The ignition system is a classic concept, with the difference that it is powered by a 24 volts battery (or two 12 volts batteries).
You can convert the system to a Pertronix electronic ignition. The problem is that there is no kit for Volvo 6 cylinder engines. Also there is no kit for our Bosch distributor. You will have to pay for 3 ignition systems to make your own, or you can convert the whole electric system to 12 Volts and you can use 2 ignition system. Or you can send $200-250 and your distributor to Pertronix and they will make a custom kit for you. I purchased 2 kits and I used parts from both.
24 volts system:
You need to purchase the following Pertronix kits: UM-161 (Unimog 6 cylinders, 24 volts)
18683 (Magnet sleeve for BMW 6 cylinders - 0 231 305 059 distributor CW rotation)
1843 (base plate for our CCW distributor)
C303 distributor is 0 231 305 058 CCW rotation
Once you get the kits, you will have to swap the magnet sleeve from UM-161 with the one from 1868 (or buy just the magnet sleeve from Continental Engines, part # 18683). Next remove the rivets that holds the igniters on the base plates and put the UM-161 igniter on the 1843 base plate. Use appropriate screws to fasten it to the base plate. Install the base plate into the distributor and connect it according to the instructions that came with UM-161 model. Also mount the magnet sleeve. The distance between the magnet sleeve and the igniter should be 0.030". You can get the kits from the links I posted (Electronic Ignition1 and Electronic Ignition 2). You can get more information on mounting the kit on Distributor2 link.
Because I didn't want to spend another $80, I didn't purchased the 1843 kit. Instead I adapted the UM-161 base plate to fit the C303 distributor. I needed to drill a hole to fasten the plate, and file 2 notches on the plate to keep it from moving. Those 2 notches are fitting into the 2 prongs used to align the points. I filled the notches after I drilled the hole, using them to adjust the distance of the igniter to the magnetic sleeve.
This is the distributor without points and condenser.
This is the Pertronix UM-161 module. The base needs to be removed or modified, since it will not fit directly into the Volvo's distributor.
This is the difference between the magnet sleeves (on the right is the one for BMW that I will use, and on the left is the one for Unimog).
The following image shows the magnet sleeve mounted on the rotor and the igniter on the modified plate (this is from the Unimog kit). I marked the modifications with arrows (one hole and 2 notches).
Here you can see the assembly mounted on the distributor. Left arrow points to the 2 notches, and the right one points to the mounting screw.
The wire routing is shown here (It seems that the Unimog has the distributor rotating CW). Be careful to route the wires away from any moving parts!
I also purchased a Pertronix FlameThrower coil (24 volts). I connected the coil following the instructions from the Unimog Kit (UM-161).
12 volts system:
You need to purchase the following Pertronix kit: 18683 (magnet sleeve for BMW 6 cylinders - 0 231 305 059 distributor CW rotation), and Pertronix kit 1843 for the base plate. Or you can get just 1868 kit and tweak the base plate. Then install the kit following the manufacturer's instructions.
Troubleshooting Pertronix:
The electronic ignition fired from the first try, I just needed to set the advance with a strobe light. Just in case you have problems, here is the Pertronix tech support page.
This is another link to a different electronic ignition. I just don't know if they have it in 24 volts version.
