Pertronix and Powerspark

[gjz30075]

I'm understand that Pertronix in the US and Powerspark in the UK are the same
company. So, whether I buy a Pertronix distributor or Powerspark distributor,
they would be one in the same. Any thoughts on this?

[elans3]

Not sure about Powerspark, but an Aldon Ignitor electronic ignition is the same as a Pertronix. I've had 4 or 5 over the years in 3 Elans, a BMW NK, and an Alfa Twincam.
Those two look exactly the same, and are very similar prices, whereas the Powerspark ones look completely different and are much cheaper.
The Aldon Ignitor in my current Elan is the one I fitted 18 years ago when I previously owned the car, and it's still going strong.
Couldn't really say for sure about a full distributor though.

[tvacc]

Now I am not an expert and I have not used Petronix in many years as they left me stranded 3 or 4 times. I refuse to use Petronix. I have bought 5 Powerspark distributors over the past year. So far it is a great product that I have on 2 Elans, and plan to put on another Elan and my Caterham. They don't look the same to me and I will be very disappointed if they are the same.

Someone let me know.

Tony

[Europa74]

I have been happy with AccuSparks Lucas "lookalike" distributor which has performed flawlessly on one car for 4 years and a second car for 1 year. Cost on AccuSparks ebay store is typically ~$114 and delivered in two days from the UK. Replacement electronic modules are around $35 and I carry one in each car but have never had to use them. I have no personal connection with AccuSpark, just a satisfied customer. It's now Sept 2023 and both AccuSpark units are still working flawlessly. I have never had to use the spare electronic modules I purchased.
Ray

[gjz30075]

Good info from all. Thanks

[tvacc]

I would sure like to know if the Powerspark units I bought were the same as Petronix. They did not look the same as the last Petronix units I bought many years ago. If they are the same, in my opinion, I just wasted over a $1000. I wont use Petronix, even if they got better, just on principle.

Tony V

[gjz30075]

Tony, the casting and distributor cap are totally different from the PowerSparks unit so, maybe just
a common parent company. Glad to hear of your experiences with the Powerspark distributors,
with points.

[tvacc]

Now I never opened the 2 PowerSpark that I have installed. I did not think they were "points" units. I was under the impression they were electronic. Installation was very easy and car started right up.

Tony

[gjz30075]

Four choices:
https://simonbbc.com/lucas-25d-non-vac- ... -twin-cam/

[The Veg]

Interesting stuff indeed, and tempting since I don't know anything the history of my car's ignition system. I suspect that the major components are original which means 80K miles on them so they might be bit tired.

[mbell]

If I was spending money on the ignition system and wasn't sure about the condition of the existing dizzy I'd just spend the extra and get a 123 setup.

The dizzy options seem to be:
- cheap and questionable quality
- reasonable but uncertainly about the curve
- more pricey but good quality and curved to suit

The 123 is more expensive but very good quality and allows tuning the curve to exactly match your car.

If your current dizzy is in ok condition I think it makes sense to fit an electronic module.

[The Veg]

Yeah, I've pondered 123 too. Not an urgent upgrade (it runs as-is), but definitely on my radar.

[ivan.wood]

This is slightly off topic but I am restoring a 1965 S2 that was off the road for many years (34plus). I rebuilt the engine about 3 years ago with a new Lucas 23D distributor but to save having to struggle to change the points in the future I fitted a +ve ground Pertronix Electronic Igniter module, as I have had one on my MGA for many years without any issues. I recently started the engine but the rpm gauge is reading way off and bouncing around. I have read some previous threads stating that the older gauges don’t work with electronic ignition but could not find a definitive answer especially for a positive ground system.

Can anyone suggest a solution other than refitting the mechanical points?

Thanks

Ivan Wood

[lotusfan]

Ivan

Spyda in UK do a kit to modify your tachometer. Fitting Petronix and having a bouncing tacho is a well known problem. There are a lot of threads on here on the subject.

https://www.spiyda.com/tachometer-electronics.html

[ivan.wood]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will fit the original distributor with points and set the static timing first. That way I can check out the tac and sort out the timing, carb balance, idle mixture; then switch back to the electronic ignition. I can then set about resolving the tac issue.

At the moment I am chasing to many variables.

Ivan