MGB GT - Distributors and Electronic Ignition

A brief overview of MGB distributors, their weaknesses and what electronic ignition is all about!

[@instadisassemble_reassembl5370]

Hey Mark. So I finally bought a 123 distributor. Do I remember by chance if you installed this at TDC or at a static timing mark eg 10 degrees before TDC? Thanks

[@granblogismo]

Hi! I think I just followed the instructions, was a while ago now, think I had to put it at TDC then on the distributor there were lights that came on once it was in the right position 🤔

[@instadisassemble_reassembl5370]

@@granblogismo thanks Mark - appreciate that! I was slightly confused. The instructions I have referenced setting static timing which I tool to mean 10degree BTDC but then the accompanying data sheet stated install at TDC 🤔 But it's all clear now. Cheers again!

[@DavidUKesb]

Can you tell if an engine has electronic ignition without removing the distributer cap?

[@granblogismo]

DavidUKesb the easiest way is to remove the cap as it’s only two clips and you don’t have to take off the leads (the leads also stop it dropping on the floor 🤣) but you might be able to tell without removing it depending on the type of electronic ignition. One way is to check how many wires are coming out of the distributor body (not thick HT leads out of the cap), if it’s more than one then you might have electronic ignition, some systems use an external ‘box’ to house the electrics so look for a small metal box with branding like lumenition or pertronix again with a normal/thin wire leading to the distributor body.

[@DavidUKesb]

Thanks great, thanks very much.

[@tomfurie2996]

What the score board?

[@granblogismo]

Haha, it’s left over from a party, it’s the number of pints of beer people drank from the beer pump, ‘Gibbo’ at the top is me at 12 pints (says 10 + ll as ran out of space for the tally 🤣)