Electronic conversion kit for 6-V two-stroke magneto ignitions: The breaker and capacitor are eliminated; the existing ignition base plate, pole wheel, and the remaining original components are retained.
The LEVISTRONIC conversion kit transforms a classic 6-V breaker ignition system into a contactless electronic ignition system. The mechanical breaker and the capacitor are removed or electrically deactivated. The ignition base plate, pole wheel, exciter coil, light coils, and the existing 6-V electrical system can continue to be used.
The advantage is immediately apparent: there is no longer a breaker contact whose gap changes due to wear, and no capacitor that causes misfires due to aging, heat, or poor aftermarket quality. The electronic module controls the ignition timing and automatically sets the ignition to a default value defined by the manufacturer.
Contactless ignition 6 V remains unchanged No breaker required Capacitor not required Adjustable ignition timing Universal for 2-stroke engines For magneto ignition only
| Component | After conversion |
|---|---|
| Ignition base plate | Continues to be used |
| Pole piece or rotor | Continues to be used |
| Exciter and field coils | Will continue to be used |
| 6-V lighting and electrical system | Remain essentially unchanged |
| External high-voltage ignition coil | Can be reused or replaced separately |
| Interrupter contact | Not applicable |
| Capacitor | Not applicable |
| Electronic LEVISTRONIC module | Controls switching timing and ignition timing correction |
A conventional conversion from a contact breaker ignition system to a modern 12-V ignition system usually requires a rotor, ignition base plate, electronic control unit, voltage regulator, compatible bulbs, and—depending on the vehicle—modifications to the wiring harness and switches.
LEVISTRONIC takes a different approach. The existing magneto ignition system remains the technical foundation. Only the mechanical triggering of the ignition spark is replaced by the electronic module. This is particularly appealing for restored vehicles where the original rotor, the existing 6-V electrical system, and the exterior appearance are to be preserved.
The module operates with an automatically calculated default setting. LEVISTRONIC refers to this as the optimal point or the 0° position. If the original position of the ignition base plate is retained and the pole wheel is correctly reinstalled using its original key, no further mechanical adjustment of the breaker is normally required for the default setting.
The calculated default setting can be corrected as needed using the adjustment knob on the module. An additional advance of up to +5° or a retard of up to −17° is possible.
| Base Setting | 0°, intended by the manufacturer as the optimal starting point |
|---|---|
| Maximum advance correction | +5° |
| Maximum late correction | −17° |
| Recommendation | First install in the 0° position and adjust only if technically necessary |
For an ignition system installed in its original configuration—with the ignition base plate in its unmodified position and the pole wheel clearly positioned via a key—the manufacturer states that ignition timing adjustment is not strictly necessary for the basic setup.
However, checking with an ignition timing gun is still advisable. It confirms that the rotor, ignition base plate, wiring, and module position are properly aligned. For engines without a key, a misaligned rotor, a modified ignition base plate, or an unknown engine configuration, the ignition timing must be re-determined and checked.
The simplest application is a two-stroke magneto ignition system with an external high-voltage ignition coil. The LEVISTRONIC module can be combined with any technically suitable external ignition coil; the use of a specific Levistronic coil is not mandatory.
The LEVISTRONIC high-performance ignition coil, part number 85011100, can be used as a matched complement. It is designed for breaker-type ignition systems with an external coil and features a fully insulated magnetic core as well as increased spacing between the high-voltage terminal and ground.
The LEVISTRONIC kit is a conversion of the ignition system, not a conversion of the entire vehicle electrical system. The existing 6-V lighting coils continue to power the lights, horn, and other electrical components as before.
Light bulbs, switches, and the wiring harness therefore do not need to be changed to 12 V solely because of the electronic ignition module. The condition of the existing 6-V electrical system remains unaffected by this and should still be checked during a restoration.
The electrical connection varies depending on the ignition base plate and direction of rotation. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions included with the set.
The decisive factor is not just the vehicle model, but the actual ignition system installed. The kit is designed for two-stroke engines with 6-V magneto ignition, a mechanical breaker, and a capacitor. Vehicles of the same model series may have different ignition systems depending on the year of manufacture or country of sale.
The Vespa 125 ET3 comes equipped with electronic ignition from the factory and is not a standard application for this kit.
Depending on the market, engine number, and year of manufacture, different magneto ignition systems were used in certain model series. The existing ignition base plate must therefore be checked before ordering.
