Installing Electronic ignition

[urr333]

Having established that I have a very weak spark I am proposing to replace the coil and points with an electronic ignition kit. Are there any issues with such a setup and can anyone suggest a suitable kit, there seem to be a number on the market. The car is a 1970 S4 with no modifications.

[stugilmour]

I went with the Pertronix replacement distributor kit from Ray at rdent.com (scroll down under Elan parts). Works well. Mine is essentially a Stromberg engine. I think others have used this one on Weber heads with success, but they can perhaps confirm. Ray's kit included coil and wires,and has the correct angled dizzy cap. You may wish to find a supplier closer to hme, but gives an idea of what is needed.

You need to purchase the Pertronix rev limiter box separately if you want this feature in your set-up; I added one. The Pertronix site lists the rev limiter component and also offers the TC dizzy in vacuum advance or non-advance models. I understand vacuum advance can only be used with the Stromberg set-up; Ray's kit is non vacuum advance. I don't know details of the actual advance curve in my unit, but I believe Leif used the same unit in his car, and posted some numbers on one of his tuning posts, so he may have these data available for you.

Other than actual failure of the electronics, which appears to be rare, the main potential issue for these ignition system types is incorrect readings in the RVI tach. This problem appears on all brands of electronic ignition, not just Pertronix. If you search on this issue, you should get lots of hits on the topic in the archives. Mine works fine with no loop in the tach coil wire pick-up, and a separate dedicated power wire to the electronic distributor. Others had their tach converted to RVC at a specialist shop to work correctly. The problem is apparently caused by the electronic ignition circuitry changing the pulse wave form seen by the induction pick-up at the RVI tach, so wiring the electronic's power supply separately is an important first step during installation. The type of tach you presently have will be written in the gauge face.

I was also able to adjust the tach readings by comparing to a clip-on tuning tach, and the readings now correspond with the Pertronix adjustable ignition cut-out noted above.

Other systems I have seen discussed include Aldon and 123ignition.

HTH

[prezoom]

I just installed a Pertronix in the distributor and kept the Lucas Sports coil. No problems with the tach, as it had been converted to negative ground when I installed the alternator. Been working for at least 4 years with no problems. However, I do carry the removed points etc., in my tool kit just incase.

Rob Walker
26-4889

[elan_fan]

The Petronix system is known as the Aldon ignitor in the uk. Couple of things, you will need to remove a bit off the bottom of the rotor arm as it sits a bit higher because of the hall efect collar that sits below it on the dizzy shaft. Also the timing will need to be reset which may cause you a prob if you were trying to revert to points at the side of the road. I used the Lucas sports coil. No probs.

Must admit though I now have Cooper S 32oz fibre heel points, rev limiter rotor and a Lucas sports coil.

regards
Mark

[leojenbo]

I bought a complete Elan ignition kit from Tony Thompson Racing. It includes distributor, coil and all cables including spark plug cables, and it looks just as the original Lucas. Easy to install and works perfect.
P/N: TTREA 021
ELECTRONIC IGNITION 2007 TTR SPEC FOR ROAD & UP TO 150BHP. NEW DISTRIBUTOR COMPLETE WITH ELECTRONICS, MAGNECOR BLACK LEAD SET. COIL & WIRING. ?195
http://www.tonythompsonracing.co.uk/mainframe.html
Best regards
Leo

[Baggy2]

I have a Lumenition Magnetronic Unit. Very easy to fit. 'Invisible'. Rev counter works fine without any special steps. As in one of the previous posts the Hall effect disc sits on top of the lobes that would normally operate the points - I phoned Lumentition about this because it didn't seem right - they told me not to worry about it and indeed all seems fine.
This is basically an electronic version of the points so doesn't increase the energy in the spark as a capacitive discharge type does but it does provide a easily implemented alternative to the very inconvenient points.
Baggy

[alexblack13]

Same as Baggy.. Brilliant little system and so easy to fit. Rev' counter worked fine. No issues. I kept all the points 'kit' which lives in the boot, but went to Lemans classic this year and the car never missed a beat. Well pleased with it. What a difference not fiddling with those points.

AB..

[urr333]

Thanks for all the info. I am investigating an Alden Igniter eqivalent system from A Series Spares

Ted

[jono]

Ted,

I have gone down the 3D route using a megajolt and modern coil pack - you ditch the dizzy and get a fully mappable set up. I think it's great and it's all fully reversible.

Given where you are you are welcome to pop down to Carlisle and take a look at the set up.

Alernatively I have a period Pirahna optical ignition system going spare for not a lot of money if it's of interest - take it away and try it out if you like.

Jon

[andyhodg]

Jon

Do you have any details of your modification? How do you sense the cam angle? Can you retain the standard tachometer? ... etc.

Also if you don't mind telling me what was the approx cost?

Regards

Andy

[smo17003]

I used the Lumenition Optronic on a Lotus Cortina Mk2 many years ago. Easy to install and no problems with the tach.

[jono]

Andy,

The system works via a crank signal - toothed trigger wheel and a hall sensor.

Load is sensed from a throttle position sensor and everything is controlled via a second hand Ford Edis module and the Megajolt ECU. A second hand Ford coil pack provides the sparks.

There's a bit of wiring to make up and a couple of bits of fabrication (TPS bracket and throttle spindle adapter to drive the TPS) but it's all well documented and all of the bits can be bought if you want to avoid the fabrication of parts.

I have not totalled everything up yet but I reckon the total comes to around ?300. The ECU comes with a base map to get you going and this works fine, however a rolling road session will get the best results.

I will post up some pics when I get back home.

Jon

[Bruce Crowthorne]

I went the Aldon Igniter route. Very neat, fits inside the distributor with no modifications. Very happy with it.
I just keep the points and condenser in the boot - but (touch wood) no problems in 2 years.

Now the bad news - it doesn't trigger the current triggered rev counter - I had mine (badly) converted, the rev counter is now under damped and swings about a bit. Annoying but just one of those things. I keep meaning to look at the circuit and see if I can add some damping by varying a capacitor.

[Galwaylotus]

Has anyone tried Powerspark, available through http://www.simonbbc.com/? A colleague at work has bought two of their systems and has been happy with them but admits that the vehicles have done very little mileage since the conversion (approx 3000 miles over two years). I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience of this system on a Twink.

[gazzamuffin]

Has anyone tried Powerspark, available through http://www.simonbbc.com/? A colleague at work has bought two of their systems and has been happy with them but admits that the vehicles have done very little mileage since the conversion (approx 3000 miles over two years). I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience of this system on a Twink.

I have purchased a powerspark system from Simonbbc, I have started the engine with it first time after a full rebuild, however this weekend should see the full system check as I am planning to start the car now it has had a full wiring loom replacement so cant give you much feed back at the moment.

but i shall let you know.

gazza