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MG MGB Technical - Anyone used Powerspark ignition stuff

I'm thinking of fitting one of the Powermax points replacement modules from Simonbbc. I then saw the whole distributor and coil assembly and thought it may be worthwhile fitting one. Has anyone used any of this Powerspark kit?
Steve Church

I fitted a Powerspark points replacement kit three days ago and have done all of 3 miles with it. It was easy to fit except that the negative lead for the coil was fitted with a male spade connector. Why, when every coil I've ever seen has male spades? I've fudged up a connection for now. It certainly improved the idle on my engine. With points, and using a strobe timing light, the timing mark would jump about. Not any more.

Can't tell you if the whole dissy unit is worth it. Probably depends on how knackered your own dissy is.
Mike Howlett

Yes I fitted a system to my GT about two years ago. The first one didn't work at all and was replaced. This lasted about two months and then faiked most embarrasly on the MOT ramp. I've subsequently fitted a system which I bought from MGB Hive which seems to be identical. This has been in operation for about 1 year and seems OK so it,s fingers crossed. Certainly the engine idles very smoothly but don't notice much more.
Iain MacKintosh

Steve,

I fitted a points replacement Powermax kit from Simonbbc over 18 months ago on my 1976 roadster and have had no problems with it. It was easy to fit and good value.

The biggest advantage if fitted to the original 45D distributor is no more points to adjust and a nice steady signal for setting the ignition timing with a strobe light.
A T Robinson

I fitted one of these points replacement kits about 18 months ago after having continual problems with poor quality points and condensors. I have had no problems at all since the unit was fitted and immediately noticed an improvement in the engine performance, which seems to run much smoother than previously.
PJ Eades

I've been using a Powerspark system on my current daily driver BGT since 2009 and I've not had a single problem in 23,000 miles (see the recent thread on electronic ignition).

I know some will chip in and say electronic ignition units can and do fail and sure they could do, but when you compare against the poor quality of some point/condenser components the comparable risk is most certainly on the side of the electronic ignition unit. The Accuspark uses a simple 'Hall Effect' magnetic trigger which requires the simplest (in principle and manufacture) of component.

There's an interesting article here on the poor quality of ignition condensers: http://www.britishcarforum.com/tikiwiki/tiki-index.php?page=Condenser+Failure+in+Conventional+Ignition+Systems

In nearly forty years of motoring I can never recall a time when condensers and the associated problems they bring, have even been trusted components. If points an condensers were more reliable combustion engine manufacturers would surely still be using them? I certainly have no plans to revert to a point/condenser system, in fact they're the first thing I junk in favour of an electronic trigger system especially now they're so cheap and unquestionably reliable.

-Mike
Mike

" If points an condensers were more reliable combustion engine manufacturers would surely still be using them? "

No, points require routine maintenance. North American spec cars got electronic ignition as at the time they were required to cover 50k without any adjustments, only topping-up of fluids. Anything that reduces maintenance costs for fleet owners will be adopted by manufacturers. You can't compare cheap foreign manufacture points and condensers with OEM electronics, the latter and bound to be more reliable overall. Quality points and condensers *are* available.
PaulH Solihull

This thread was discussed between 02/06/2012 and 09/06/2012

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