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MG MGB Technical - Some thoughts about tune-up parts

I've purchased wires, caps and rotors from Moss motors and the other major distributors. I've also purchased them from Advance Auto and Auto Zone. For my part, I can't really tell the difference in the quality or performance. What's everyone else's take on this?

For instance, Moss sells the Lucas dizzy cap for about $16 while their "replacement cap" is closer to $8 or $9. I'm guessing that the replacement part is Beck/Arnley or comparable. Ditto for wires and rotors. I guess my question is, do you really get what you pay for when it comes to this stuff or is it all pretty much the same?


Mark
Mark J. Michalak

Sometimes the cheaper parts will work as well as the more costly parts but with some parts you really do get what you pay for.

Clifton
Clifton Gordon

And the suppliers who sell to Moss and other parts houses change now and then, so even if a part works and fits properly one time, it may not the next. Such is the way of low volume classic car parts!
Steve Simmons

And sometimes the aftermarket ones are better! I have a tendency now days to buy Bosch replacements for common Lucas stuff, frequently easier to get and in some cases appear to be better, but the variable original source problem gets in here too.
FRM
FR Millmore

Like FRM, I've used what was available without many problems. That said, there was a run of bad rotors a while back that can drive you to do bad things. No sign of anything wrong with them they just wouldn't pass the spark from the coil to the plugs. I really don't remember if they were from the local auto parts store or VB.
Bill Young

My best luck has been with Lucas rotors (the non-resitor type) and Bosch caps. FWIW.
Bob Muenchausen

Watch out for distributor caps with small diameter wire posts - you'll find some that the boots don't fit tightly over. You'll also find that some of the caps are made out of brittle pastic that'll crack if you breathe on it wrong, versus a more durable, slightly softer version. I use all aftermarket caps ans rotors from various manufacturers. You really DO have to keep on top of the products on the market because they DO make changes - not always for the better! Look for the rotors that say "Remove to oil" on top, as they don't have shorting issues. If your rotor has a metal clip to hold it to the distibutor shaft, remove the clip and use a bit of RTV silicon to hold it in place. That will greatly help reduce the chance of shorting!
Jeff Schlemmer

This thread was discussed between 13/03/2007 and 17/03/2007

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