Electronic Ignition Kits
Discussion
I'm wanting to buy my Dad and electronic ignition kit for his 1500 MG Midget as a birthday surprise.
There is a wide range of prices and brands, the only one I've heard of is Lumenition stuff which is at the top end of the price range, and at over £100 more than I want to spend. The Accuspark ones look quite tempting at £30, but worried that's too cheap to be any good. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-Midget-1500-cc-AccuSp...
What would people recommend at a lowish price point? Anything I should definitely avoid?
The engine is standard and will just be used on the road. Reliabiltiy, and not making the engine not run any worse than before, would be the main criteria.
There is a wide range of prices and brands, the only one I've heard of is Lumenition stuff which is at the top end of the price range, and at over £100 more than I want to spend. The Accuspark ones look quite tempting at £30, but worried that's too cheap to be any good. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-Midget-1500-cc-AccuSp...
What would people recommend at a lowish price point? Anything I should definitely avoid?
The engine is standard and will just be used on the road. Reliabiltiy, and not making the engine not run any worse than before, would be the main criteria.
Edited by blueST on Thursday 22 September 11:57
understanding price may be an issue, try not to buy low cost items; they'll breakdown and leave car stranded. unlike traditional distributors, they can not be repaired or easily repaired by side of road.
can recommend one of these if your budget permits http://www.mgcars.org.uk/peterburgess/123.html peter burgess website also confirms they'll set-up unit for best power curve.
can recommend one of these if your budget permits http://www.mgcars.org.uk/peterburgess/123.html peter burgess website also confirms they'll set-up unit for best power curve.
v8250 said:
understanding price may be an issue, try not to buy low cost items; they'll breakdown and leave car stranded. unlike traditional distributors, they can not be repaired or easily repaired by side of road.
can recommend one of these if your budget permits http://www.mgcars.org.uk/peterburgess/123.html peter burgess website also confirms they'll set-up unit for best power curve.
I hope his distributors are better designed than his web site! It's aweful can recommend one of these if your budget permits http://www.mgcars.org.uk/peterburgess/123.html peter burgess website also confirms they'll set-up unit for best power curve.
Obviously that's a well thought out product but it's too expensive for me, and I think the adjustable curves would be wasted in this application.I've used the accuspark on many customers cars, out of 20 pluss only had 1 not work (didn't work when i received it BUT the packaging was damaged by the fooking PO) it was changed and with me in 3 days after i showed pics and posted it back.
I know many many more VW owners who run the same and a few cortina owners as well, all happy with it, longest test so far is 4 years without a problem but it is a low millage camper (TBH most classics are low millage) but it is out on the road every other week at some dub show or the other.
As abouve never really had any issues with points and condensor ign UNLESS the dizzy is worn then they go wronge all the time or if left sitting the points face rusts and looses contact, in that case these are a godsend, saves you sanding the points when you want to get it out
I know many many more VW owners who run the same and a few cortina owners as well, all happy with it, longest test so far is 4 years without a problem but it is a low millage camper (TBH most classics are low millage) but it is out on the road every other week at some dub show or the other.
As abouve never really had any issues with points and condensor ign UNLESS the dizzy is worn then they go wronge all the time or if left sitting the points face rusts and looses contact, in that case these are a godsend, saves you sanding the points when you want to get it out
Hooli said:
Buy him something useful instead. I did something like 50k in my 1500 Midget without a single problem relating to the points.
I agree,all I do is check the gap and timing at the start of the year.Also your dad may be like me with his classic and want to keep everything original specification.I would not dream of fitting electronics to a classic.Try and find out if his car is in need of something else,something he really wants?? Within the price band you are looking at i'd stick with conventional points as there is value in originality and for a small amount of cash and maintenence every six months or so you'll be OK.
