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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Pertronix Ignition

I plan to buy a pertronix ignition for my TD. Positive Ground.

1. Will performance be better ??
2. Can I use Bumble Bee cables ??


Moss also offers a FlameThrower distribuitor.
Has anyone use it in a TD ?
It offers better performance ....
Better than just the ignitor electronic ignition ??
Jose Vicente Vargas

Jose;
I can tell you about my experience with my TF. I installed the Pertronix last summer in my positive ground car with bumble bee wires. Installation took only a half hour or so. My car idles more smoothly, acceleration is smoother and performance is better, though the improvement was not dramatic. I like the freedom from points adjustment.
There was some recent BBS discussion about Pertronix and bumblebee wires not being compatable. I've read others report NO probelms, and I have had no problems with the wires.

For the modest cost, I think it a worthwhile upgrade.

Tom
Tom Norby

Jose,

You may also consider having your distributor refurbished and recurved by Jeff at Advance Distributors.

The change is dramatic as he will recurve the distributor to correct wear in the weights and bushings. He will also set the advance to an appropriate curve for your engine tune and type of fuel used. Others have been amazed at the difference - his refurbish - along with the Pertronix - will make a big difference.

Advanced Distributors may be found at

http://www.advanceddistributors.com/


good luck,

Jeff
Jeff Delk

Jose, I can attest to the Advanced Distributor rebuild/advance curve modification. I still run points and a regular coil, however, because I LIKE to set points- but having a Dwell Tach makes it a lot easier.

Get one of Advanced Distributors new rotors too, much better than other after market pieces.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Hi Jose, I would highly recommend installing the Pertronix Ignitor solid state ignition system. You will eliminate many problems inherent with the points system such as, elimination of condenser, problems with runout on worn cams, uneven cam lobes, point bounce, worn rubbing blocks, worn and pitted points,and lack of lubrication.
Just don't leave the ignition switch on when the engine is not running, or it could cause your coil to overheat, which may cause damage to the coil and the Ignitor. Cheers Phil
Phil Atrill

Vast improvement over points. The second you fire the engine, the points begin to pit, the rubbing block wears, and your timing begins to grdadually change. One of the handfull of times my TD stopped on the road was when the points rubbing block broke. The plug wires could not care less what ignition fires the coil- or vice-versa. George
George Butz

What are Bumble Bee cables, and where does one purchase them? How are they different from the 7mm ignition wires?
Louis Levin

Louis
Bumble bee wire is a type of ignition wire, apparently popular back in the day (and still now). It is bright yellow and black striped (like the bee)and copper core.
Adds some color to the engine compartment. I like the way it looks, but I doubt it is superior in any way. I purchased mine from Moss by the foot. I'm pretty sure I needed 5 feet for the job.
Tom
Tom Norby

I love my pertronix. I have a set of points that I carry in the car for a spare. They are easily replaceable in an emergency. Just order them direct from Pertronix. I also ordered the HD coil but that did break down within a year. I am back to my old one. Pertronix tells me that the coils dont go bad but mine did. Startup is quick and fast with the electronics and since Jeff S. rebuilt my dist. everythings works great.
Tom Maine (TD)

For whatever oaronoid reason, I too carry my old points plate on longer trips. Nice thing about the points- you can usually adjust or fix if they go wrong. The usual dumb stare at broken electronics just never helps. George
George Butz

Have been running Pertronix Ignitor, sports coil, & Bumble-Bee wires for 10 years and love it.
I do carry a spare set of points and condenser, but have never had to use it.
David Sheward

Installed Pertronix ignition on my 54 TF pos grnd. after experiencing major misfire/backfire under load and very hard, long cranking starts. Now it never misfires under load, has more power, and starts on first pull every time. AMAZING improvement!


TF #1260 SEAMUS
F. HEALY

And then there is the time on the MGB that the pertronix shorted to ground and burned the wiring from the distributor to the coil through the tachometer to the ignition switch. We run points on that now too.

The bit of dwell (not timing) that changes due to the points or the rubbing block is minimal and easy to address. The variation in dwell can be addressed by simply rebushing the distributor so the shaft no longer rocks. And I've never seen the cam wear to the point that the points can't be properly set... I mean it is a phenolic rubbing block... which is going to wear, the block, or the metal cam?

Condensers are easy to check with a DVM.

I carry spare points in both cars.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

I have never felt the need to change to electronic ignition. I put in nos Lucas points about 12 years and about 12000 miles ago and I have been carrying a spare set around all of this time. I have yet to need them! I also have never needed to adjust the dwell or timing. The car is as reliable as anything that I have ever driven!
Steven Tobias

I agree...put in new points just before Gatlinburg and have not touched them since.....
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

A decade of use and 30,000 miles and I still have the same points, cond. and coil. Never had a problem with any part. Just last year I did clean and reset the points.
Colin Stafford TF6688

This thread was discussed between 31/05/2010 and 02/06/2010

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.