Newbie

[paulfrost88960]

Hi everyone. I recently joined the club with a view to getting an XJS shortly. I've been intending doing this for a while, but only now have got a chance to spend some time on it. Not sure of which model yet, but ideally an HE pre Marelli. Before common sense pulls me back (says he, the owner of a 2002 MGTF160!) i need to start looking. I've done my research and spoken to Brian at the club a couple of times for advice and like the look of a V12 for sale at Exclusive Classics of Stafford. Has anyone had any experience of these guys (good or bad) before i troll up there from deepest darkest Essex?
In any case i'll update you on progress as i go.

[davidr]

Hello Paul and welcome.
Is there any reason for ruling out the Marelli ignition cars?

[paulfrost88960]

Yes Davidr, that was following advice from Brian who said that apart from the "closing one bank down" issue, most parts for the Marelli were much more expensive than for the Lucas system (i think he said a dizzy cap was £180!)and some were pretty much unobtainable.

[davidr]

The Marelli system is more reliable than the Opus one. It is fully electronic and only uses the distributor for getting the spark to the right plug. The spark timing is all done electronically. The Opus system relies on a mechanical advance system in the distributor that very often siezes and makes horrible flat spots in the car's performance.
Neither system is perfect but I'd say the Marelli system is more reliable overall.

[paulfrost88960]

Thanks Davidr. I'll bear your information in mind when deciding on cars to view; I'm sensing this is going to be a steep learning curve! I'm also going to see a 3.6 now on tuesday, as whilst i want a pre-facelift, at the moment (until i've tried both perhaps) i'm open minded about which of the two engines i get.

[davidr]

You're welcome. Give me a call of you want any advice. My details are in the magazine.
Good luck and keep us posted!

[paulfrost88960]

Went to see what looked like a good 3.6 today at Bradley James classics near Basingstoke. Spoke to the owner, confirmed appt. by e-mail and drove nearly a 300 mile round trip to see it................no-one turned up! Put me down as "slightly miffed of Essex!"