I bought a kit from 1-2-3 for my GT junior (they have them for MGs too) and its been great, it was a couple of hundred quid a few years back but the price has gone up now sadly. I got it because my spanner ability is limited to oil, filter and plug changes. I hope to have the car for a few years to come so somehow it may pay for itself in the end. On the positive it claims to be "maintenence free" and has been so far. My mechanic who looks after the car and knows way more than me rates it very highly and has even advised his other customers to change to the 1-2-3 (I have no connection with the company)from other electronic units that have played up. The advantage being, aside from performance is plug staight in, no need for ancillary box stuff in the bay - and "original look".
However if your Dad is competent with timing and points changing i'd advise that you may be getting into "buy cheap- buy twice" territory at a hundred quid.
Whatever you do, hope your Dad has a great birthday
I bought a kit from 1-2-3 for my GT junior (they have them for MGs too) and its been great, it was a couple of hundred quid a few years back but the price has gone up now sadly. I got it because my spanner ability is limited to oil, filter and plug changes. I hope to have the car for a few years to come so somehow it may pay for itself in the end. On the positive it claims to be "maintenence free" and has been so far. My mechanic who looks after the car and knows way more than me rates it very highly and has even advised his other customers to change to the 1-2-3 (I have no connection with the company)from other electronic units that have played up. The advantage being, aside from performance is plug staight in, no need for ancillary box stuff in the bay - and "original look".
However if your Dad is competent with timing and points changing i'd advise that you may be getting into "buy cheap- buy twice" territory at a hundred quid.
Whatever you do, hope your Dad has a great birthday
He is extremely handy when it comes to tinkering. The car is a bare metal nut and bolt restoration. The only thing he's not done himself is the paint.
The reason I was looking at getting an ignition kit was that i know it's on his list of stuff to do. He is not an originality fetishist, there's a BMW 5 speed gearbox waiting to go in!
If not an ignition kit, any other suggestions?
The reason I was looking at getting an ignition kit was that i know it's on his list of stuff to do. He is not an originality fetishist, there's a BMW 5 speed gearbox waiting to go in!
If not an ignition kit, any other suggestions?
blueST said:
If not an ignition kit, any other suggestions?
I thought your first idea for electronic ignition was good enough myself. Yes points are easy but electronic ignition is even easier and both are susceptible to breakdown. Given that new cars have electronic ignition systems these days I think the arguments between conventional & entirely electronic systems has been well and truly sorted. I fitted a Pertronix system to my Elan which is cheaper than the Lumenition systems and I know a few Lotus owners with the same system. I believe it's similar to the Aldon Ignitor and fits entirely within the distributor so the engine bay looks original. For a standard road car I can't see the point in paying any more.
But given what you've said about your father, I'd stick to buying something from his "to do" list myself. Other things might be if there are any tools he needs (good trolley jacks are always handy) or why not something car-related like marque clothing or a decent book on the model ?
blueST said:
He is extremely handy when it comes to tinkering. The car is a bare metal nut and bolt restoration. The only thing he's not done himself is the paint.
The reason I was looking at getting an ignition kit was that i know it's on his list of stuff to do. He is not an originality fetishist, there's a BMW 5 speed gearbox waiting to go in!
If not an ignition kit, any other suggestions?
If you had talked to someone like myself or the average AA or RAC patrolman in the 60s and 70s, they would have told you that over 85% of the breakdowns they attended were due to points and/or condensor failure.The reason I was looking at getting an ignition kit was that i know it's on his list of stuff to do. He is not an originality fetishist, there's a BMW 5 speed gearbox waiting to go in!
If not an ignition kit, any other suggestions?
Get him a 123 kit and he will spoil you for life! I can think of nothing better.
Mind you, a weekend on a deserted island with Carol Vorderman sounds not bad!
J
J
Steer clear of the Accuspark unit!
I bought a kit & coil from ebay a while back (brand new), fitted it to my Amazon and the car wouldn't start. Contacted the seller and he sent me a replacement kit free of charge... that one also did not work. As the kit was only 45 quid I wrote the loss off. I got a friendly auto electrician to check the units out. His verdict? "they're s
t, mate".
I fitted an Aldon Ignitor system on a 2L Capri back in 2003 and that was faultless. So if you're going to purchase a kit, I'd certainly recommend this one.
