Ask The Editors: Upgrading Ignitions – Points to CDI
Dear ATVC:
I just bought a CDI engine but my three wheeler had a points ignition system. Can I just convert everything so it corresponds with my CDI?
Connor Miele
Excellent question. The answer depends entirely upon what electronics componentry came with your new CDI-equipped engine. If the complete digital ignition was included, then indeed all you would be looking at for the upgrade would mounting the engine and running the new wiring up to your three-wheeler’s ignition switch.
However, if you are attempting to mix and match ignition components between the points system and the more modern digital ignition, things could become a lot trickier. Without making this a complicated lesson in science, the basic difference between the contact point (or points) ignition and electronic ignition system such as the CDI you describe lies in the fact that the primary electrical circuit is opened and closed by rudimentary switches (contact points) whereas in an electronic system, the primary circuit is open and closed by an electronic signal (coming from a small black controller box). From a practical standpoint digital ignitions use a coil and wiring designed to handle the higher and more consistent voltage produced by the electronic ignition system.
As a result, your best bet if you are lacking some of the ignition components with your new engine would be to track down the remaining electrical bits from a later model of the machine once it had come stock with the CDI ignition (eBay would likely be invaluable here). Trash the vintage points stuff and enjoy the reliability associated with a modern digital ignition on your vintage machine.
