The complete electronic distributor I have ordered is coming with a side exit cap. You can request either.
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Hello again.
As noted in an earlier post, I have been musing over fitting an electronic ignition kit into the distributor of my 2.25P ute. Seems to be all the go.
A quick question re the coil please.
Lucas make a range of sports coils which may or may not come as part of the conversion - seems like changing to a higher output coil might a worthwhile upgrade while changing over the distributor kit. However, I am not an auto electrician and am a bit confused on what is the best option.
Three coils in particular seem to commonly pop up in the topic of conversions - viz DBL105, DBL110 and DBL198.
From my limited reading and web site checking the DBL105 is a commonly listed conversion option, but various sites (e.g. Simonbbc) rate it as incompatible with the Land Rover 2.25P motor, while others suggest that it is OK. DBL198 is also listed as incompatible on the same sites. DBL110 is listed as compatible.
DBL105 is apparently suited for non-ballast ignition systems while DBL110 is for ballast systems. Barely grasp the subtleties of the difference between these systems, something to do with the wiring of the ignition coil and the starting relay and how much voltage goes to the coil after the engine starts, but presume the Land Rover is either one or t'other.
My question is which coil is really suited to the 2.25P motor when it has (e.g.) an Accuspark or Powerspark module fitted to the distributor (Lucas 45D)?
Incidentally, is there a difference between a 45D and 45D4 distributor (or is that just a typo in one of the eBay electronic ignition sites)?
Cheers,
Neil
depends on the kit you install
i fitted the simonbbc sport dissy which require a coil below 1.4ohms
Land Rover 2.0, 2.25, 2.5 High Energy 25D Distributor with Powermax Red Rotor Arm [D11] - £59.99 : Electronic Ignition, Home of the Powerspark electronic ignition and electronic distributor
i fitted a mallory sports coil very similar to this
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/maa-30440
.5 ohm
is goodly :p
throws spark many inches so you need to be aware... or it tickles...
i use high quality bosch plugs
If you just fit a kit to your original distributor, you don't need a new coil, Neil. As Inc says, a low resistance coil is only required when replacing your points dissy with a "high energy" electronic 45D distributor.
A kit will suffice with your current coil. People get the coil/full electronic dissy option if their original dissy is crapped out.
Hello again from Brisbane.
Sounds like a worthy topic to pursue over a beer or two.............
Cheers,
Neil
Hello again,
Returning to an earlier query - what, if anything, is the difference between a 45D and a 45D4 distributor?
While I'm at it - ballast vs non-ballast ignition?
Could be handy when I'm changing the topic with Mrs S3ute. "Yes, I know I forgot to feed the cat, but did you know the difference between.....".
Cheers,
Neil
Can't help with the 45D vs 45D4.
Ballast ignition has a coil designed to operate from 8volts, and has a resistor, referred to as a ballast resistor (which may be a resistive wire rather than a discrete resistor) between the coil and the ignition switch to drop the voltage from 12v to 8v. There is also usually an extra contact in the starter solenoid to supply voltage to the coil direct from the battery while the starter is operating - the idea is to compensate for the voltage drop caused by the starter, or to provide a boosted spark for starting. This was not used on any Series Landrovers (not sure about the V8).
Using an 8v coil designed for a ballast resistor without one will result in a 50% higher current, almost certainly resulting in overheating and eventual failure of the coil, and a short life for the contact set. Using a 12v coil with a ballast resistor will usually result in poor starting and hard to diagnose ignition problems.
The system was originally devised for 6v electrical systems, where the current draw when starting is much higher, and the often coupled with side valve engines that are a bit hard to start anyway. Usually only used with 12v on large engines or cars with inadequate battery capacity.
John
The 45D4 designation is simply a reference to the distributor being for a 4 cylinder engine. Often electronic dissy replacements will use that type of designation to distinguish between the "same" dissy used in a 6 or 8 cylinder vehicle.
So if you are looking for the right kit, one for a 45D4 would be right.....as would any complete dissy listed as a 45D4.
Fitted my Powerspark High Energy Distributor and low resistance coil yesterday....amazed that even I could do it.
Hit the start button - vehicle started with "enthusiasm".....took her for a drive - wow!:)
The difference is very noticable. Very responsive, and plenty of power because setting the timing is so easy with an electronic distributor. Happy to be rid of crappy Indian points and condensers. It's very easy to make this switch. When the penny finally drops for the rest of you (happens when your capaciter fails), let me know as I have a full convertion kit (DM2 or 25D) at a bargain price for the first lucky (and wise) soul. ;)
Just an update - A report on my new ignition system, which includes a British made Powerspark High Energy Electronic distributor and Lucas low resistance coil, with new HT leads in period finish...... electronic ignition is simply brilliant. Matilda is performing in so many areas, so much better. Idling stability, starting ease, power delivery, fuel consumption.
Electronic ignition is simply the best upgrade you can make for an old vehicle. I also carry a spare module that can be easily fitted into the dissy in the unlikely event of failure (plus a brand new traditional dissy too!).
Why bother with setting point gaps, and changing condensors any more? My points changed their gap over a period of a month. Why bother? Having used both, I say it's madness not to make this conversion.