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MG TD TF 1500 - Pertronix (again)

Hi guys

I note on the archives that some folk had problems with installs of pertronix ignitors, and with re-setting the timing. some users had to resort to reshaping components to fit. others found the quality of build variable. others had difficulty re-setting their timing.

I note, however, that these messages are 2-5 years old, which prompts me to wonder whether these sorts of issues are no longer common. if that is the case I am more inclined to give Pertronix a go!

regards John Crighton
J H Crighton

Hi John,

If you have a good original distributor correctly set-up,with original Lucas points plus a decent coil,battrey etc.etc.,I see no need whatsoever to change the factory layout.
I have been running TF's for 30 years and never have had a problem with ignition.
I acquired a Triumph Stag some years ago and was proudly told by the previous owner that he had the car changed to an up to date modern Lumenition system.You guessed it-that system failed in my ownership of the car. The system was barely 4years old and again had to be replaced!Yeah! I know!There will be owners that have installed the modern gear and it's been 'wonderful' for many years.
Your call of course,but just get the right,original parts and enjoy the car.
I suspect much of the electrical trouble with older cars is possibly caused by ageing wiring.Originally,a thin rubber covering was applied to the wiring with a cotton covering over that.Over time,the rubber breaks down leading to all sorts of problems.
Incidentally,a guy here in Perth manufactures the world's best wiring harnessses for T-Types and Jaguars.They are exactly factory correct complete together with the colour traced cotton braiding.His name is Vic. Longden,been in the game 35 years,and supplies worldwide. Cheers Rob. Grantham
Rob Grantham

Rob

thanks for that. you make a good point - if it ain't broke don't fix it. fortunately I have a local magician who performs wonders with carbies and distributors so everything is running sweetly. for the moment. the only reason i was leaning towards electronic was to try and 'bullet proof' the car. i drive it every day (as a second car) and we also want to be able to go touring with a degree of confidence we won't be let down.

thanks also for the info regarding the harness manufacturer. mine looks in pretty good shape (the car was restored about 10 years ago by a PO). but you never know!

nothing to do with this thread, but I take the opportunity to ask if you have any experience here (Australia) with 5 speed transmissions. i have heard that Celica box fits and works well, so i will try to investigate further

regards

john c
J H Crighton

John,

I know of one TF here in Perth that has changed over to a 5 speed box.I am not sure what the 'make' of the box is.I know there is a company in England that sells a full kit for a 5 speed box.They advertise in the English Octagon Car Club,Bulletin magazine.The name of the company is Hi-Gear Engineering.Telephone no. is 0044 (0)1332 514503.Web site is www.hi-gearengineering.co.uk I guess they maybe expensive.
I feel another way to go is to change the diff. crown wheel and pinion from standard 4.875(TF),5.125(TD) to 4.55.The factory offered this as an optional ratio when the TF was produced.A few years ago I uncovered several NOS 4.55 crown wheel and pinions that were manufactured by the well respected Australian firm Coote and Jorgensen.My friend who has a TD had one fitted 3 years ago and he reckons it is "silent bliss" with it in his car.
I know some have fitted MGA 4.3 C/P's,possibly a little more effort to fit.
Over here,if you change to a 5 speeder,the government Traffic Licensing Department must be notified,particularly if the car is on Concessional License.
John,may I ask your age? Just want to gauge the grouping of interest in our cars.
Cheers
Rob. Grantham
Rob Grantham

Rob

I am happy enough with the gear ratios, so a change in C/P might not solve the 'problem', which in my case is not to go faster on the highway (happy at 55-60mph) but to trundle along at lower revs.

cheers John C (PS: I am 60)
J H Crighton

John,

Thanks for the info.Keep the queries coming.

Cheers

Rob. Grantham
Rob Grantham

John,
I have no doubt that Rob has "no worries" with the factory layout...however in all fairness, we need to keep in mind that the man is indeed a skilled master mechanic! Not all of us are. (I would be in this second group!) I switched over to a pertronix years ago and noticed a big improvement in cold starting and smoother running at all RPM's.
I would also have to say that when I did the change over I also discovered a broken spring on my advance, a distributer that was in bad need of basic maintance, a coil that was not putting out much voltqage, and "re-pro" wires from Tiwan best descriped as "crap"! (I had 3 sets of these on the car before finding some Lucas "bumble Bee" wire.) I would be curiouus to hear Rob's comments on "wires". A lot of us here pay very close attention to Rob's comments as we know his level expertise with these cars!
IMHO ...I would say it all comes down to what you feel comfortable with. For me, I like the idea of one less adjustment I need to worry about however, being one that doees not always believe "new is better" I do carry a set of points and condenser in my boot as a spare!
PS: For some good info on pertronix check out "T-talk"
site. Bud has some good info on it there.

Cheers & Best Regards,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

The 4.30 gears give you 55/60 at a comfortable rpm... you can even use 1st gear for more then 10 feet.... Leaves the original set up, but gives you comfort....
(Why on earth does the government want to know if you intalled a 5 speed?) (59 but aging fast)
gblawson - TD#27667

John, I tend to get quite a few referrals about Pertronix when folks find http://www.ttalk.info/Tech/pertronix_igniters.htm on my website. Problems are very few and far between if folks buy the correct model for their car and follow the installation instructions. Last person I helped out had Pertronix installed in a Ford Pinto engine in his Model A Ford. (His problem was with bad wires.)
FYI, I'm 71 and my TD has 4.3 gearing.
Bud Krueger

John,

I recently changed to a pertonix from a perfectly running set of points. Installation was a snap. I find the car starts, runs, and accelerates better with the pertronix. It helped performance with my 4.3:1 rear end.

I agree with Rob, and didn't have a problem with the old setup. I decided to switch to increase reliability. The performance improvement was a bonus.

Good luck,
Evan
Evan Ford - TD 27621

Thanks guys. Very helpful. I am tending towards Pertronix, with a spare set of points and condensor in the breakdown kit.

Comments on 5 speed boxs and alternative C/P setup is also helpful for me.

With respect to C/P ratio, I usually start off in 1st, but 2nd easily copes with 'launch' if the car is on level ground (or barely moving). I suppose that means there is enough 'leverage' in the lower ratios to cope with a 4.30 C/P. If that goes some way to meet my concerns about highway cruising it might be the better way to go. Simpler (and probably cheaper) solution with less interference to the car.

regards to all John C
J H Crighton

With the 4.3, you save approx 800 rpm... you basically just 'move up a gear'... You use 1st much longer and the hills you took in 4th (without being able to increase spped), you will probably use 3rd.
I'm still comfortable at 3300/3500 but now it is closer to 60 then 50.
gblawson - TD#27667

This thread was discussed between 19/08/2006 and 21/08/2006

MG TD TF 1500 index

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