REOPUS ignition amplifier for pre-HE V12 carburetted engines

[555ttg]

Hello everybody!
Has anyone had any experience of the REOPUS ignition amplifiers from New Zealand?
I have a 1973 series 1 XJ12, which has started to exhibit hot starting problems, as common to failure of the original LUCAS OPUS amplifiers. I have read lots of testimonials on the web from people that have used the REOPUS system with glowing recommendations, but it's alway nice to hear it from other JEC members that maybe have practical and unbiased opinions.
I see that Derek Watson sells them on an exchange basis, and he is a well trusted and recommended repair facility, endorsed by the club.
My only trepidation is that being in Canada, there's no-one here to ask, as few series1 & 2 XJ12s still have their original engines etc. most having been replaced with GM V8s over the years!
So, if any of you have experience of the REOPUS system and can give me any tips pro or con, I would really appreciate it, as the way things stand at present, I am not getting much driving done with the old girl, and that's a shame because she is so nice!
Phil

[mike020150]

Hi Phil,
Like you, a little while ago I cast around to see if I could come across information about these upgrade kits. FWIW, the opinion of a trusted colleague within the Club who has practical experience of the kits was that they provide a definite improvement on the carburetted V12s where the original ignition system was at best marginal for the job. Fuel injected cars with their better control of fuelling are less likely to show significant improvements if the ignition system components are in good condition. If you're serious about upgrading, it would probably be worth contacting Derek Watson for the most up to date information. Mike.

[555ttg]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your reply. I did email Derek Watson yesterday, and was really impressed to get a reply within 10 minutes! On a Sunday too! Anyway, he said they've had a 'run' on them recently and he is out of stock for at least 3 weeks. So I sent the manufacturers in NZ an email and am waiting for their response. If all else fails then I will get one from WATJAG, but I was hoping to be up and running way before then!
Phil

[XjRestorations]

Hi Phil,

I have used several of SNG Barratts Opus kits - fantastic. Never had a failing and they are on the shelf

Kind regards,
Keith

[555ttg]

Hi Keith,
Thanks for that, is the Barrett system same as original or another updated version like the REOPUS?
Phil

[XjRestorations]

Hi Phil,

Yep - it is an up to date bit of kit - fully reworked.