K66 vs. modern electronic ignition?

[Gary Wilkerson]

How does K66 stack up against todays ignition systems like HEI or aftermarket such as Pertronics?

Gary

[Duke W.]

Re: K66 vs. modern electronic ignition?

HEI is essentially the same electronic design as TI (K-66) with some enhancements like variable dwell that is packaged in a thick film hybrid module mounted inside the distributor instead of descrete components in an external housing. Performancewise, TI and HEI are very similar in terms or ignition energy, rise time, and spark duration.

Based on my own experience with both, HEI is much more reliable. The TI box is subject to corrosion damage due to water intrusion. The HEI is not. During the five years I had a TI on my SWC a lead from the main power transistor that is mounted on the heat sink housing broke loose from the circuit board after two years of operation and the cause appeared to be corrosion. At five years it quit again and the problem was corrosion at the TI housing electrical connector. Both were easy to fix myself, but after I repaired the second failure the TI never went back on my car, Twelve years later went back on the "12-mile L-88" from whence it had come.

Don't have any experience with aftermarket conversions, but they are probably more reliable than TI.

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: K66 vs. modern electronic ignition?

if you have a TI magpulse distributor you can use that to fire a HEI module. if anyone wants the schematic how to do it e mail me. it uses the TI coil and you can hide the HEI module under your dstributor ignition shield.

[Duke W.]

Re: K66 vs. modern electronic ignition?

Clem - isnt' there also a scheme to mount a HEI module in the TI amp box?

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: K66 vs. modern electronic ignition?

i have never tried that but i guess it could be done.i am guessing that the new replacement unit sold by the corvette suppliers has the HEI module inside. you can even use the HEI module to replace the failure prone ford ignition module.

[Michael H.]

Re: K66 vs. modern electronic ignition?

Clem, Duke,

I would be very interested in seeing the diagram for using the HEI amp in the Delco amp box. I have a fizzled amp in the 66. Thanks,

Michael

[Gary Wilkerson]

Re: K66 vs. modern electronic ignition?

I did install a pertronics conversion kit on mine. Improved the idle and throttle response. I've got the earlier model 1 the new models are supposed to be "smarter" and adjust dwell.

Gary

[Craig S.]

Re: K66 vs. modern electronic ignition?

Michael - give Dave Fiedler a call, he has the modern electrioncs inside the original restored cases.....unless you want to roll your own..Craig