Dears:
I have come to the point of having to replace my ignition pickup. Saw some suggestions of modifying to Pertronix LU166a electronic ignition kit, meanwhile eliminating the need for the amplifier. Is this a sound solution? Anyone against?

Paul

 

I always heard good things about Pertronix so I can't think of any definitive "against" argument. But, would the conversion be a cure in search of a disease? There's nothing inherently wrong or substandard with the Jaguar CEI.

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Doug! That's reassuring!!
Paul

 

Unless things have changed I didn't think Pertronix made a unit for the CEI distributor - they do make a whole distributor though (the LU166a will work with the points type distributor). The Pertronix D177600 is the part you would need to convert to a Pertronix system. The amplifier in the CEI system is actually a GM unit, believe it or not, hidden inside that Lucas box.

I have a Pertronix unit on my E-type that's seventeen years old and still going strong. Have had one on my Spit for over twenty so I can attest to their reliability.

 

Paul,
Putting new electronics in an old /worn distributor will not give you long term reliability. The OEM CDI system is still quite good for spark performance, its individual parts do not last forever and are heat sensitive. A new Pertronix distributor will cost a little more that the ignition kit and give you the ability to bypass the amplifier.
The key to system is to get the most efficient coil the electronics system will support. The OEM Lucas system will support a 1.0 to 1.5 ohm coil. A new pickup from SNG includes a new base plate (replacing the worn and corroded Vacuum Advance mechanism).

If you feel that a new distributor is best solution, the Pertronix D171618 distributor with #45011 0.6 ohm coil will improve the spark performance over the OEM CDI system. The 0.6 ohm coil will allow increasing spark plug gap .005 inch over book value for better ignition.

The D177600 distributor is a good replacement for an OEM points type distributor and will support a 3.0 Ohm coil. (Pertronix does not recommend this for a EFI Jaguar engine)
Both Distributors have different curves than OEM Lucas, but are refined and conservative, hence they have a different static timing point (10 degrees vs 17 degrees on my 1984 XJ6)
There are several posts on the repair of the ignition system or switching to Pertronix system.
Rgds
David

 

Dear David, Metalbasher:

Thank you guys so much!! Crystal clear! I completely appreciate your inputs!!

Paul

 

Paul
If you you decide to go to Pertronix system with new .6 ohm coil, plan on a new set of ignition wires as they may be ok for current system, but could arc with new efficient coil. Also would recommend new non-resistance plugs ( NGK (7327) BP5EY ); most website will show resistance plugs as OEM; this was for radio interference and is not needed now, if you have modern replacement resistance ignition wires.
Rgds
David

 

Thank you David! That is very thorough of you to remind!
Paul

 

FYI, the Petronix system has been on the market for more than 30 years. It was originally designed to run stationary engines 24/7 as well as fork lifts. Been using them for 30 years in classic cars, hot rods and boats. The only failure was self inflicted due to a bad ground. Put mine in last month and love it.

 

Wait! I should have clarified that my car is 1986 XJ6 Series 3 4.2. Does Pertronix make any mods for it??? It seems everything they make available for Jaguar is pre-S3?
Incidentally, it seems Jaguar is no longer making AEU1500 Ignition Pick Up base? I bought one from SNG Barratt, it does not look right, and did not function right either! After installation car won't start, yet putting the old one back it is fine.

 

I have the items David suggested (D171618 distributor and 45011 45000V coil) on my 1986 EFI 4.2 XJ6. In my correspondence with Pertronix, they would not guarantee it would work. It does.

 

Paul,
I have the AEU1500 from SNG on my 84XJ6 S3 and on my spare distributor with no problems.. could be a dud? A recent member also had a bad from stock Pertronix distributor with a sticking vacuum advance mechanism. Both companies have good reputation for correcting problems with their parts.

Your second point has been well researched: Pertronix literature indicate they only support carbureted XJ6 models with ignition products. However, many jaguar owners have installed and reported success with both the early and the later distributors on Fuel Injected engines. The two issues for Pertronix " being a company in California with many products that require approvals on California emissions controlled models, that they must be squeaky clean.

The early distributors and the electronics within were for replacement of OEM points operated distributors and did not match the performance of the Lucas/GM CEI system.

The later distributor with the performance coil exceeded the OEM CEI system, but had a on-off current flow to the coil, whereas the Lucas/GM system has a positive current flow switching to negative current flow at the time of spark fire. A secondary function of the Negative terminal on the coil is to provide signal to Tach and to provide a signal to the EFI ECU for the fuel injectors. " I believe that with a very small market Pertronix did not want the expense and liability of certifying the system for the XJ6 S3 jaguar" . I have found details of the ECU that indicate there are several internal electronic filtering systems in series that that change the wave form, from the input form (+ to - ) to a final form that is used to meter the fuel injector open time. "It appears" that the Pertronix current signal (+ to 0) does not in the end, change the final signal to the fuel injectors, Hence the Distributors/Electronic kits work on the XJ6 S3 EFI engines.

First See if SGN has any recommendations for you before you return pickup... don't want you to loose warranty. Both the new pickup and the old working one should have the same ohm reading if you have multi-meter to check them.
Hope this helps
Rgds
David

 

Mkii250, thank you for the clear explanation.

One clarification... this setup allows you to bypassed the factory Amplifier, correct?

If so, were the Pertronix instructions simple enough to make wiring straightforward?

Thanks again!

 

Yes remove the amplifier. You'll have to put its retaining bolt back in or you have an air leak. Very simple instruction; it worked the first time for me!

 

Thanks very much! Parts on order and look forward to trying this out. Cheers!

 

I have an XJ6 S2 and used the HOT Spark product from the UK, very simple to fit, set & forget, only extra required is an electronic ignition coil, haven't touched it in 7 years.