Hi Jim.I'd spring for the ignition system and lose the extra pound up front if you can afford it.Problem is,sometimes these older WW1 warbirds need the extra weight up front to get them to balance right.Check and see whether this will affect your Cof G or not.Wouldn't make a lot of sense to switch to an electronic ignition system to lose the weight just to have to put it back on again.However,some versions of electronic ignitions allow for much easier hand starting than with your present standard ignition.Most of these smaller engines using a magneto system have to be usually spinning a minimum of about 200 r.p.m before the ignitions kick in.If you aint flipping the engine over quick enough,it just isn't going to generate sufficient electrical current to spark the plug.Some brands of engines seem to be a bit harder to start than others.The guy to ask here in this forum would be Ralph otherwise known as RCIGN1.He can help to answer any questions you may have about electronic ignitions and how to set them up.He makes them.There are also a few others in here as well that also offer similiar ignition devices.There names escape me at this moment unfortunately.Maybe they will read this thread and chime in to offer you some assistance as well.Good luck in your endeavours Jim.