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Alternative ignition systems

There are various options and the pages lists these as cheaper, simpler alternatives, but no recommendation is implied by this.  Some owners rate these highly, some don't.

Simon's Best British Classics

The website lists a range of products from electronic ignition to coils and distributors, as well as fuel pumps and numeropus other spares.

The site lists both 45D and 25D kits.

From the site description:

Our Powerspark 25D ignition kit and Powermax Red Rotor Arm are a superb pairing giving increased durability and performance for your MGB.
The Powerspark solution replaces your points, condenser and original rotor arm with a simple, easy to fit magnetic pickup module.
Install our conversion kit easily and do away with the traditional points method of ignition, this is the latest release of this robust and popular conversion kit. Used in conjunction with our standard points type coil or Lucas DLB105 Gold Sports Coil this points replacement gives you the benefits below:

• Improved performance
• Improved Durability
• Improved fuel economy
• Easy plug and play installation
• Better gains with our POWERMAX rotor arm

The Powermax red rotor arm is an up-rated rotor arm with the latest materials and modern design designed to ensure all of the traditional weaknesses are removed.

SimonBBC

Accuspark

As with the some of the others, the company carry a range of distributor parts for original systems.  However, more information can be found on their website.

Distributor Doctor

Apart from supplying parts to those that want quality original points and condensors etc, the Distributor Doctor also offers electronic ignition kits.

The kits are the Pertronix range - see below.

Lumenition Magnetronic

Although a fixed advance in that it simply relies on the existing advance mechanisms within the original distributor unit, it is favoured for its original look under the bonnet and its relatively low cost.  However, any wear within the advance systems will not be corrected so in theory, this upgrade really works best with a reconditioned distributor.

From Lumenition's Webpage:

"Sometimes, small is beautiful.

That’s why Lumenition perfected the tiny Magnetronic Ignition Module. Measuring only an inch, the whole system is easily fitted INSIDE the distributor. Using the Hall Effect, it’s a sure fire way to simply improve on the old points and contacts while maintaining an untouched look in the engine bay. Inportant for those Classic Car purists who don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere on a rainy afternoon. Available for a wide range of vehicles. Check our application page.

FEATURES: 

- Replaces contact breakers and condenser.

- Reduces ignition maintenance.

- Simple to install.

- Completely self contained within the distributor.

- Note: Negative earth only."

Lumenition Optronic

Although again a fixed advance in that it simply relies on the existing advance mechanisms within the original distributor unit, it is again favoured for its original look under the bonnet albeit with an external module added and its relatively low cos, although more expensive than the Magnetronic.  However, any wear within the advance systems will not be corrected so in theory, this upgrade really works best with a reconditioned distributor.  

From Lumenition's Webpage:

"How it works: An optical switch is fitted to the same plate from where the points were removed and a plastic segmented chopper is slipped over the distributor cam. As the cam turns, the chopper blade (one for each cylinder) interrupts the infra-red beam from being detected by the silicon phototransistor in the optical switch.These trigger pulses are sent on to the Power Module that charges the coil for a dead accurate and powerful spark.

Instant benefits include:

FEATURES:

-Contactless operation. 

-High power output transistor for fast and accurate switching of the coil. 

-Fixed dwell give higher performance from existing coil under all conditions. 

-Fully compatible with Lumenition Rev Limiters for complete engine protection.

There are two ranges to choose from: 

The Standard Optronic system, ideal for all road and classic cars as well as boats. This comes with a trigger, chopper, power module and fitting kit and brings all the benefits of a Lumenition Optronic System.

The Performance Optronic system is suited to high speed engines and is ideal for all performance drivers, particularly race and rally applications. This system includes all the benefits of the Optronic Sysytem and comes with Lumenition’s own Constant Energy coil electronically matched to the power module, to give an added kick.

FEATURES:

-Contactless operation. 

-High energy ignition coil electronically matched to power module. 

-Microcircuit control of the coil current giving optimum performance across speed and voltage range, ensuring constant maximum spark energy at the coil. 

-Variable dwell angle, optimising energy use to prevent low speed coil over heat.. 

-Automatic switch off, preventing electrical damage in the event of ignition being on. 

-Fully compatible with Lumenition Rev Limiters for complete engine protection.

There are no permanent modifications and installation is simple for anyone with general automotive skills, and usually takes less than an hour. Alternatively the unit may be fitted by one of our experienced dealers.There is a fitting kit for a whole range of cars."

 

 

From the official web-site:

Newtronic Systems - Car And Motorcycle Accessories

"Formerly Known as Piranha Electronic Ignition Systems Ltd."

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Following the placing of Newtronics Ltd into Liquidation on 15th February 2006, the assets of Newtronics Ltd have, with effect from the 3rd March 2006, been purchased by Autocar Electrical Equipment Co Ltd, the designers, manufacturers and worldwide distributors of the long established Lumenition range of Electronic Ignition Systems, with the intention of re-starting production and sale of most of the existing Newtronics product range as soon as possible. Autocar is unable to accept web based orders from customers at the present time on this site but enquiries and orders from Newtronic's regular trade customers should be sent, preferably by fax or email, to Autocar Electrical Equipment Co Ltd ( contact details are given below ).

