6 replies to this topic

[Minii_Matt]

Im looking at fitting a 1275 engine to my 998 mini, and wondered what the benefits of electronic ignition are? Is it worth replacing my standard distributor? Are the electronic ignition systems worth the money, as they do not seem cheap, and are the kits that fit inside the original distributor cap as effective?

Thanks,
Matt

[samsfern]

im running a lumenition electronic setup at the moment, which is a good one, aldon ignitors are also good.

There is a kit called "britpart" which is pretty cheap, and supposedly pretty good, i cant comment as ive never used one.

The benefits of electronic ignition are that youll never have to change or adjust the points and condensor again, you get a more accurate spark, and it makes cold starting slightly easier, its more reliable than points and condensors as well.

[Cooperman]

The plusses are basically as 'samsfarn' says. The ignition needs no further setting and its accuracy is maintained.
The minusses are that if you lose the spark it's more difficult to sort it out by the road-side as diagnosis is more difficult. Also, the AA/RAC don't carry spare Mini ignition modules.
I use points in my rally Mini and in my Innocenti because if the ignition system goes wrong I carry a spare coil, condenser and points and a couple of plugs. Then I can cure it easily and not have to be returned on a trailer. It doesn't seem to affect the power in any noticeable way although I do clean and re-set the points quite regularly.

[A-Series Spares]

One of the big things to keep in mind when buying an electronic ignition kit is the condition of your current distributor. Our kits are a magnetic kit, these kits are very simple in design.

If there is play in the distributor shaft you will get the affect of misfiring, what is actually happening is that the centrifugal force is emphasising the play in the shaft and causing the magnetic sleeve to not spin true meaning the pick up is getting unbalanced pulses.

If you are a TMF+ member we will look after you, there are a few to choose from but many people can vouch for ours being very good value for money.

[Barman]

Im looking at fitting a 1275 engine to my 998 mini, and wondered what the benefits of electronic ignition are? Is it worth replacing my standard distributor? Are the electronic ignition systems worth the money, as they do not seem cheap, and are the kits that fit inside the original distributor cap as effective?

Thanks,
Matt

I was always a fan of electronic ignition when I owned a Austin 1300 and two Allegros when they were current models! I think I used a Piranha system at the time - probably not available now. I hated trying to set the points and having to change everything every five minutes...

While rebuilding my 1275 GT I decided that points were not the way to go... when I stripped the engine it was clear that the dizzy had a tough life anyway so I replaced the whole thing with an electronic distributor and coil from here.

I do acknowledge tho that if it all goes wrong you are stuffed!

[Ferretboy221]

Ive used the britpart kit on 4 mini's now and the first one (my clubby estate, now sold) has done around 8000 miles without them being touched.
Ive also got the same kit on my scamp and that did IMM this spring again without being touched the entire time.
(also in hindsight i didnt take a spare unit either )

The advantages have already been listed above they are just generally more reliable and predicable and the best thing abou the britpart kit is that you can pick them up for around 12 quid from a 4x4 britpart stockist so you can buy two and keep a spare one on the mini with you.

[finch661]

i used the britpart system on my mg midget. it starts so much better now, and you keep your old dizzy, plus its easy to install (though check if you have a ballast ignition). My mini has the electronic metro dizzy, the one with the black module on the side, and that is also really great!