Hey guys. Im looking to get a new distributor/ignition for my 71 FJ40. I wanted to get some advice before I plunk down my hard earned cash. Whats the most reliable and least complicated upgrade to replace a points-type ignition? All im looking for is reliability and a smooth curve on an otherwise stock engine.
with msd timing computer. I have used the MDL 6 series on cars and my FJ40 since the late 80's. Works wonders and never worry about point’s fouling again.
Cheapest/easiest is probably a pertronix in either your dizzy or in an earlier dizzy.
better is probably the FJ60 dizzy/ignitor. Gotta change the engine side cover for that.
Hey guys. Im looking to get a new distributor/ignition for my 71 FJ40. I wanted to get some advice before I plunk down my hard earned cash. Whats the most reliable and least complicated upgrade to replace a points-type ignition? All im looking for is reliability and a smooth curve on an otherwise stock engine.
x 2 on the points ignition; if they go bad, they can be repaired an you can limp home ..electronics are very nice BUT when they crap out; there is no fixin
Another vote for pertronix. Use your old dissy (assuming it is in good condition), take out the points and condenser, put in the pertronix following instructions with the set, fire it up and check/set the timing, done. If you ever have problems with the pertronix, just take it out and put the points and condenser back on and set the dwell and timing, done. Simple. A point system in good shape is good. Pertronix just reduces periodic fiddling with changing/setting points.
Pin Head is saying that the original points system couldn't get any simpler, is very reliable, and as long as the dizzy has good bearings and you don't mind adjusting them why change?
On the other hand if you want a dizzy with vacuum advance, is rebuildable, has a curve that can be modified, has a large, vented, water resistant cap and has parts that are still available then get the 81-87 FJ60 dizzy and igniter assembly.
You will need to have your 71 carb base drilled for the ported vacuum port, replace the engine side cover with the FJ60 side cover and send the dizzy to Jim C. to be re-curved for your engine but you get a nice all Toyota ignition system that you can get parts for. Total cost around $250 plus your time.
i have a crane system on 3 of my 40s been over ten years no problems .havnt had to adjust any thing or replace any thing .trucks always start warm cold or wet ,dont have to adjust timing either.i noticed more power and better mileage .i also have a spare unit for parts .if you like the points and dont mind adjusting them or replacing them now and then keep them .call mark on here from marks off road and he can give you the pros and cons of either system good luck
Couldn't he use an MSD box triggered by the points? Seems like the last one I bought mentioned in the directions, that you could close up the points gap since it was now a triggering devise, and now the box took the electrical work load. Apparently with a smaller gap the points lasted longer due to less current jumping the gap. Just an option. Al
handcannon : Another vote for pertronix. Use your old dissy (assuming it is in good condition), take out the points and condenser, put in the pertronix following instructions with the set, fire it up and check/set the timing, done. If you ever have problems with the pertronix, just take it out and put the points and condenser back on and set the dwell and timing, done. Simple. A point system in good shape is good. Pertronix just reduces periodic fiddling with changing/setting points.
petronix is a great system, it works very well and as stated above you can always put your points back in if needed. I used a VW air cooled engine on the hovercraft that I built, the first thing was to add a petronix unit. Petronix electronic ignition is a very easy to install and reliable system, if for some reason it craps out you can put your old points back in with in a couple of mins. . I have been told that in order to get the full advantages of an electronic ignition system you should upgrade your plug wires and coil. All I did was remove the points and install the trigger and igniter module, the spark strength was about 30% better, this was with stock coil and wires. My last 40 had points, I never had ANY problems with starting and my MPG was about 16-17, an electronic ing. system will give you a stronger spark w/o the hassles of adjusting, cleaning, and replacing points.
I have a 72 and am going to make the same upgrade. Reading this thread it seems to be equally split between, crane, pertronix, and the fj60 dizzy....I have a few questions
Am I right to assume the crane and the pertronix are the same type, just diffrernt brands?
I have looked into the pertronix ($150) and coolerman says $250 for the fj60 dizzy. Is there a noticeable ($100) difference in performance and/or reliability between the two?
Is the fj60 dizzy more reliable than the pertronix taking into consideration you can always switch back to the points on the side of the road or trail?
Remember that $250 is $150 for the dizzy, igniter, and side cover then $100 for Jim C to rebuild/re-curve it. If you score the dizzy for a better price then the total cost will be lower. Carry a spare igniter/coil and never worry about it again.
I think the FJ60 ignition upgrade is way better (that's what I did on my 40) but the Pertronix thing is way cheaper. A lot depends on how well you can scrounge up parts. Keep in mind that the FJ60 ignition is basically waterproof, so one more advantage not yet mentioned.
The entire Pertronix package is $150 or so. Easy drop in.
Some rough costs to run FJ60 ignition:
Distributor: $100
Coil/Ignitor: $50 (+ spare $50)
New wires:$40
JimC rebuild/recurve $100
Carb rebuild/mods if no ported vacuum: $300
New side cover $72 (I've seen used for much less)
Anyway, FJ60 ignition is a great mod, it just isn't a cheap mod. Try the pertronix and see how you like it.
