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Electronic ignition
Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2024 5:20 pm
by Fred900
Hi all,
Looking for help in deciding whether to fit an electronic distributor to my 1966 Minor.
I was looking at the Accuspark 25D electronic ignition distributor. If anyone has fitted one of these I would appreciate any advice you could give me.
Thanks
Fred
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2024 5:48 pm
by svenedin
This has been discussed over and over again for years on this forum. If you search the forum you will find numerous threads.
Try this one for instance:
viewtopic.php?p=696954&hilit=electronic ... on#p696954
Stephen
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2024 7:30 pm
by Classiccars
Make sure 300% it is on correctly as if the wires are the wrong way around it will burn out and you will have to get another .Maybe 400%
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2024 7:32 pm
by panky
Fred900 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2024 5:20 pm
Hi all,
Looking for help in deciding whether to fit an electronic distributor to my 1966 Minor.
I was looking at the Accuspark 25D electronic ignition distributor. If anyone has fitted one of these I would appreciate any advice you could give me.
Thanks
Fred
I fitted one to my traveller along with the solid state coil, works very well and no issues, I converted it to negative earth first. So good I've just fitted the same set up to my Commer camper

Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2024 10:10 am
by jimmy167
To fit the very best go to the Distributor Doctor, more expensive but will not let you down .
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2024 10:58 am
by svenedin
jimmy167 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 24, 2024 10:10 am
To fit the very best go to the Distributor Doctor, more expensive but will not let you down .
Distributor Doctor sells the Pertronix "Ignitor" Hall-effect electronic ignition modules and the Pertronix coils. This is a module that fits inside the distributor and everything looks very close to original. It is also sold under the name "Aldon". The modules are available in positive OR negative earth versions so it is not necessary to change polarity of the car. It must be remembered that the distributor that the electronic ignition module is going to be fitted to must be in good working condition. The vacuum and centrifugal advance must be working properly.
Arguably (and this is a matter of opinion), the very best electronic ignition system is Lumenition Optronic. This is much more expensive than the Hall-effect types. It is optically triggered by a sensor fitted inside the distributor BUT it does have a separate box that has to be fitted as well (this is the ignition amplifier box). The small box can be fitted to the inner wing where it can barely be seen. This system was launched in the late 1960's/early 1970's and has stood the test of time. Again, the distributor must be in good working condition before fitting this system. It can be wired for positive or negative earth vehicles (some websites state it is for negative earth only; this is incorrect but the way it is wired differs according to the polarity of the car).
Many people buy the Accuspark or Powerspark new distributors that have already had the electronics fitted to them. These distributors are not made by Lucas and are in my opinion poor copies. Going from a worn out Lucas distributor to a new but badly made copy is likely to improve performance to some extent.
Finally, there are electronic distributors made 123ignition in the Netherlands. These are not copies of the Lucas 25D and are expensive and high quality. They do not look original though.
So, the key point of all of this is that for optimum performance the spark must be delivered at the right time according to engine load and engine rpm. The vacuum system of the Lucas 25D advances the ignition according to the state of vacuum of the engine; the centrifugal weights advance the ignition according to the engine rpm. The exact degree of advance is determined by the advance curve. Whether the ignition system is the Kettering system (contact breaker system) or electronic it still depends on the proper advance functions of the distributor.
Stephen
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2024 11:14 am
by philthehill
I have the Lumenition Optronic electronic ignition system fitted to my Minor and it has worked very well and has never given any trouble.
The distributer is a Aldon 'A' Plus non vacuum advance item, advance and retard is matched to the tuned engine.
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2024 12:34 pm
by harbous
I’ve had the acuspark for about 8 years - never a problem and better running and reliability and no broken condensers to worry about- do take care fitting and as others have said make sure wiring is the right way round or you’ll need to buy another lot!!
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2024 2:57 pm
by Mr Spigot
I have had the Lumenition Magnetronic system fitted to mine for around 25 years with no problem. It fits under the distributor cap and has no additional boxes or external signs it is there.
https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/s/ig ... OE6_FwFrBd
As has been said, you need to make sure the rest of the distributor is up to scratch. I got mine rebuilt by the Distributor Doctor. Not cheap, but excellent quality and reliable.
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2024 4:54 pm
by Biggles1957
I fitted an Accuspark to my traveller - never had any problems whatsoever with it - it was my daily car for several years.
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2024 8:09 am
by moggiethouable
What ?
You mean I would never have that wonderful feeling of satisfaction, as I passed the feeler gauges between those contacts, never again bask in the glory of a job well gapped, lose yet another topic of conversation in the pub ?
Each to his own of course, all joking aside, I like points.