Conversion from platinum to electronic ignition

Conversion from platinum to electronic ignition: Is it worth it or is it a betrayal of the classics?

If you're a classic car lover like me, you've probably at some point encountered this great existential question: Should I change the platinum ignition to an electronic one or should I keep it original?

I went through that same doubt. In fact, for years I resisted making any modifications that would affect the authenticity of my car.

But one day, after being stranded for the umpteenth time in the middle of the road because the platinums decided they'd done enough work, I made a decision.

And in this article I'm going to tell you about my experience: the pros, the cons, the process, and most importantly, whether it's worth it or not.

So, if you're thinking about doing this conversion but still aren't convinced, grab a beer, sit back, and let's talk mechanics without a filter.

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The good and bad of platinum ignition

If you own a classic with a carbureted engine, chances are your ignition system still works with points and a condenser. And let me tell you, that has both its charm and its damned drawbacks.

Advantages of platinum ignition

• It is original: There's nothing purer than an engine that runs exactly as it left the factory.
• Easy to repair: If they get damaged, you can replace them anywhere with basic tools.
• No additional electricity required: You don't depend on electronic modules that can fail.

Disadvantages of platinum ignition

• Constant wear and tear: Every so often you have to calibrate them, because they wear out and the car starts to fail.
• Poor spark stability: Depending on wear, the ignition spark may be stronger or weaker, affecting engine performance.
• Less efficiency: Unstable ignition means less efficient combustion, increased fuel consumption, and less power.

And this is where the dilemma begins: do I want to keep my car as original as possible, or do I want it to run better and without any headaches?

I tried to stick with the platinum gears out of pure romanticism, but after several failures, constant adjustments, and scares on the road, I decided to make the switch to electronic ignition.

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The conversion process: simpler than I imagined

To be honest, I thought it would be a complicated process, but it wasn't that complicated.

The first step was to choose the type of electronic ignition I wanted to install. I had two options:

1. Electronic ignition with original factory module (like some cars from the 80s started to have).
2. Electronic ignition with modern module and optical or magnetic sensor (which completely eliminates the platinum and improves the spark).

I opted for the second option because it was more reliable, more accurate, and easier to find spare parts.

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Necessary tools and parts

To make the conversion, I needed:

• An electronic ignition kit (I bought one compatible with my V8 engine).
• High voltage coil (the original is useless because it works with less power).
• Better quality spark plug wires (since the spark would be stronger).
• Adjusting wrench and some basic tools.

Total cost of the kit: about €200.

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The change step by step

1. I removed the platinum and the condenser. This is the first thing that needs to be done to make room for the new system.
2. I installed the electronic module. Depending on the kit you choose, it can be an optical or magnetic sensor. In my case, it was magnetic and was placed inside the distributor.
3. I connected the high voltage coil. This part is key, because the spark will be stronger and more efficient.
4. I checked the wiring. Electronic ignition requires a good ground connection and a stable power supply.
5. I calibrated the ignition. Although it is electronic, the distributor advance still needs to be adjusted to ensure the engine is running at its optimal setting.

In total, it took me about two hours to do the conversion.

When I finished, it was time for the real thing: I turned the key and… BOOM.

The car started instantly, with a smoothness I had never felt before.

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Is it worth the upgrade? My impressions after using it

After several weeks with the electronic ignition, these are my conclusions:

The good thing about electronic ignition

✅ Start faster. No more awkward moments of turning the key and praying it will start.
✅ More stability in the engine. The spark is stronger and more constant, making the engine run more evenly.
✅ Less maintenance. I no longer have to keep adjusting and replacing points.
✅ Greater fuel efficiency. Although it's not a huge difference, I noticed that the engine runs better and uses a little less fuel.

The bad (if there is anything bad)

❌ It's not original. If you are a purist, this modification may seem like heresy.
❌ It depends on an electronic module. Although they are reliable, if one fails, you will need to replace it (and it is not as easy to repair as a platinum one).

For me, the balance is clear: It was totally worth it.

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So… should you do this conversion?

If you're hesitating between continuing with the platinums or switching to electronic ignition, my advice is as follows:

🔹 If you use your classic car only for shows and want it to be original, stick with the platinums. Yes, they are hard work, but they are part of the vintage car experience.

🔹 If you use your car regularly and want to avoid headaches, electronic ignition is the best option. You gain in reliability, performance and peace of mind.

I'm passionate about classic cars, but I also like to enjoy them without suffering. So, although at first I felt a bit like I was betraying the car's original essence, I eventually realized that this modification allowed me to get much more out of it.

And you, are you still using platinum or have you already made the switch to electronic ignition? Tell me about your experience!

+For you: How to make vintage engines: a complete guide