For some early PX models, vehicle specifications note that different pole wheels are used. The pole wheel, base plate, and available installation space must therefore be compared directly on the vehicle.
The manufacturer’s instructions document installation on a Lambretta 125. In principle, the kit is also suitable for other classic Lambretta engines, provided they are actually equipped with magneto ignition featuring a breaker, capacitor, and a suitable high-voltage ignition coil.
Later Lambretta engines or those already converted to electronic ignition are not the intended application. The ignition system actually installed is always the determining factor.
The module is not limited to Vespa and Lambretta. The manufacturer’s documentation lists applications for Mobylette, Montesa, Bultaco, and Ossa, among others, as well as for magneto ignition systems from FEMSA, Motoplat, Bosch, and Novi.
A prerequisite remains a two-stroke magneto ignition system whose breaker and capacitor can be replaced by the electronic module.
Depending on the design and winding direction of the magneto, the module is operated with either normal or reverse wiring. For this reason, the manufacturer recommends first making a temporary connection, followed by checking the ground connections and ignition sparks.
If the connection direction is incorrect, the ignition pulse may be shifted by approximately 45°. The engine will then fail to start. In this case, the connection direction must be changed according to the manufacturer’s wiring diagram.
Frequent starting attempts with the wrong connection direction can flood the engine with fuel. If the result is unclear, the ignition timing should be checked using a stroboscope.
The LEVISTRONIC module does not require a separate chassis ground to function. It can therefore be mounted together with the ignition coil or in another protected location.
However, the ignition coil, the ignition base plate, and all other electrical components still require their technically specified ground and cable connections.
The manufacturer’s documentation also shows connection options for magneto ignition systems with an internal high-voltage ignition coil. However, this design requires a thorough inspection of the coil, the cable terminals, and the insulation clearances.
High voltages can occur in the primary circuit due to the electronic module. Aged coils with weak insulation, unprotected wire connections, or insufficient clearance from metal parts may consequently experience electrical arcing.
If there are issues with internal high-voltage windings, converting to an external high-voltage ignition coil may be the technically sounder solution.
If the crankshaft does not have a key, the original position between the rotor and the motor housing must be clearly marked before disassembly.
If this reference has been lost, the manufacturer’s instructions describe a basic adjustment procedure in which the electrically disconnected distributor is temporarily used solely as a mechanical reference. The final check is performed using a degree disc or stroboscope and the module’s adjustment knob.
In some classic Vespa circuits, the ignition and brake light are electrically linked. These systems often use a brake light switch that functions as a normally closed contact and a 5.6-ohm, 10-watt resistor.
If the spark is missing after the conversion or if the engine stalls when braking, the brake light switch, bulb, resistor, ground wire, and wiring harness must be checked according to the corresponding manufacturer’s wiring diagram.
| Manufacturer | LEVISTRONIC |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | Spain |
| Component | Electronic conversion kit for contact-break ignition systems |
| Application | Universal 2-stroke magneto ignition systems with breaker and capacitor |
| Vehicle electrical system | 6 V |
| Replaced Components | Point contact and capacitor |
| Components reused | Ignition base plate, pole wheel, field coil, light coils, and suitable high-voltage ignition coil |
| Ignition Timing Adjustment | Automatic default setting with relative correction range |
| Adjustment range | +5° to −17° relative to the 0° position |
| Recommended default setting | 0° |
| Ignition coil | Suitable external high-voltage ignition coil |
| Recommended ignition coil | LEVISTRONIC high-performance ignition coil, part number 85011100 |
| Module Dimensions | Not required |
| Not compatible | Battery-powered ignition systems and existing electronic CDI ignition systems |
The exact contents of the package may vary slightly depending on the production status of the set. The manufacturer’s current packaging is authoritative.
The LEVISTRONIC conversion kit is a technically sound solution for classic two-stroke engines where the original 6-V magneto ignition is to be retained. The breaker and capacitor—components prone to wear and malfunction—are eliminated, while the pole piece, ignition base plate, and existing electrical system continue to be used.
The automatic default setting and the correction range from +5° to −17° allow for adaptation to different magneto ignitions. This makes the kit suitable for numerous Vespa, Motovespa, ACMA, Hoffmann, and Lambretta engines, as well as other two-stroke engines with classic breaker ignition.