I’m thinking of converting from existing points / coil to a solid state no points ignition system for my 86 XJ-S 3.6.
ive read about the advantages in general terms, however I have had no discussions re the sensibility of converting my 3.6.
appreciate the thoughts of you experts.
many thank.

Mike
86 XJ-S 3.6 manual

 

You already have electronic ignition, probably "Lucas CEI"- Constant Energy Ignition

Cheers
DD

 

^^^^^^ What Doug said.

 

I think it's Bosch, it's not the HEI module that the 5.3 used.

 

FYI, the distributor on the 3.6 is just a mechanical device to send the spark to the right plug. It has no timing or spark generation function.

 

XJS from 1986 has vacuum operated distributor and Lucas 8CU engine management system which is obsolete crap connected with modern tech engine. It was replaced in mid 1987 by 9CU system with MAF sensor and vacuum-less distributor which only distributes spark. Unfortunately the 8CU is nothing but trouble. Was having similar idea some time ago, however there it plenty of fiddling involved. Custom fully adjustable engine management is your option. You will need crank and MAF sensors. There are digital, programmable distributors to retro-fit - not sure about AJ6 engine.

 

thanks Greg. It’s as I thought. I started to worry with some comments, cause it was obvious once dist cap taken off exposing good old fashioned points and spinner.

mike

 

If your '86 has a points-type ignition it's because someone has retrofitted it.

What you should see when you remove the cap:




Item #5 in the illustration is the electronic ignition 'pick up' which serves the same function as old fashioned points

Cheers
DD