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MG MGA - Chinese Distributors

I see from the May Safety Fast Magazine that "Abingdon Parts 4 MG & Triumph" are advertising a 45D4 distributor (12HS038Z) for 34.50 is this the Chinese one that Steve Giles has been e-mailing about,and if so can it fit a 1622 MGA?
Paul
P D Camp

Paul

I believe that company has the same Chinese variant as Bob West. I used an original Lucas 45D4 on my 1500 without any problems, although at the time I was new to the MGA so I had nothing to compare it to. I am delighted with the mid range performance curve on the Chinese Distributor on my 1800, but I can only guess that it will be the same for the 1622. At £34 it's probably worth a go.

I was speaking with James (Bob West's mechanic) a couple of days ago. The only problem they have experienced with a couple of these distributors is a badly soldered condenser connection. I have fitted electronic ignition in mine so I do not have that issue.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks Steve
I am tempted to try one and as you say at £34.00 not a great risk My 25d seems to lack OOMPH at 3000 revs I suspect the advance curve. The Static setting is correct at 10 d BTDC. I have completely tuned the carbs and the mixture etc seems just right I am also buying a new strobe light (with advance function) and will test out the advance when that arrives
Thanks again
Paul
P D Camp

I fitted one from Abingdon 4 parts without any worries at all. Unfortunately I did not get the same performance upgrade as Steve but I thought maybe my set up was already optimum. As I remember we were waiting for John I think it was to try one on his car to see what the effect was that he got with the dissy from West?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

You are right Bob, we are still waiting feedback.

I am wondering if Bob West had one of those distributors on LBL301 for the Mila Miglia last year. I remember it having a distributor problem on the first leg. It was either a trapped wire or a poor joint.

Looking forward to that pint at Silverstone. Hope there will be a good turn out from this forum.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Yes me too Steve, will you be around on the Friday, and if anyone else is reading when will you be there?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bob/Steve,

Having changed a complete engine for what evntually turned out to be a broken distributor spring, I've since tried a number of different distributors. Although some are better than others I still feel there should be mmore performance available higher up the rev range and I've purchased one from Bob West but have not yet fitted it.

I followed the debate between Bob and Steve on the last thread and although I respect and agree with Bob's observations I opted for one from Bob West rather than Abingdon because the improvments Steve found are exactly what I'm looking for and my car also has the 1800 engine the same as Steve's.

I'm unlikely to fit the distributor this week but will provide feed back as soon as I do.

Regards...JB
John Bray

John

It turned out that Bob and I bought identical distributors from Bob West and Abingdon!!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Just calculated my first meaningful fuel consumption figures since fitting a Chinese distributor. Whilst the journies I have been making have been identical to previously, I am fairly sure that I have been hitting the throttle a lot harder and regularly seeing 5,500 RPM on acceleration. I was therefore expecting to see a worsening in my consumption. Well, surprise surprise, it's actually improved by 3.03 mpg. Now to see if it is sustained as the refills average out.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Sorry to abandon the distributor discussion for a moment.

Steve and Bob,

I will be coming over to Silverstone. My son-in-law is a USAF officer at Mildenhall and bought an mgtf (the modern type) last year and has been adopted by a group of RV8 types down the road towards Norwich. I met them last Sept at one of their natters when I was visiting and Silverstone was brought up. They promised me that a Texan would be welcome and so it turns out I will be there and the RV8 lads have promised me a ride. I would enjoy meeting any of you MGA drivers there and a pint (or two) sounds appropriate to me.

Jon
J.T. Watson

Day and time Jon and I am sure we will be yours.
:-)
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bob,

I don't know the exact schedule of the event, although it seems that it is Friday through Sunday, and I don't know the plans of this group who are coming over. My plans are to be there Friday if possible and Saturday for sure. Unfortunately, I cannot be there on Sunday. As I find out more about how, when and what, I will let you know. Send me an email address and I will stay in touch.

J.T. Watson

Well my vote is for Friday after lunch.
how about you Steve?

rjwelchmidgetATaol.com
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bob

I may well be working on the Friday, so it's more likely Saturday for me. However, I will see if I can crack Friday. It's a few years since I have managed to go, but if I remember correctly it's practicing on the Friday; racing/auto jumble etc on the Saturday and parades and autojumble on the Sunday.

This thread will be long in the archives by the time the event comes up. I suggest we raise a specific "MG Live 10-12 July 2009" thread with a few weeks or so to go. We can all then agree RV opportunities (probably a beer tent?!); swap number plate details/car colours etc; and perhaps mobile numbers.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 15/05/2009 and 28/05/2009

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.