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Re: IGNITION SYSTEM 78/79MGB

To: john.bartholomew@amail.amdahl.com
Subject: Re: IGNITION SYSTEM 78/79MGB
From: Randy Wilson <randy@taylor.infi.net>
Date: Thu, 19 Jan 1995 17:55:13 -0500 (EST)
> ...
> module is taped back and a lucas AB14 ELECTRONIC IGNITION AMPLIFIER
> (47261A)  installed in its place. This is actually installed under
> the coil, the coil mounting bolts pass through the ignition amp and
> hold both the coil and amp to the inner fender. I assume the PO had
> a problem and the system was upgraded....Maybe not?
> I have a couple of questions...
> 1/. Is this standard, ie. a factory change installed before delivery
> at say the dealer? My manual shows the integral amp/distribtor as
> the standard for this year model. If this change was incorporated
> for new production (late 79 and 80) was the "ballast resistor"
> eliminated? I can't seem to locate one, at least there is nothing
> like what is fitted to my 76. Was there a change, different type?
> 2/. The coil is one that needs the ballast,16C6(45251A), so I think
> there should be one....UNLESS the AB14 AMP takes care of this?
> Anyone out there ..been there..done this..???? All and any input
> wil be gratefully received. Thank's in advance.
> John.Bartholomew


 The original Opus II electronic ignition had a pretty gruesome
failure rate. Lucas come out the with update you have in like mid-80.
I don't think any B's got this from the factory. But many 79 and 80's
got the upgrade under warranty, when the original failed. Since the
update consisted of both the new amp and a new distributor (and was
around $600 retail), very few cars not under warranty got it. Most
of these got an aftermarket electronic system. Some got a P.O. job
of stuffing in a points dizzy from who-knows-what.

 To answer your questions. Your system was most likely installed by
a dealer under warranty. Be happy with it; they are extremely
rugged.
 The *coil* ballast resistor is in the same spot on both your 76 and 79.
It is a chunk of resistive wire inside the harness. The external ballast
resistor you see in the 76 was for the Opus II electrics, not the coil.
It is removed with the upgrade.


    Randy



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