12v battery, 12v bulbs, and either a radio shack rectifier, or the regulator/rectifier combo; after finding out accidentally leaving the key on can cost you a coil; I think adding a regulator is a good idea...for those forgetful moments, especially when doing key required maintenance. I am pretty sure that's why regulators got added later to prevent those distracted CRS moments. But if you can remember the key, then you can certainly get by with out one.
If you choose to go with a 12v coil, it will certainly give you a performance boost as I have recently found out, a hotter stronger spark gives a more complete burn, you get quite a bit more just by switching to a 12v battery, but there's a big difference between wax packed coil technology of 40 plus years ago and coils now. I'd suggest switching to one as well since they can be had for super cheap off of ebay from bike strippers, but definitely not required for the conversion. I was reading a forum else where on how to do away with coils altogether using a series of resistors, but that kind of thing isn't really up my alley. Although, I do know how to get rid of the giant heavy hulk of a battery...for those trying to achieve lighter bikes for racing etc. if there is interest I'll try and get a tut together for that.
But how has my ignition changed? Before the mod plug against the cylinder while kicking over, I could visually read about 4-6 arcs from the plug from the top of the kick to the bottom hard to really tell because it was fast, and pretty dim to see clearly. Spark was so weak it took all of that to fire it over. After the conversion, on the stock 6v coil it would fire and run halfway through the kick. With the 12v coil it fires as soon as the motor starts to turn...literally less than 3 inches of kick and its running.
If anyone hasn't noticed already, I like kick starting over using a starter...something just doesn't seem authentic about starting a bike with a button. I am not pleased that my 454 is starter button only...but not much can be done about that so c'est la vie.
I'll try to get a new video up soon, of how easy the ignition is now, and the new throttle response. I am going out of town til mid June, so if I can't get something posted before Friday, it will have to be when I get back.
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