I guess if you avoid the cheap versions you'll be OK.
I've gone back to points and a condensor on my car BTW... yeah, electronic systems are supposed to be better, but the car did start 1st turn of the key all last winter. Including one morning at -18!
I bought a kit & coil from ebay a while back (brand new), fitted it to my Amazon and the car wouldn't start. Contacted the seller and he sent me a replacement kit free of charge... that one also did not work. As the kit was only 45 quid I wrote the loss off. I got a friendly auto electrician to check the units out. His verdict? "they're s
t, mate".I fitted an Aldon Ignitor system on a 2L Capri back in 2003 and that was faultless. So if you're going to purchase a kit, I'd certainly recommend this one.
I guess if you avoid the cheap versions you'll be OK.
I've gone back to points and a condensor on my car BTW... yeah, electronic systems are supposed to be better, but the car did start 1st turn of the key all last winter. Including one morning at -18!
OP,
There's an Aldon unit in my MGB since a couple of years and am very pleased. You can get different versions (according to the level of modifications to the engine).
The 123 devices are overpriced, IMHO...
Electronic ignition is a worthwile upgrade in my book, as it take the 'maintenance' of the points away, yet it might be a good idea to carry points just in case...
There's an Aldon unit in my MGB since a couple of years and am very pleased. You can get different versions (according to the level of modifications to the engine).
The 123 devices are overpriced, IMHO...
Electronic ignition is a worthwile upgrade in my book, as it take the 'maintenance' of the points away, yet it might be a good idea to carry points just in case...
blueST said:
v8250 said:
understanding price may be an issue, try not to buy low cost items; they'll breakdown and leave car stranded. unlike traditional distributors, they can not be repaired or easily repaired by side of road.
can recommend one of these if your budget permits http://www.mgcars.org.uk/peterburgess/123.html peter burgess website also confirms they'll set-up unit for best power curve.
I hope his distributors are better designed than his web site! It's aweful can recommend one of these if your budget permits http://www.mgcars.org.uk/peterburgess/123.html peter burgess website also confirms they'll set-up unit for best power curve.
Obviously that's a well thought out product but it's too expensive for me, and I think the adjustable curves would be wasted in this application.he buys in the 123 dissys as do MGOC ect. rather than design or make them, the programable ones do need setting up though
you wouldn't need the programmable ones and he also does the standard (pre set) 123 dissys
but as you say well out of your budget
if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you'll see a number of lower priced units recommended by members
beware these have to be fitted carefully or their thin wires car be nicked or worn thorough causing intermittent or dead stop problems on the car
personally I prefer the 123 as it replaces the whole dissy with new and full electronic but there are other makes of replacement dissys with electronic igniters available
I have the Aldon Unit fitted to my Morris Minor and it has been fine. Can't say I had loads of trouble with points but doing a relatively high mileage meant adjusting/replacement every other month but since fitting the aldon unit it has been fit and forget.
Another useful conversion was the fitting an electronic kit into the fuel pump but not sure if the spitfire has an electrical pump?
Another useful upgrade would be halogen headlights.
Another useful conversion was the fitting an electronic kit into the fuel pump but not sure if the spitfire has an electrical pump?
Another useful upgrade would be halogen headlights.
My previous MG B had lumenition electronic ignition fitted and it worked brilliantly, but it wasn't that cheap.
What about replacing some of the trim with nicer bits and pieces? I can't say for midgets, only Bs, but things like gearstick gaiters and matching chrome rings, chrome ashtrays instead of the standard morgue black were nice pressies for me in the past.
What about replacing some of the trim with nicer bits and pieces? I can't say for midgets, only Bs, but things like gearstick gaiters and matching chrome rings, chrome ashtrays instead of the standard morgue black were nice pressies for me in the past.
Thanks for all your advice folks. To much to reply to individually!
