Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Pertronix ignition in a +4 ?

Gentlemen and Gentle ladies;
I have a +4 with the original distributor. I would like to install a Pertronix module, coil and spark plug wires. However, I called Pertronix support today and gave the tech the Lucas distributor model number and he said that they didn't have a module that would fit my distributor. I'm sure that I've talked to people who have done the conversion. What am I missing here?
The numbers on my distributor are: 1058, V167, and 40480A. I used the 40480A as the part or model number. Pertronix had no cross reference. How do I get an electronic ignition into my 1957 +4 ?

Thanks for any and all help!

It is the same distributor as the TR2 and TR3 just google electronic ignition for those cars.

In the UK there is starting to be a shortage of parts for that distributor and people are getting them rebuilt with the later Lucas 25D distributor parts.

Thanks Eddie, I'll give that a try.
Dick Hitt

The Distributor is a Lucas 25D. Or at least Mine is for a '63+4. However: If You still have a Positive Ground it takes a different Pertronix than a negative ground. I have Pertronix, Negative Ground for a Lucas 25D Dizzy. Try Morgan Spares in New York. They will help You.

Button

Unless changed at some point the distributor would be a 25D as mentioned below.
Pertronix make both positive and negative for that distributor and it is listed in their online catalog. Would suggest changing the plug wires and coil at the same time to get full benefit.

Tom S

From what I understand, Petronix does not add nor subtract from the Performance of Points. It is just a electronic switch that does the same task of Points. The only benefit, I know of, is the points do not burn or wear and the rubbing block does not wear.

Button

BTW: I have used Pertronix, I also installed a Pertronix Coil and MSD Ignition wires as well as a "Winterburn" CD. I have used the MSD 6A with good results, but I like the "Winterburn" CD a bit better. I am at present using Points along with the "Winterburn" CD. Only reason is I have had Pertronix fail and it is difficult/impossible to diagnosis the problem. I understand points. The "Winterburn" CD has a switch with CD, Off, Kettering (points).

Button
Seattle


Button

Stick with the Pertoronix II unit. The Pertronix III caused hard to diagnose ignition problems for me. Pertronix II works, but I'm back running points for the same reasons Button mentioned.

Dick H

Please disregard the comments made by Button and Tom S.

Your car is a 57 and had a clock wise spinning distributor based on the Lucas DM2P4 model, the 40480A defines the springs, weights etc inside the unit.

In the early 60's but it depends on exact model and destination of the car, therefore there are a few years that the changeover happens. The distributor was changed to Lucas 25D4 model which spins counter clockwise.

Therefore a Lucas 25D4 will not work in your car. Their cars are newer than your car.

Moss Motors advertises the 25D4 as the replacement Distributor for Triumph TRII to IVA engines. Don't understand how the DM2P4 could have a clockwise spinning mechanism.

Button
Seattle