40 replies to this topic

[DannyTip]

Has anyone seen the new aldon amethyst mapped ignition in the latest issue of mini magazine?

For those that haven't...

Aldon automotive has developed a new distributor with fully-programmable ignition curves, called 'amethyst'. The rebuilt lucas distributor is modified to connect up to the supplied microprocessor control unit, which can be hooked up via USB to a PC laptop. The ignition advance curve can then be modified to suit the engine using the included software. The set-up is a decent half-way point for those wanting the performance benefits of mappable ignition but without the costs of a distributorless system. It will be available from mid-September, and Aldon will even be able to map your ignition advance for you from their West Midlands base.

Whats everyones thoughts? It sounds kind of cool and at £198 is a similar price to a megajolt setup while being easier to install.

[ACDodd]

This is an excellent advbancement. I have been waiting for this for years. Plug and play Mapping. Much reduced 'wobble' with tensioner fitted.

AC

Edited by ACDodd, 27 August 2012 - 06:50 PM.

[ACDodd]

Then there is the silly people who bolt the timing wheel on the the crank damper.........

AC

Edited by ACDodd, 27 August 2012 - 06:56 PM.

[ACDodd]

Its a bigger market than you think, fitting is a five minute job, then straight onto mapping. This way people who don't do their own work can pay someone to fit it very cheaply, then map. I'd say Aldon are on to a winner.

[l_jonez]

For the price id stick with Megajolt, there are many more advantages but I can see there being a good market for this system.

[jakejakejake1]

I think if this was priced a little lower, it would become much more attractive.
But saying that using somewhere like trigger-wheels.com, you're normally looking at over £300 for everything you need, then you have to fit it, whereas with this all you have to do is replace the dizzy.
So I can see this being used for everyday people with fast road minis etc who want a tunable ignition system, but the more hardcore people running turbos etc would probably still want to use megajolt (no dizzy = more space for intercooler :) ).

[ACDodd]

If you are paying hourly rates to install a mega jolt then this option wins hands down!

AC

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

It sounds great. I'm going to have one. Perfect for forced induction. As far as I'm concerned Aldon have great rep and heritage. Price isn't cheap, but R and D isn't cheap. I reckon with all the 'add ons' for a mega jolt you're probably looking at nearer 400 squid.

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

Still relies on a 'wobbly' timing chain as opposed to the super accuracy of a crank fired system........

'wobbly'? I'd get that lookd at.

[l_jonez]

Megajolt can be done under 200 quid if you make your own brakets etc.

I guess it's all personal choice. As I said previously I can see a good market for people who want a fairly easy install and set up but it won't be as accurate as a crank triggerd set up

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

Megajolt can be done under 200 quid if you make your own brakets etc.

I guess it's all personal choice. As I said previously I can see a good market for people who want a fairly easy install and set up but it won't be as accurate as a crank triggerd set up

I don't understand why it would be less accurate

[l_jonez]

Because it relies on a cam driven by a timing chain so you get chain stretch and you get wear on the dizzy drive gears

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

Because it relies on a cam driven by a timing chain so you get chain stretch and you get wear on the dizzy drive gears

Well, if the chain is good enough to open and shut my valves in a timely manner then thats good enough for me. In reality, I wouldn't be supprised if you could never tell the difference between megajolt and amethyst.

[Cooperman]

Because it relies on a cam driven by a timing chain so you get chain stretch and you get wear on the dizzy drive gears

Well, if the chain is good enough to open and shut my valves in a timely manner then thats good enough for me. In reality, I wouldn't be supprised if you could never tell the difference between megajolt and amethyst.

I doubt that unless your car is used for racing, sprints or hill-climbs you would notice the difference between Megajolt and points ignition. The advantage for most owners with any sort of electronic ignition is that the points don't need adjusting every few miles.
If a points-equipped 1293 'S' with an Aldon custom-curved distributor costing £100 will do, say, 0 - 60 in 7.4 seconds, how much quicker would it be with a) Amethyst and b) Megajolt? Does anyone know or care to guess?

[jaydee]

I'm tempted to sell my 123 dizzy...