Since I cannot get out now, I'm considering purchasing and installing the Pertronix D177600 replacement distributor with the correct 1.5 ohm coil. I'm getting lots of yes's and no's when researching suitability. Can anyone advise on it's suitability.

 

Never heard anything bad about Pertronix Products.

I wonder about the adjust-ability of the mechanical and vacuum advance systems, though. This distributor will physically fit a slew of cars but, as made, surely can't provide the optimal timing curve for all of them

Cheers
DD

 

Ian:

Why? If your car is a Series three and has electronic ignition ? It is a good system. and performs well if not just plumb wore out!

If so, not a bad choice. Most curves are a compromise. And the older ones less fitting to conditions Fuel is far different than the 80's.

So, can you find the curve for the present unit.. Degrees of advance from Idle til all advance in?

Then, as I've read, the petroix tech folks are helpful ad can opine if their unit is close. I expect they might claim their's is a better curve...

Carl

 

Ian,
Several Forum members have used this distributor on EFI XJ6s, but it is not recommended by Pertronix (their literature states for carburetor models of XJ6 only). It has less performance than the OEM ignition system. The high performance Pertronix Distributor D171618 and 45001 ignition coil (45k volts & .6 ohm) has better performance, and have been reported as working well by forum members on their XJ6s; but, if you are in California or New York, it is not approved for pollution controlled vehicles.

The question: is your interest in a new ignition system a desire for better performance, better idle or is your distributor on it's last legs. If you pull the cap off your distributor and with a paper towel grab the rotor and wiggle it from side to side... and the upper bearing is failing, then you may want to explore the D171618 distributor (with Vac advance) and matching coil. (you do not need the ignition amplifier with this distributor...be sure to plug the two mounting holes in the intake manifold if you remove the amplifier). The alternative is to send distributor to overhaul specialist.

If your distributor is ok and your are just looking for better idle or performance, Pertronix has a replacement ignition module (inside the amplifier) that out-performs the OEM Delco unit and will support the .6 ohm coil. This module is direct replacement and in approved for EFI XJ6s in California and New York.

( I am using this Pertronix ignition module and the 45K volt coil on my EFI XJ6 and you can tell the difference in smoothness at idle... I overhauled my OEM distributor)

Since we are finding ourselves with extra time on our hands, here is a long thread with some of the details for you to consider. Jaguar XJ6 S3 Ignition System Repairs:

Rgds
David

 

That's good info. I'm running the D171618 https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...stomer-203294/
and should note that Pertronix advised me that "The Ignitor II module along with new coil has a bigger output than the OEM equipment", though they wouldn't guarantee the D171618 would work on the Series 3. It works nicely on mine.

 

I think it may be a Pertronix legal department issue, as the EFI XJ6s need a signal from the ignition system for the Tach and to the ECU to fire the fuel injectors. The signal from the Pertronix unit is different than the OEM CEI system.... They don't want responsibility if you have a malfunction with your ECU and they did not want to change the signal with an adapter, as MSD was forced to do to get their system to work with EFI cars. If there were a big enough market, they would probably do the testing required to confirm that it works for EFI XJ6s (S3 models). I saw some voltage wave form discussions ( can't remember where) on the ECU and it has several filters; the wave form changes thru these filters, so it appears that any strong enough voltage signal will trigger the ECU circuit without harm... The legal department would want more than than a "Guy in California" with a computer and a lot of time on his hands, giving them the ok. I would not hesitate to use the D171618 with matching coil.
Rgds
David

 

See attached Distributor curves
I knew if I looked long enough I could fined the advance curves for Pertronix... For the XJ6, the advance curves are similar between the D17600 and the D171618
Rgds
David

 

Thanks David, Sorry in the delayed response. Will archieve the curves. The Pertronix pictures show two leads from their dizzy. Any idea where they go to or does anyone have Pertronix installation instructions?

 

David, If the curves for the two units are similar, why the two models offered? Is the D177600 one for Carbs and the D177618 for EFI.

Either way, which coil will match these units best. I've seen 3 Ohm and 1.5 Ohm units and you are using .6 Ohm. Now I'm confused!

 

I'm using Pertronix 0.6 ohm 45011 with my D171618. Here are the installation instructions that came with the distributor. Please note the pages are out of order but they are all there.

 

Ian,

1.5 or .6 Ohm coil will work.. The .6 Ohm coil will allow you to open-up the plug gap over-book by .005

"Web-site: PerTronix D171618 Flame-Thrower Electronic Distributor Cast British 6 cyl Plug and Play with Ignitor

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Performance Distributors for British Engines Flame-Thrower HP distributors take the performance line of distributors one step higher. That's right, HP stands for High Performance, and that's what you get with our all new HP distributors. These distributors feature patented Ignitor II technology and are available with top exit or our new side exit caps. For optimal performance, use our Flame-Thrower II 45,000 volt coils. "

The electrical module in the D17600 will only match the 3.0 Ohm coil

Rgds
David

 

Given the location of the distributor on these cars, I doubt that mot SMOG techs would detect a Pretrronix in lieu of the original..

A past lister posted that a lcal Smog tech in his area failed to note the agbsence of the air pump!!

Carl

 

If the smog shop is legit, they will pick up on the Pertronix timing at 10 degrees, where the placard on the bonnet calls out 17 degrees for OEM distributor... I have watched them thru lobby to shop window hook up the timing light, spend a few minutes looking around, only to give up and check the box OK. I have three white marks, 0-17-33, they would not be able to see degree marks. If they asked me which mark was correct, then I would know they were checking. They really like the modern cars where they just plug into Computer.
David

 

David,
After contacting Pertronix, they advise to use distributor D171618 and coil 40011 (1.5 ohm). Distributor on Amazon back-order so once received I will let everyone know the results.

 

These folks in Iowa have the D171618 PerTronix D171618 Flame-Thrower Electronic Distributor Cast British 6 cyl Plug and Play with Ignitor II Technology with Vacuum | Northern Auto Parts:

 

Thanks Greg, but I have already ordered through Amazon. Easier to deal with when duties/taxes are payable when coming into Canada.

 

DavidXJ6

Good point for CA folks. I wonder if merely setting the pretromix to 17 would effect running enough to flunk the Smog sniff test..

Way back, my preSMOG job on my IHC Scout II was to screw in the idle jets to the point that the car would just barely resist stall. back AKA in SMOG parlance "best lean idle"!. And, once done screw them back out to best idel!!! It's truck engine was far from a clean design. It ate gas!!



Jeep coming upfor SMOG, OMG!!!

Carl