New Computronix ignition

[So Cal Mark]

I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting the release of the new ignition systems. We've been testing the new unit for a week now and we're very close to having them available for shipment. The new units feature a very small trigger unit that mounts on the exhaust cam in place of the original distributor. The advance is all electronic rather than mechanical. The system uses the same coil and spark plug wires as the previous system. Output is still 60000 volts.
The new kits will be priced at $570
Here's a pic of the new trigger unit installed;

[garion]

I want to put a large googly eye on that, and watch it bounce around. Someone I'm sure will put a Fiat emblem on it.

Looks nice. Pricey, but nice.

[So Cal Mark]

I'm sure the finished units will feature a Computronix emblem on the top, as the older units did.

[131lover]

Finally!
Are you going to have both block mounted and cam mounted available?
cheers
Alf

[Redline]

No offence Mark, but what turns me off a bit about the Computronix is the boring look of it. It just doesn't fit with the rest of the 70s vibe of the engine. I've considered it, but somehow that aluminium hockey puck is just a poke in the eye (for me). I realise that's a rather shallow argument, but I wonder if the case could be changed a bit to be a bit more "classic-compliant"?

[garion]

It looks like you could fit a dist over the top of it.. Won't have wires coming from it, but it'll be somewhat of a disguise. I wonder if they have to be uncovered though, to get rid of heat?

[So Cal Mark]

no problem with heat, the internals are all potted. Only cam mount will be available at this time.
As for appearance, you prefer style over performance? I think the trigger units are pretty trick looking and certainly high-tech.

[Redline]

I think you can have both form and function, but I understand that you're not the producer so don't really have an influence on the shape. For some of us, that billet cylinder gets the inspector a bit nosy when it comes to getting the classic status of the car re-approved, as you need to disguise modifications to look period correct The cam covers of the Fiat TC, plus their nice knurled bolts, are a nice example of having function and form. Another one would be the choice between Extrudabody vs. Jenvey ITBs. I would never run the former, simply because they look too modern, but the Jenvey ones have a nice rough-cast finish and look that fits with the age of the car. I suppose a splash of black or grey crackle paint could go a long way to making the Computronix look a bit less conspicuously modern if I were to try it. I think even adding a bit more radius to the top edge would make it look a lot more "period correct".

Just an opinion, not meant as any critique of the (obviously excellent) function.

[divace73]

Hi Mark

Can the unit be controlled by an aftermarket ECU?

[RoyBatty]

This sounds to me like the perfect chance to make an aluminum dress up cap that would cover the module with whatever design or logo you might prefer. It could be retained with a simple pinch clamp mechanism. Picture the top of the module dressed up with a look of brushed aluminum cooling fins or, an Abarth or Fiat logo.

[Redline]

Now that is actually a very clever idea and I should just let my creative side have some freedom.
Is anything inside highly sensitive to cooling rates through the shell?

[amawds]

Is there an upgrade plan for early adopters? Any plans to include an adjustable rev limit like the other compu-tronix gear?

[garion]

How are these systems coming? I just had something in my ignition die, and I'm considering replacing the whole thing with one of these.

[So Cal Mark]

I'm supposed to get a new test unit later this week. If everything checks out to our specs I'll have units in stock within a couple of days

[bradartigue]

Its small....so small I'm thinking you can run an oil-pump driven model on any of the Spiders...do you make a pump driven one?