Alternative to Pertronix Ignition

For those of you that would like a low cost alternative to the Pertronix ignition for your tractor with distributor and 12 volt coil, you can use an ignition module from a mid 1980's to mid 1990's ford vehicle (sometimes referred to as a TFI ignition module).  I have done this on two of my tractors, and these are working tractors and not for show, so original look is not so important.  One of these tractors is a Ford 3600 with loader and very difficult to change points because of access to the distributor.  Man am I looking forward to not having to change pitted points.  It has been a very reliable upgrade and tractor runs great.  I can get TFI modules for $10 to $20 at local junk yards. 

Here is a website that shows the TFI conversion on a fork lift:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417099



Here is a picture on how to wire it up:

That's interesting. I'd never considered that idea. I saw on a Cub Cadet web site where a guy was making a module he called a "Point Saver" that used the original points on the Kohler K engines to trigger his module. All you really need is a big  power transistor that can handle the coil current.
Now the challenge would be to get the hall effect switch and shutter from something like an Escort and graft them into an old distributor.

For the 4 cyl tractors you can take a HEI distrubutor out of a chevette (i don't know what else) and with minor machining put it in an AC 201 or 226.  Works great and very reliable and inexpensive

I did a similar upgrade on my 716 also w/16HP Kohler...
Steve@B&B