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MG MG Y Type - Electronic ignition

Has anyone tried installing electronic ignition into a YA? How can you tell if the system is asymmetrical or symmetrical?
A J R Felthouse

i have a powerspark in my MG TA with xpasg engine
since i have this installed never had a problem
i will install it in my YA if the car is back on the road
perhaps this summer
FT Franz

Does this help ?.

Tony
The Classic Workshop

A L SLATTERY

I see now, yes it makes sense.
There appear to be quite a few different types of electronic ignition available. Do most people go for the Pertronix Ignitor, or another one?
Many thanks Tony
A J R Felthouse

I have had a Pertronix Ignitor in my 1969 1275cc Midget for about 15 years to save having to worry about setting the points gap.

The downside is not being able to set static ignition timing any more - strobe the only option.

Not been tempted to fit one to an XPAG.

Tony
A L SLATTERY

I have stared at that distributor cam diagram many times and am still mystified about the differences, the reasons why they exist and particularly how you would recognise an assymetric one. I am certain, though, that they would have no influence on an ekectronic ugnition system. The main question, to my mind, is how to choose a system which is reliable enough as when electronics fail they do so suddenly with no chance of limping home to sort it out there. At least the old technology often allowed us to choose where to where to address the problem as sod's law would have us stranded in the most inconvenient and dangerous place while it is raining. I exaggerate I know but at least carry the old disributor internals properly setup for the inevitable failure. Modern stuff may last longer but fails eventually (and catastrophically).

Ian
ian thomson

Thank-you Mr. Slattery for the very useful diagram... especially as it includes dwell angles for the different cams.

... CR
CR Tyrell

Don't thank me, get yourself a copy of the NEMGTR CD of "The Sacred Octagon" back issues - indexed and searchable. I found that little gem in there about 15 years ago. There is a wealth of knowledge and answers in that CD - great value.

Safety Fast

Tony
The Classic Workshop
A L SLATTERY

This thread was discussed between 25/03/2021 and 29/03/2021

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