73 e-type v12 no start

Eric,

The amplifier is a problem for many of us who have the OPUS system in the E-types. It's the weak link, prone to failure. They cannot be repaired once they go bad or burn out (sealed unit, components are encased in some kind of epoxy resin). Many have looked at this but to no avail. It is a tuned system so you can't even vary the length of the wire harness or it won't work.

I can offer two possible solutions. First, SNG Barratt makes a replacement kit including distributor, coil and amplifier that looks exactly like the original system. However, it upgrades the electronics to the HE standard used in the later XJS V-12's. It is supposed to be much more reliable. At the AGM in March, a speaker from Coventry West said they install them in V-12's as an upgrade and find a performance enhancement, but Barratt's doesn't promise that.

The other alterative, if you are not concerned about originality, is to go with one of the "modern" systems such as MSD. Several members I know like Pascal Gademer have changed the eletronics and love the difference. They report enhanced performance from the modern systems on these old engines.

If you are concerned about "concours" appearance, you might give the SNG Barratt system a look. If you just want a good running, dependable car and possibly enhanced performance, check out the MSD sytem. There has been discussion on this forum in the past about changing the ignition system, or go to www.jag-lovers.org and seach the archieve of the E-type and V-12 lists for discussions there about upgrading the OPUS V-12 ignition system.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
JCNA Slalom Committee Chairman
JTC Slalom Chair
'72 E-type 2+2 (V-12)
'70 XKE FHC