Distributor Reconditioning Companies.

[V Mad]

I know of two companies that specialise in rebuilt distributors, although there may be others?

1.H&H Ignitions
2. Distributor Doctor

Does anyone have experience of either, or any others not mentioned? I have been in tough with both and know prices, but would like to hear of any recommendations (any problems may be best by PM if you prefer).

Thanks.

[ChasR]

I have not dealt directly with H&H myself but I know that a firm I know quite well does (www.emcmotorsport.com). They generally are quite happy with them and the condition of the items that come back.

I can't say this for all of the cheaper companies but I know with both the Dolomite Sprint and MGB distributors (44D4 and 45D4 respectively) that the longevity of the sub £60 new distributors has been questioned more than once (generally sold on ebay).

As another choice what about 123 distributors (Dutch company selling fully electric distributors)? In the 2000/2500 scene they seem to be a hit despite the high price.

[iani]

I used DD to obtain some advance weights, he went to trouble to ensure I gave him the exact distributor model and sell me the right parts, I'd use him again.

Ian

[V Mad]

Hi Chas. I wouldn't trust an unknown ebay supplier, but there are some reputable ones using ebay too.

Regarding the 123 system, as you say they are popular with many other marques, but for some unknown reason the stag fraternity seems to be lagging behind inthis respect. The company that makes them does not yet make new stag ones although there is another Dutch company that reconditions you old one then and fits the 123 system. They are currently advertised on ebay but strangely enough they are not yet getting snapped up. I wonder if owners understand the benefits that they can bring? I know they are pricey but that cant be the issue as many stag owners are willing to spend money to get the best for their cars, eg a tubular exhaust header will cost just as much and they are popular.

[ChasR]

I think part of the issue is that they are mistaken for a 'normal' distributor when they can bring many more benefits. Main part being there are no weights, wider choice of good quality components (I believe they use Bosch service items (caps, rotor arms etc.)) in addition to many ignition maps to work with your car. That and the fact that a number of people underestimate the benefits a fresh distributor can bring to the running of a car.

The Dolly Sprints also suffer from not being able to get the 123 Distributor since like the Stag the distributor is unique to both cars in most instances. I would be willing to bet it is the same Dutch firm that rebuild a 123 into a Stag dizzy into a Sprint item too.

I think the biggest issue with the 123 System is the likes of going fully electronic (i.e Megaspark/jolt) which in some cases can work out cheaper. But that is still not a cheap exercise in itself when it comes to mapping the ignition system etc At the end of the day, going with Lumenition, a good recon distributor will soon probably not be far off the cost off a 123 item (or so I found with the Triumph 4 pots and 'B). Although a distributor looks right....

[V Mad]

I think the biggest issue with the 123 System is the likes of going fully electronic (i.e Megaspark/jolt) which in some cases can work out cheaper. But that is still not a cheap exercise in itself when it comes to mapping the ignition system etc At the end of the day, going with Lumenition, a good recon distributor will soon probably not be far off the cost off a 123 item (or so I found with the Triumph 4 pots and 'B). Although a distributor looks right....

The megasquirt system is really a DIY system, so I would think not really comparable with the 123? I have been talking to one other company who are committed to classic car upgrades, and they are bringing out a new mappable ignition system. But from what little I can gather so far, their approach seems to be more radical, ie rather than a distributor swap out, we are looking at elimination of the dissy, and the prices could be well above those of the 123. They did also speak of a variation that keeps the dissy so I will look out for that when it comes.

[MandM]

The megasquirt system is really a DIY system, so I would think not really comparable with the 123? I have been talking to one other company who are committed to classic car upgrades, and they are bringing out a new mappable ignition system. But from what little I can gather so far, their approach seems to be more radical, ie rather than a distributor swap out, we are looking at elimination of the dissy, and the prices could be well above those of the 123. They did also speak of a variation that keeps the dissy so I will look out for that when it comes.

Hi, Have spoken to the dizzy doc twice ,he gave me advise on my vacuum advance unit, he asked for the numbers from it (Lucas 6 20 7), as i said i couldn,t make it move by sucking on it . He said you wouldn't make it move by sucking on it as The middle number = 20 inches of mecury , which would very hard to suck , he asked if i could blow in it , i said no , he said it seems to sound like it's ok , but would test it if i sent it to him. just got to check a couple of other things with the timing light. Would use him as he seems to know his stuff and doesn't want to just sell you something or the wrong thing.

a bit rambly i know

[V Mad]

Hi, Have spoken to the dizzy doc twice ,he gave me advise on my vacuum advance unit, he asked for the numbers from it (Lucas 6 20 7),

You must have the early Mk1 distributor type 41276 then?

[MandM]

You must have the early Mk1 distributor type 41276 then?

He said it's the right one for the dizzy 412525A, my car is a 76?, sounds like it's not the orginal one then?, didn't tell him the year.

[V Mad]

Either he is wrong or the Leyland ROM is incorrect.
The ROM for the 41525 vacuum adavnce is as follows which is nothing like 8.20.7

Vacuum, in Hg	Advance, Crank Deg
6:	0-1
7:	0-3
9:	2.5-5
11:	4.5-7
15:	5-7

[Speedytriple3503]

A long standing friend of mine had the distributor from his TR4A rebuilt by Distributor Doctor and was very impressed with the quality of workmanship and the level of service. Clearly very knowledgable and thorough.

[V Mad]

Thanks for all your replies. As there were so few replies though, I wonder if most people have not had their distributors checked/rebuilt.