Autocar have taken ownership of the old website set up by Newtronic Ltd
however the content of the Newtronic.co.uk website has not been modified
therefore obviously all references shown on the Newtronic website relating
specifically to Newtronic Ltd are no longer relevant.

In addition, not all of the previous Newtronic product range shown will be available from
Autocar when the brand is re-launched later in 2006, only ignition systems and heated
products are likely to be available later this year.

Autocar Electrical Equipment Co Ltd.
49-51 Tiverton St.
London SE1 6NZ
Telephone: +(44) 0207 403 4334
Fax: +(44) 0207 378 1270

Email: newtronic@autocar-electrical.com

Benefits 

Fuel economy - By burning the petrol more completely the engine uses less fuel resulting in a significant increase in miles per gallon.

Increased power - Again as a direct result of more complete combustion, the engine produces more power for the same amount of fuel making your car or bike more responsive. Better starting The increased energy in the spark makes starting easier and gives "first time" starting almost every time.

Reliability - The unit gives a reliability, which is only obtainable through the latest solid state electronics.

Cleaner exhaust - Electronic ignition is fitted as standard in many countries that have stringent exhaust regulations.

Reduce maintenance - With no contacting moving parts to wear out, no points to replace, and timing that stays accurate for an indefinite period maintenance requirements are considerably reduced.

Smoother running - The accurate timing of the unit together with the complete elimination of points bounce means that an engine runs much more smoothly.

How It Works

The contactless electronic ignition system uses an optical trigger to energize the coil. A slotted disc fitted, revolves between an infra-red light emitting diode and a photo-transistor. As the slots in the disc alternately expose and cover the light they activate the photo-transistor which in turn triggers the circuitry to switch the coil and produce a spark.

At high speeds, the disc system allows up to three times longer for the coil to charge than is available with a points system. This ensures a powerful spark even at high speed.

Another important feature of this system is that there are no contacting moving parts, so wear and tear are eliminated and the timing stays accurate for an indefinitely long period.

Simple to fit

The Newtronics ignition kit is easy to fit and comes with full, simple fitting instructions. First the old points and condenser are removed from the distributor and replaced by the adapter, disc and lamp. All that remains is to connect the unit to the coil, a 12 volt power supply and to earth.

Compare the output

The diagram clearly shows the advantage that can be gained from fitting a Newtronic Contactless Ignition system. The grey area shows just how much more energy the spark has even over correctly adjusted new points. The light blue areas shows how spark energy decreases as points become worn.

After 5,000 miles the frictional wear and points erosion will impair the timing and reduce the energy available to the spark. Contactless Ignition has no frictional losses and is switched faster at all speeds for ultimate efficiency.


PerTronix Ignitor electronic ignition for MG

From the PerTronix website

"PerTronix has announced the availability of Ignitor Electronic Ignition kits for many older Lucas distributors, adding to their extensive line of applications which easily convert point-triggered distributors to breakerless electronic ignition.

The Ignitor module replaces the stock points and condenser and fits entirely under the distributor cap, retaining the original appearance of the engine compartment and "offering all the advantages of electronic ignition systems costing hundreds of dollars more”, according to PerTronix.

The unit installs as quick as a set of points, needs no maintenance, and is a simple, cost effective way to improve performance while increasing economy and dependability.

Ignitor kit #LU-142A retrofits pre-1974 Austin Minis and Sprites, MG Midgets, MGAs, MGBs and Triumph TR3s and TR4s. Kit #LU-143 converts point-type MGB distributors of 1974 and later, while kit #LU-162A handles '65-'71 Jaguar, '68-76 Triumph and Austin Healey 3000.

Ignitor kits are also available for many Lucas electronic ignition systems (#LU-141), which replaces the distributor's triggering mechanism and bypass the "black box".

See below for the coils

 

PerTronix Flame-Thrower® Electronic Distributor

 

 

From the PerTronix website

"Announcing the availability of a cast electronic distributor for British A & B series 4 cylinder engines. This distributor incorporates our performance proven Ignitor® electronic ignition which requires only 2 wires to connect for an easy installation. Special attention has been paid to the advance curve to optimize performance and drivability. These distributors are offered in both 12-volt negative and positive ground. Use our recommended 40,000 volt rated Flame-Thrower 3.0 ohm coil for proper compatibility and enhanced performance.

PerTronix products are available through most automotive retailers or contact us directly for your nearest retailer."

Coils

"While it's the perfect coil to go with the PerTronix Ignitor breakerless ignition, our new 40,000 volt Flame-Thrower can benefit virtually any distributor type induction system. For one thing, the higher voltage allows larger spark plug gaps for added power, smoother response and better fuel economy.

Choose from chrome or OEM black, they're oil filled for better cooling and voltage insulation; or get the epoxy version of the Flame-Thrower when extreme vibration is a factor.

 

 

Simpler, cheaper...

Magnetronic

Apart from EDIS and the 123, there are various simpler systems that sit inside the distributor.  Some have been around a long time, and some are fairly new to the market.

On this page and in no particular order: