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MG MGB Technical - Installing new distributor

Has anybody installed/using the "new" flame thrower distributor that is advertised in Victoria British, and the coil that is recommended? (it says the drive dog is already attached) Costs about $189 (Dissy) $44.95 (coil).

I have a 1979 MGB with the original distributor and coil. 75,400 miles. It is the later model with the "box" (don't know the correct name for this part) located near the coil. When I looked up the part (distributor) in Victoria British, it is the later one installed in 1979-1980.

Just recently I had a faulty thermostat gasket (my fault trying to a temporary repair) and had a massive leak covering that side of the engine (distributor/coil/plugs...etc all got soaked. Another temp repair to stop the leak so I could drive home. Ran ok for about 160 miles. The next day it was very hard to start. I wiped around the top of the coil/plugs. Got it started, ran a few minutes and was ok. Same thing today... sounded like it was trying to start, but only 1-2 cyl firing... wiped off plugs/coil finally got it started.

My guess is I probably have coolant inside the distributor cap too. I'll attack this on my next "project" day.

Currently I have a Weber/header set-up and was going to invest in a "newer" style distributor/coil/plug wires. However, I would like some recommendations first.

The reason I like this one (Vic Brit), it doesn't require drilling the shaft (don't know if I could do that step anyway)... seems easy enough to swap out parts. I do have a timing light to get things back in time.

Looking forward to your help,
Don 1979 MGB

Don

Don. The distributor you have should be the Lucas 45DM4 distributor, from your description, and it uses the GM HEI internals from the late 70's. Replacement parts are available here in the US for the GM parts and this is noted in the archives.

I have replaced all of my late model distributors with the "Euro-Spec" distributors from Brit-Tek and they seem to be working well. Brit-Tek's "Ultimate Ignition Package" includes the dizzy, a Lucas Sports Coil and new spark plug wires. Not sure the Sports Coil is needed, but it looks "cool". New wires are useful if your old ones are bad. Please visit my website, www.custompistols.com/ and go to the MG section, then, articles. There are some useful articles on checking timing, checking spark plug wires, and several articles in useful areas that others have been kind enough to contribute. David DuBois's articles on the fuel pump and fuel system seem to be the definitive articles on this subject on the web.

I, and some few others, seem to have a definite preference for points type systems. Published tests, I believe in "Grass Roots Motor Sports" magazine (Bob M. sent me a copy of the article, but, I cannot locate it right now) showed that a points type system was, fully, as "powerful" as an "electronic points replacement system" when both are properly maintained.

Please, do some thinking about what you want to do. Then, fully describe what that is. The Brit-Tek package fits my needs quite well. It may, or may not, fit your needs.

Thus, if you can define, exactly, what you are looking for, it will be easier to assist you. I do not mind replacing the points, every two years, on my daily driver. It gives me a chance to clean, inspect, and lubricate the Lucas distributor. You might, however, want a distributor that will never have to be opened up and maintained. Except, when it dies along side the road somewhere. In such cases, a "modern" distributor may be more suited to your needs. Most of them do not need annual/biannual maintenance and either work or do not work. A value judgement is involved here.

As to drilling the hole in the dizzy shaft to install the drive dog on a Mallory dizzy (not mentioned, but implied), this is what machine shops are for. They should be able to do the job for relatively little money. You do not have to do it yourself, in this instance. But, late at night, in the middle of no where, you might, if you have an "electronic ignition", realize why some of us still appreciate the simplicity of a points type system. I know that I have. One of the reasons that I run points in my MGs.

Les
Les Bengtson

I recently saw a Lucas centrifugal only distributor on ebay. They would have to be curved, I suppose. Has anyone used or heard about these, and do they work better than having a vacuum advance also?

I presume if you tend to lug your engine, the vacuum advance is more logical. I tend to think a good stock one would suit everyday use better. Anyway, for performance, would a centrifugal only dizzy be an advantage?
Tom

Tom. The various mechancial advance only distributors are designed for race use. The vacuum advance feature is designed to give the best gasoline milage and does not have any real application at full throttle operation.

For a road going car, a vacuum advance makes a great deal of sense. You would be operating at part throttle and at changing speeds. Thus, the vacuum advance, either of ported or manifold variety (the mechancial advance curves are, usually different), is of use in providing better fuel economy with no loss of performance.

A mechanical advance only distributor is of advantage on a race car. There is one less varible to factor in (the vacuum advance). Race cars are, mostly, operated as fast as the stretch will allow, "pedal to the metal" all of the way. Performance, in this case, is far more severe than on a street car and two minutes saved, in an hour's driving, will fully subsitute for three or four miles per gallon better gas milage.

When races are won, or lost, by under a second's difference, a mechanical only dizzy might be the way to go. On a road going car, it is a waste of money--both on the price of the dizzy and the less efficient fuel economy.

Les
Les Bengtson

Good morning Les,

Very good point, I do need to consider other alternatives. I purchased my Weber/Header from Brit Tech.... very satisfied with the set-up and the support they provided.

Because I am "old school" a lot of the cars I've owned over the years had points. This would be (distributor with points) my first preference!

Did the Euro-spec dizzy in the "Ultimate Ignition Package" require the installation of the drive dog?

Are replacement points, condensor, rotor, and cap also available? (I would probably order an extra set of points/condensor/rotor to have on hand). These are the basic parts I remember changing... if the points are pitting, then you must replace condensor too.

Looking forward to reply. I will be away until later on tonite, but would like to get the parts on order a.s.a.p. so I can get the "B" ready for the "Rocks, Md." show at the end of the month.

Note: the coil/wires are also very old, the package apears to be the best way to go.

Don 1979 MGB

Don

Don. The Euro-Spec dizzy, as sold by Brit-Tek, comes with points, condensor, rotor and cap installed. The drive dog is attached. Moss, Brit-Tek, et al, all have replacement parts for it and BAP stores used to.

Les
Les Bengtson

Good evening Les,

Thanks for getting right back to me. The "Ultimate Ignition Package" will provide/meet my needs.

Safety Fast,
Don 1979 MGB
Don

Don. I am using it on both of my 79's as well as my daughter's 77 and my 68GT. If you contact Bob Ford, at Brit-Tek, please send him my best. He has been a good friend, even though we have never met, over the years.

Les
Les Bengtson

Thank you for your quick response, Les.

And pardon me for hijacking the thread. Glad I didn't distract from its progress.
Tom

Good morning Les.

I'll tell Bob you said "hi"..

Thanks again for your help.

Don
Don

This thread was discussed between 17/09/2006 and 19/09/2006

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