MGB distributor replacement - views please

[oily mist]

I tried to set up the timing on my '75 B at the weekend - spot on for static timing and dwell ok at 50 degrees but the dynamic timing was very, very erratic. Looking at the crank marker under strobe light showed it hopping around by about 10 degrees. So we think the dizzy is probably rather worn - hardly surprising after 37 years and 120k miles.

So I'm looking at a replacement and have seen new 45D with an Accuspark module to replace the contact breakers and condenser. All in for 55 quid (incl red rotor arm) whick looks a bit of a bargain.

So what I'm after is any views on whether this is a good substitute for the conventional set-up.

Thanks in anticipation,

Eric

[DocArbathnot]

The best one is a 123 unit. A lot more expensive so I suppose it depends on how much use you will get from it?

http://www.123ignition.nl/

[nta16]

I've got a 123, very pleased with it, throughout the rev range


if you get one get it from Peter Burgess - http://www.peter-burgess.com/123.html

unless your car is much off standard the standard 123 will be fine

and if your car is otherwise full and properly recently serviced then get Peter to fit it and set it up on his rolling road and you'll think you've got a different car - http://www.peter-burgess.com/newrollingroad.html

otherwise you can have the dissy rebuilt properly by the Dissy Dr - http://www.distributordoctor.com/

notes:
there is another fully (not just top) dissy available, CSI, but I've no idea if it's any good
modern made CB points, condensers and rotor arms can be badly made so buy good quality and/or NOS from the likes of the Dissy Dr

[oily mist]

Thanks chaps. I'm aware of the 123 dizzy and of course the fine work of Mr Burgess. My B has a standard spec (albeit rebuild) 18V lump so I don't think I need the more exotic set-ups. I was just wondering about the effectiveness of the cheaper substitutes. I might just give the 55quid replacement a punt - if it reveals anything interesting (good or bad) I'll post on here.

Eric

[nta16]

Eric,
I was thinking of the standard 123 rather than the 123 tune (even for slightly tuned engines)

I've used igniter heads (replace CB points and condenser) from Lucas and Aldon and they were good but still left the rest of the worn dissy that effects the running of the engine

Peter reckons rest dissys usually last about 3 years before the wear sets in again (I don't know if that applies to the ones Dr dissy does)

Simon BBC seem to be popular with some so you could look in that direction

[nta16]

oily mist said:

My B has a standard spec (albeit rebuild) 18V lump so I don't think I need the more exotic set-ups.

rather than trying to tidy my post up I'll put here to hopefully be clearer

the standard 123 is fine for standard (and moderately tuned) engines and personally I think the cost is easily worth it for the improvements, reliability - and lack of servicing (which is what the standard dissy can lack for decades)