Ive done as much on line research as I can in the time I've had. A lot of the cheaper and mid priced kits look and operate in a very similar manner, but it's impossible to judge what the relative quality is like. Some may well be rebranded versions of the exact same thing. E.g, the Aldon and Pertronix stuff looks close to identical. User feedback is about the same for everything, mostly positive with a few troublesome units reported. It would seem, that if a kit (whoever it's from) works when fitted, it'll probably carry on working. But, the vast majority of these vehicles probably cover tiny mileages so many are never going to get chance to wear out. All food for thought...
In terms of other stuff, he does need some trim bits and pieces still, but I've already been told that a lot of it is shoddy Chinese reproductions. He had some horrible indicators that were nothing like the originals. Anybody recommend a good quality source body trim?
Ive done as much on line research as I can in the time I've had. A lot of the cheaper and mid priced kits look and operate in a very similar manner, but it's impossible to judge what the relative quality is like. Some may well be rebranded versions of the exact same thing. E.g, the Aldon and Pertronix stuff looks close to identical. User feedback is about the same for everything, mostly positive with a few troublesome units reported. It would seem, that if a kit (whoever it's from) works when fitted, it'll probably carry on working. But, the vast majority of these vehicles probably cover tiny mileages so many are never going to get chance to wear out. All food for thought...
In terms of other stuff, he does need some trim bits and pieces still, but I've already been told that a lot of it is shoddy Chinese reproductions. He had some horrible indicators that were nothing like the originals. Anybody recommend a good quality source body trim?
blueST,
again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
a great present if his tyres are more than say 6 years old (regardless of tread depth) and/or he doesn’t do many miles a year a new set of tyres could transform the handling, roadholding, braking, noise ect. well beyond what most owners would ever expect - and of course add to safety – a present he can see, feel, experience and benefit from for a long time
I can thotoughly personally recommend Yokohama a-drive but again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
woodytypeS,
for condensers, rotor arms, dissy caps you and others should try the Distibutor Doctor
again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
a great present if his tyres are more than say 6 years old (regardless of tread depth) and/or he doesn’t do many miles a year a new set of tyres could transform the handling, roadholding, braking, noise ect. well beyond what most owners would ever expect - and of course add to safety – a present he can see, feel, experience and benefit from for a long time
I can thotoughly personally recommend Yokohama a-drive but again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
woodytypeS,
for condensers, rotor arms, dissy caps you and others should try the Distibutor Doctor
na said:
a great present if his tyres are more than say 6 years old (regardless of tread depth) and/or he doesn’t do many miles a year a new set of tyres could transform the handling, roadholding, braking, noise ect. well beyond what most owners would ever expect - and of course add to safety – a present he can see, feel, experience and benefit from for a long time
I can thotoughly personally recommend Yokohama a-drive but again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
I've had a quick look on mgbbs, but haven't signed up yet to be able to view everything. Will do though.I can thotoughly personally recommend Yokohama a-drive but again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
There's a brand new set of minilites with Toyos waiting to go on, so tyres are not an option.
na said:
blueST,
again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
a great present if his tyres are more than say 6 years old (regardless of tread depth) and/or he doesn’t do many miles a year a new set of tyres could transform the handling, roadholding, braking, noise ect. well beyond what most owners would ever expect - and of course add to safety – a present he can see, feel, experience and benefit from for a long time
I can thotoughly personally recommend Yokohama a-drive but again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
woodytypeS,
for condensers, rotor arms, dissy caps you and others should try the Distibutor Doctor
That reminds me, Martin has some spare panels I own in his loft... again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
a great present if his tyres are more than say 6 years old (regardless of tread depth) and/or he doesn’t do many miles a year a new set of tyres could transform the handling, roadholding, braking, noise ect. well beyond what most owners would ever expect - and of course add to safety – a present he can see, feel, experience and benefit from for a long time
I can thotoughly personally recommend Yokohama a-drive but again if you go on the MG BBS and ask or search the Archives you find loads of info
woodytypeS,
for condensers, rotor arms, dissy caps you and others should try the Distibutor Doctor
unless he's flogged them
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