MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

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 Midget and Sprite Technical - Ignition Amplifier - aftermarket option

Browsing tinternet and maplins catalogue, came across this rather cheap unit. http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&DOY=6m2&ModuleNo=3162&criteria=

Has anyone got any comments or experience as whether such a device (and this one in particular)is worthwhile or even detrimental. My car is a 1975 midget 1500 with standard ignition but with K&N and 4-2-1 exhaust std carbs fitted with ABT needles. currently running Ok. But like most of us I enjoy tinkering and tweaking to improve performance.

Thanks in advance for any comments received.

PS hope the link works.




s lowiss

This type of system has been around for many years. I remember them being available back in the early 1970s. They never really caught on. Paul Hunt, who posts on the MGB Technical board would be the most competent individual to discuss this with you. You might post the question there. David DuBois also posts there and has an extensive electronics background. They should be able to tell you if it would really be worth investing in and what problems might develop if you do install this unit. It does add one more layer of complexity on what is a very simply system, making ignition system troubleshooting more difficult.

Les
Les Bengtson

I've used that system for about 8 years IIRC on a predominately road car after a microdynamics system failed. It worked well and I had no problems with it. It does use the standard points but as the current passed is much less they don't erode worth a damn in my experience after bedding in. I did have one set of points that wore exceptionally in the first couple of months but that wasn't the fault of the Velleman kit. I rate it good value for money.
David Billington

Yes, this is a transistor assisted ignition module so it still requires the contact breaker but the condensor can be removed and ignition coil current is now switched by a power transistor. This means that the contacts last much longer as they are only switching the small current to the transistor module.

It looks simple enough but the reliability will depend on your soldering ability and how good you can mechanically mount the module away from too much vibration. The wiring to it should be simple so if you leave the condensor in place but not connected then it makes it easy to revert back if the module fails.


Pete
Pete

This thread was discussed between 09/02/2008 and 10/02/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.