Fast Marina Magazine

The Australian Lucas 29D distributor was missing from my 1750 TC engine, and the 29D4 I have is from a single carb 1750 with a vacuum advance. Because I don't know it's condition, and parts are getting hard to find for them, I am looking at options for replacing it. While I like the sound of the adjustable 123 and CSI distributors, one would cost me over $600.

I have had a quote for about $250 from Powerspark for a 43D with the correct advance curve. I sent them the advance curve details from my workshop manual (below) and my camshaft spec, and they came back with this :-

No advance below 450rpm, 8 degrees at 900rpm, max advance of 10 degrees at 1800 rpm (all measured at the distributor) It's based on a 43D non vac with electronic ignition, rotor arm and top entry cap and will work with a 3.0 Ohm coil

Has anyone (apart from Chris ) had experience with Powerspark electronic distributors?

Bryan - try this guy as well, if only to give you a comparison.

http://www.distributordoctor.com/ he would be able to rebuild your vacuum advance 29D to TC spec.

I find Distributor Doctor very good what he doesn't know about Lucas distributors is not worth knowing. He also has a very large stock of Origonal new parts
Dave

Thanks, guys. Great feedback. :-)

I looked at the Distributor Doctor, but there's the added time and cost of having to send the 29D to the UK. My engine reconditioner also said it was quite worn, so a new 43D sounds a better and probably cheaper option. I'm not trying for a concours restoration, so I don't need to retain the original for authenticity.

I have also been given the contacts details for the NZ Accuspark agent. He's a Mini enthusiast, who can also custom build a 43D for me. Has the advantage of quicker delivery and slightly cheaper.

I've had positive feedback for both Powerspark and Accuspark.

Next step is to talk to the engine reconditioner, and decide which one to go for.

If you talk nicely to DD he may well send you the original parts required to build into a new casing Its not something he normally does, but given the distance he may well do. I have always found him very helpful to say the least.
Dave