Chrysler 55 convertable to standard ignitioon

[johneboy]

I have this 1969 Chrysler 55 that am having trouble locating a new Magnapoerr Ignition box for. I read some place that it is possible to convert this to a standard ignition. Mine has two coils i am guessing 2 volts by the manual. but in that for some odd reason it has two sets of points. I am thinking i could change those to 12 volts and bypass the magnapower ignition modual. Add condensers etc. does anybody know of such a conversion. And if i leave the rectifier in place will it still charge the batter while ruinning.
THe blue and white wire on mine are not labled standard liek most Magneto and Magneto with Purple going to tach. White is labled Tach , Blue is labled Ignition and Purple Generator.. so i have a big question in my mind on this engine that according to my 1969 service manual its been changed down the road.. 5591 sr# 3001 shows 1969.. whats the deal and can i do the conversion?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Chrysler 55 convertable to standard ignitioon

Now, Im flying by the seat of my pants here so bear with me. Your 55 has two sets of points to signal the magnapower box when to fire the coils. It is not Magna Power II which is a BIG plus. you see, your crank has a cam to work the points whereas MagII does not. Therefore, with proper jury rigging, you could convert the points to 12 volt and standard ignition. As far as I know, you would need to change the coils since Magnapower coils have a higher voltage input. And you have an alternator, so you would still be able to charge the battery.

Right now, White wire comes from mag box and is used to signal tach. If you do convert, White will be used for power from one set of points to one coil and the blue would be power from the other set of points to the other coil. Actually requires a complete rewiring of the engine. Simpler to buy another box. Have you tried Franz at the Chrysler Crew? That Magnapower box might still be found as a used part.

You could even find a breaker plate assembly and convert to magneto ignition--They made thousabds of them and you could probably find a used one off a junker fairly easily.

 

[johneboy]

Re: Chrysler 55 convertable to standard ignitioon

Well i think you fly pretty good by the seat of your pants because i think you are right on the money. From the way i look at the engine wiring in the book it will still charge the battery through the rectifier, and i can just nuke the box. install two 12 volt coils( with balast resister if neded) and connect them to the points. I will also need to add a condenser to each set of points. blue could be used to supply +12 volts to the coils. leaving the white wire for the tach. If needed i can pull the tach and reset it to correct number of cylinders.

I know this is not the way probably many would handle an problematic ignition issue. but in pricing 2 condensers and 2 coils its way cheeper than even the prices i was quoted on a used box

 

[johneboy]

Re: Chrysler 55 convertable to standard ignitioon

OK, converted the chrysler engine from electronic box and factory type coils to twin coils and points. I used two resisters on the coils as planned and the old 1969 chrysler 55 runs good. actually seems like more spark that orignal setup. Timimg it was a cinch with proper gap on points and minor timing rod adjustment. Oh well just a way around electronic box that was way over priced. I would offer this conversion parts list and schematic to anybody who would like to try it.