Electronic ignition and old cars

[crankedup5]

Both of my Austin’s are fitted with the 1960’s conventional ignition system and thus far preform fine.
I am aware that the maintenance is important in retaining reliability.
My question, is it worthwhile fitting electronic (fit and forget) ignition?

[TonyRPH]

Easier starting and (usually) improved fuel consumption are at least two benefits, so I'd say it's worth it.

There can also be a minor improvement in performance in some cases.

It's worth doing in my opinion.

[crankedup5]

Thanks for comments, likely I will see how the old girls perform this Summer, and then decide. My local garage suggested not to go that route as they are troublesome! vested interest perhaps.
I just find the points really very fiddly nowadays with my sausage fingers.

[sparkythecat]

I’m old enough to remember resetting ignition points at the side of the road using a bit of fag packet cardboard as a makeshift feeler guage, so I would say yes - go electronic and get rid of the points if you can.

[coetzeeh]

Fitted a 123 electronic ignition to my 65 Alfa and it has been brilliant. You wont regret it.

[crankedup5]

Any other recommendations to which brand, thanks,

[XR]

Back in the 70's Lumenition kits were a popular choice, it was fit and forget!

Having said that I do still get some pleasure and satisfaction in replacing the points and condenser and using my timing light for that perfect tune on some of my friends classics whom strive for originality, and you have to be a certain age to appreciate a dwell angle

[Skyedriver]

Back in the 70's i used Lumenition on a number of cars, it was usually trouble free.
I tried a Sparkrite set up on a Clan once, absolute rubbish.
My 1991 Caterham with it's crossflow Ford engine is on an Aldon dizzy with points and condenser. I have thought about going Megajolt a few times but the cost along with the faff of fitting and the worry that if it fails at the roadside etc., has put me off.

[OLDBENZ]

Another thumbs up for 123 ignition from me. I have them on 4 cars at present (one of which with dual ignition has two). I have been using 123 for about 15 years and have never had a problem with them.

Before using 123 most of my old car 'running problems' were ignition related - point, rotor arm, condenser, ballast resister - you name it. I also painted the caps of my 123s black to look more period. The originals are red.

[//j17]

I've gone MegaJolt on my Spitfire and, after a session on the rolling road, it's made a hell of a difference to overall drivability. The most noticable difference is in the low and mid-range torque, to the point the Triumph specialist I use thought I'd swapped from 1.3L to 1.5L engines the first time it was in his place after the swap. And all down to getting a spark when you need it, not somewhere sort of about the right time (and interesting to look at the map and see how non-linear and random that time can be, so not something you can ever match with some different springs and weights).

As for reliability, well the parts are certainly no less reliable that points and generally more-so, for a start because there are fewer of them and many of them have been proven on millions of Fords over the years.

[PositronicRay]

Another vote for 123, love the programmable advance curve and led to set the timing.

If it's a keeper, and your replacing a tired old dizzy worth considering.

[crankedup5]

Interesting experiences shared.
The other issue is the replacement of the old ignition system, so many bad news stories about cheap tat from China (not so cheap tbf) being as much use as a chocolate tea pot.
Looks like I will be going 123 route at end of season

[vpr]

123 on my Etype. Fitted 7 years ago. Faultless

[MCSV8]

I fitted Lumenition to my Stag about 30 years ago. Never had a single ignition problem since.

Except for the very early Stags, they have dual points which are a real PITA to set up and they seem to cause premature baseplate wear, which causes all sorts of wandering timing fun.

Recently gave up with the Lucas Opus on my Aston and fitted the performance Luminition, which apart from some problems with the tacho, is working well. Hot starting particularly is much better.

If anyone is interested in the tacho problems and solution, PM me.

[TarquinMX5]

As others have said, people were 'upgrading' their ignition back in the 70s/80s, you're a bit late to the party

I also used Lumenition which worked well and, based on the previous post, I presume it's still available.

[Shezbo]

I fitted electronic ignition to 2 TR6 and a TR4a and 100% all ran and started better.

I cannot remember the make but The Distribution DR supplied everything, lovely to deal with too!

[Panamax]

It's not just about the distributor and the points - the voltage is sooo much higher that you've got a much better chance of firing the plugs properly.

[JohnnyUK]

Are 123 kits easy to fit? And the best place to buy them?

I have a 1959 Frogeye with a 1275cc Midget engine.

Thanks!

[hilly10]

I relented this Spring and fitted Electronic ignition to my TR6, the car now starts easier also it’s spot on right through the rev range it just feels so much better. Get it fitted you will not regret it.

[Bozwell]

for the price Accuspark distributor kits are an option.


Fitted a couple of kits and they have been fine.