Breakerless SE Timing

[Dan White]

I am installing a Breakerless SE ignition system on the new motor I recently put in my 66, and am unsure about how I set the initial timing so I can get this thing running smoothly. It probably says what to do in the instructions, but I can't find them right now! Thanks in advance, Dan.

[Joe L.]

Re: Breakerless SE Timing

Dan-----

I don't think that it makes a lot of difference with respect to this regardless of whether you're using standard, TI, or Breakerless ignition.'

I would set the distributor so that with the engine at TDC, the distributor rotor is pointing to the the number 1 distributor cap position. cThis should get you close enough to start the engine.

[Jack H.]

Agree!

Like Joe says, this SB a 'drop-in' job requiring no change to your ignition system. If the car was running before you installed the Breakerless SE, it'll come up running like a champ after the conversion. The only timing related aspect of the system that differs from your stock Kettering system is the control module of the Breakerless SE is 'smart' and it automatically fine tunes dwell for you based on the actual RPM of the engine. Other than that (plus a few neat tricks like automatically 'squelching' current through your coil when the ignition is on but the engine isn't running), the system's no different than a factory stock points setup.

[Tracy C.]

Can we assume the ballast resistor stays

in the circuit, or is there a need to remove it? The jest of your answer implies that it stays, but I've wondered about this before.

I'm considering using this setup as well.

thanks,
tc

[John H.]

Re: Can we assume the ballast resistor stays

The ballast resistor is solely for the feed to the coil (+) terminal, which requires the in-line resistance to maintain a normal operating voltage of 7-8 volts for a stock coil. Aftermarket coils may or may not require the reduced operating voltage - check with their manufacturers. There are at least five different solid-state drop-in modules out there to replace points; their installation instructions will show any modifications requires.