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MGBGTV8 alternative distributor
Chris Armitage (Tundra 2066) from Hampshire has found and extensively
tested an alternative to the Lucas distributor for the MGBGTV8.
(Dec 04)
I have never been
impressed with the quality of the standard V8 Lucas distributor. Firstly
the dwell adjuster threads stripped and left me stranded by the roadside.
Secondly I was getting fed up with repeatedly replacing the vacuum
advance/retard unit, then I had problems with pinking even when the
ignition was retarded a few degrees from the factory setting. Finally
I had an erratic idle speed which was being caused by weak return
springs and sloppy mechanical advance/retard mechanism, revealed as
timing scatter visible when checking with a stroboscopic timing light.
Hence I bought what has turned out to be an excellent alternative
which has cured all these problems- a Mallory twin point distributor.
The Mallory
distributor is an American after market |
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accessory,
presumably originally aimed at the Buick version of our engines
but supplied with adaptors to fit both types of Rover V8 oil pump
drive. It is a substantially engineered unit with a turned alloy
body & brass spindle. Everything is more substantial than the
Lucas unit, and features
heavy duty twin contact points. It is possible to adjust the amount
of advance. Installing & setting up is the same as the Lucas
unit except there is no external dwell adjuster. However I have
found that it has retained its gap / dwell over the 3 years since
I fitted it. Idle is now rock steady, there is no pinking, the engine
seems smoother and it inspires confidence.
I obtained mine from a Rover V8 engine specialist in Norwich - RPI
01603 891209 or www.rpiv8.com. At the time of writing they are £215
for the contact breaker version which I fitted, or £345 for
an electronic type. I have no connection with either RPI or Mallory!
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