Classic/Antique Car Repair: solid state ignition vs .oem points, bird incident, framingham mass

Question
I have a 57 t-bird and I'm thinking of changing to electronic

ignition, I have a 245 hp 312, how much more horse power will it

give me? I'm hoping for better gas mileage. I had to chuckle at

your story about Vauhgn Monroes t-bird. I'm sure you wanted to

die.

Tony Myers

Rathdrum, Id.

Answer
You are so right about Mr. M's T Bird incident but the upshot of the story is that he hosted my wife and I to a Saturday evening of diner, dancing, and show at his night club, The Meadows, in Framingham Mass. It seams that he hated the two seat bird and moved up to a square bird. Well, now to your bird. Unless you are going to race your car there is no reason to install the aftermarket electronic ignition other than to eliminate point replacement. The only improvement in power and fuel economy would be seen at higher RPM. The electronic ignition will increase the coil saturation at higher RPM and increase the potential coil output. At normal driving speeds the point ignition will give more coil saturation than you will ever use.
Good Luck
Brad