are points really regardless of make. The big factor is single or dual points and whether it's an 8, 6 or 4cyl. Did you have a specific question?
     
  6. sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    better Ignition on my f-head

    MSD will work on the F-head. Steve Lane (w3srl) runs it on his L-head with Pertronix, guessing you saw that?

    HEI can be done with an 80s GM 4 cylinder and some machine skills from what I've heard.

    For setting up the points, I recommend a FSM (Factory Service Manual).
     
  7. wagatu

    wagatu Sponsor

    I've been running the setup from Genesee http://www.geneseeproducts.com/ on my Fhead for about 4 years now. Was an easy install, took about 15 minutes if I recall right, and I haven't had any problems. I do keep my old points and condensor in the storage box on the jeep, just in case it fails on me when I am over the mountain.
     
  8. theshadoww

    theshadoww Jeep-a-holic

    Re: Ok I really have tried searching but, how can I put better Ignition on my f-head

    great help thanks alot! I'll keep you posted on the rebuild, and I'll post some pics today for a few good before shots
     
  9. theshadoww

    theshadoww Jeep-a-holic

    Re: better Ignition on my f-head

    Which products would I use from MSD? I tried searching for "f-head" and got nothing. Is there a direct replacement or another search string I should use?
     
  10. kamel

    kamel Senior Curmudgeon

    setting the points...

    For a situation where you have to set points without a gauge.

    Take a match from a matchbook and use it for a gauge.

    You'll be surprised, maybe even shocked, at how accurate it is.

    As far as final setting goes, let the dwell number be the standard. Setting the gap with a gauge or match will get it close enough to tweak it for the correct dwell.

    Also, just bear in mind that the spark is generated that goes to the plugs when the points OPEN, not when they close.

    Sounds counter intuitive, but it makes sense if you think about it. A good dwell gets a nice stable field established in prep for it to collapse when the points open.

    kamel
     
  11. sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Msd

    MSD 5 probably would work fine for an F-head. I think that's what Steve has on his. A 6 or 6A would work as well but probably isn't necessary.
     
  12. blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Re: Ok I really have tried searching but, how can I put better Ignition on my f-head

    I am still using points and have no problems what so ever . What are you finding wrong?
     
  13. sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    MSD Dwell

    Oh, the MSD will mean you won't need to set the dwell of the points, FWIW.
     
  14. theshadoww

    theshadoww Jeep-a-holic

    What's Wrong?

    I'm not having any specific problems right now, but I'm getting started on a full rebuild/upgrade, so I was hoping to make the ignition a bit more powerful and reliable, as well as hopefully making replacement parts easier to find.
     
  15. sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Replacement Parts

    Replacement parts are easy. Go to NAPA. :)
     
  16. blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Re: What's Wrong?


    Gotcha........Letme know if I can help.

    If you decide to stay with the points check the lobes on the dist for wear:hurrican:
     
  17. kiowamtp

    kiowamtp Member

    There is mucho advice and help available through this forum. I just went through the whole setup and have beaucoup info and tech stuff saved at home (points were new to me and wanted to make sure I knew what I was doing). Also, did the petronix upgrade from genessee products. About the only difference I can see is that you will not have to keep adjusting points as they wear or need replacement. Maybe a slight improvement at idle, but I have a couple of other issues I need to deal with before I can say anything about overall performance with petronix. What distro you running?
     
  18. theshadoww

    theshadoww Jeep-a-holic

    Sorry Kevin, I've been puttin in 14 hour days at work trying to get a project done for buy off. Ahh the life of an engineer:rofl: !! Anyway, I'll try to get that for you today or tomorrow, what's the easiest way to identify it?
     
  19. kiowamtp

    kiowamtp Member

  20. theshadoww

    theshadoww Jeep-a-holic

    Thanks again Kevin, I'll let you know in a day or so, no internet at home soI'll have to come back to work to post it.