E-type, electronic ignition.

[mjverdeyen]

Hi,

I am intending fitting an electronic ignition conversion onto my 4.2 series 2, E-type. My engine is a rebuilt series 1, 4.2cc engine. I have had the car for more than 10 years and keep having problems with the coil and condenser.

Which of the electronic ignition kits is the best?

Thanks.

Martin Verdeyen.

[PPV]

Hi, not sure there is a 'best' one. It depends on many things like do you want to get rid of the points, do you need to get a new distributor, do you intend to use the car for track days, is there a budget limit, do you just want to improve reliability and starting etc etc.
I am sure many will be recommended. I personally just use my car for pleasure and the distributor seems ok but sometimes the car would not fire immediately and the spark looked a little weak. I chose a Powerspark kit with new coil (it replaces the points). It certainly makes the car feel livelier and starting is great (touch wood) but I also tuned the carbs which probably helped.
Regards,

[baz234]

I have successfully used the Dutch 123 electronic ignition system for the last 10 years and found it most reliable. The engine fires up instantly and ticks over better, pulls very well, the downside is the expense, but you have a brand new distributor with no points to maintain and an excellent strong spark.

[mjverdeyen]

Hi,
I hope I am replying to the 2 replies I have had. Thank you both. I am leaning toward the 123 ignition system. Has anyone any experience of the bluetooth setup where you can make adjustments through an iPad or phone?

[baz234]

No, my 123 system was installed in 2008 before the company went down the line. You have to manually adjust the setting depending on the curve which are advised via the workshop manual. That seems a great idea though using Bluetooth, like maybe adjusting the curves via a laptop whilst the engine is running.

[piman]

Hello Mjverdeyen,

the programmable 123 is an expensive way of doing it. Getting your existing distributor fully overhauled and set up will be as good and cheaper.

Alec

[Tintin]

the programmable 123 is an expensive way of doing it. Getting your existing distributor fully overhauled and set up will be as good and cheaper.

I was interested to read your comment Alec, because I am also considering the 1-2-3 system (1971 4.2). The issues I was hoping it would address are firstly a slightly lumpy idle (c750 rpm) and secondly to improve the accuracy of dynamic timing (the timing mark shows as a blur and setting the distributor position is a bit of guess). A PO replaced the points and condenser with a magnetic breakerless system - so I am assuming that both these issues are attributable to mechanical wear and/or weak springs. If I retain the present breakerless set up do you think a full mechanical overhaul would sort the remaining issues?

Robbie

[piman]

Hello Robbie,

yes, I would say so, the XK engine is unusual that it drives the distributor directly from the crank rather than a cam so eliminates any cam drive variation therefore is more accurate. 'The Distributor Doctor' is one company I know that specialises in Lucas distributor overhaul and calibration.
Did you disconnect the vacuum advance when using the strobe as it's possible that it is influencing the timing, particularly if old and tired?
There's no reason not to retain the existing electronic trigger, it used to be claimed that those overcome any wear in the distributor but I don't think that is true completely.

Alec

[Tintin]

Thanks Alec - that's very helpful. I have sent an enquiry to the Distributor Doctor.

Robbie

[mjverdeyen]

Hi Alex,

Have the Distributor Doctors been able to find reliable condensers to use in their distributors? In the 13 years I have owned my car I have had the inconvenience of replacing one on a number of occasions. I'm ready to have something which works and is practically always reliable, even if the cost is a little high.

Martin Verdeyen.

[piman]

Hello Martin,

I really don't know but his reputation is good.
You must be unlucky, I can only remember having to change one in decades. and that was on a Ford engine. There are dodgy rotor arms on the market but I know the Doctor's are sound.

Alec

[IThurlow]

Hello All, I have used 123 tune ignitions system on several of my cars, I can only say they are the best thing since sliced bread - the ones I have used are for 4/6/8 cyclinder engines, I have been in touch with the factory to see if they will make one for the v12 but at the moment there’s not enough demand to make one !! I have also used all three types with the “Bluetooth” option being the best, they are so simple to install and setup it’s awesome, one of the best features is the dual mapping- this gives the ability to lower the maps and set the top rpm so a inbuilt Rev limiter, currently I have one fitted into a Daimler v8 Austin 7 and a series 3 Land Rover amongst others also fitted one to a friends 3.8 mk2 -so to sum up as a ignition device they are truly brilliant

[jlimonjagi689]

I have installed on my two etypes and Mark 2 the 1-2-3- set up.
They are wonderful, simple , clean and completely up to date.
They transform the cars.
STAY AWAY FROM PETRONIX, Its not what it used to be.
GTJOEY1314