CSI

[locost_bryan]

Considering options for replacing the missing Lucas 29D4 distributor from my E-series engine. This Australian distributor has a number of differences to the English 23D/25D4/45D4, including a different shape cap, and parts are now hard to come by. I have one from a single carb engine, but that has a different advance curve and uses the vacuum advance (which was deleted on the TC). Since I am changing the cam from the original 240 degree to a 280 degree "Fast Road" Kent 717 profile, the advance curve will be different anyway, and the springs & weights would have to be customised on the reconditioner's rolling road dyno.

Has anybody had experience with the CSI (Classic Sport Ignition) electronic distributor from Holland? This uses a clone of the Lucas 25D4/45D4 body, but does away with the mechanical advance, instead using an electronic unit with 16 pre-programmed advance curves (selectable via a screwdriver activated rotary switch).

"Modern technology in the original casing"

The Classic Sport Ignition is a totally electronic ignition. By replacing mechanical advance timing with electronics. There are 16 selectable pre-programmed advance curves to choose from ensuring the car has the correct ignition timing no matter how many revs the engine is running at. Additives have drastically changed the characteristics in modern petrol which doesn’t correspond with the factory settings of your car. Our programming has taken this into account. It guarantees an optimum combustion as a result of which your engine will perform better at all revs. Because of the stronger spark and accurate timing the engine will start easier and run more regularly when idling. You can gain power and torque by playing with the different curves.

There is no more maintenance because; the contact points, the mechanical advance and vacuum mechanism have been replaced by modern electronics. Tolerances in the timing are now a thing of the past. The electronics are totally integrated into a casing that resembles the original. Once the distributer cap is fitted, there is no visible difference.

Emailed them about it, describing my engine specs, and their response was :-

Dear Bryan,

The standard distributor fort he MG B range, most of them have more advance as 31 degrees.

But I think we have someting more suitable for you : MG b CSi special.

See for the advance diagrams the enclosed manual

When you adjust the CSI on TDC, like the manual discribes, the the advance is on idle 10 degrees and max advance for curve 1-4 28 degrees,

Curve 5-8 30 degrees, curve 9-12 32 degrees and curve 13-16 34 degrees.

You see also different steepnesses in each group of 4.

Important is to find out the best advance at idle, it could be 13 degrees instead the assumed 10, ofcourse you can at idle turn de distribitor to reach the 13 degrees.

Then the maxumum advance is also 3 degrees more, but you can choose a same shape of curve from another group to reach the desired max. advance.

I have also enclosed a manual how to tune.

This MGB CSI special version is only for sale on request, I think only Browm and Gammons in the UK has it on stock. https://www.ukmgparts.com/

Also within 1 or 2 months, we can deliver a full programmable CSI ignition with bluetooth (android software) and/or with USB (Wndows software)
A ideal tool for a professional tuner.


The CSI
Met vriendelijke groet / Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Wim Veldkamp

[david painter]

I haven't used one per say but think they are a very good idea allowing easy timing curve adjustment within the pre programmed range
Dave