Since the digest seems to have dried up I will take this chance to start
a new thread on the above topic.
Let me throw this out to you LBC sisters and brothers to see if we can
collectivly agree on what might be the best Electronic Ignition system
to install in an MGB and why.
I am at a point where I need to invest in an electronic ignition for my
current B project. I have an original Lucas integral (in distributor)
system, I have the separate Lucas (black box under coil) and have an
XR700 system. They all have their limitations/problems.
The integral Lucas is *supposed to be unreliable* I have no experiance
with this yet, other than one of my B's has the module (wires cut off)
and the XR700 installed with the distributor. It seems to work OK?
The Lucas external amp set up, *supposed to be the most trouble free*
I have installed in my 79B. Every once in a while it lets me down.
I think it is the darn car saying I am feeling neglected, 'cos you are
spending too much time with that *old* 76! The 79 just decides it is
not going to start until you pull off the cap, look at the rotor, then
fiddle with wires, crank & run the battery down a little, remove a plug
and check for a spark. Then it will start! The coil has been replaced,
the cap, rotor, plugs and wires. Whenever I have this situation I check
for 12v at the coil etc etc. I have replaced all the connectors, bullets
and spades. The only thing left is the magnetic pickup coil. It always
has continuity and never a short circuit, when I check. This problem
occurs about three times a year, so I live with it and the pain.
The XR700, I installed in my 72 daily driver, but removed it and went
back to points, because I was never realy happy with the way it idled.
The day I put the points back, it never had run as well, so I stuck
with the points system, the module is still on the fender!
My son's 72B has one of the early XR700 units installed, it runs like a
champ, but mine did not. Difference in the two *identical* units, maybe?
So now you know where I am coming from. I want to buy a new unit and I
want one that is *reliable*. I do not like the flimsy optical pickup of
the XR700, so I am biased away from that. The new Lucas external unit
is too expensive. Besides I would need to get a different distributor.
So come on folks, what should I buy? Let's keep cost below $200.
Please give me your suggestions, from what I have read in the digest
there are several of you that have after market ignitions, so there is
a wealth of experiance for me to gain from. Let me know what you liked
about your particular ignition system and why. If you can remember, let
me know of a supplier name, phone number, model and cost.
Thank's in advance :- john bartholomew.
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John Bartholomew AMDAHL SAN JOSE CA. Usual disclaimers apply
69 BGT, 74 MGB, 78 MGB, restoring 76 MGB, 72 MGB daily transport.
408-944-3592 (07:00-16:00 PDT) via internet jdb70@amail.amdahl.com
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