Hi, I am just wondering what is involved in converting to electronic ignition. Has anyone done it? What does it look like cosmetically? Are kits available for this?
Any prior experiences are welcomed.

Thanks,
Marios

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Wed, 11/08/2006 - 18:19

There are half a dozen ways to do this, some less obvious than others. I'll give you a few choices:

1) Convert to the electronic ignition from an XJ6. The Lucas distributor is a drop in, and the module doesn't look out of place. The only problem is that your installing used parts.

2) Use your existing Lucas w/points to trigger an electronic ignition module. The choices include MSD, Jacobs, Mallory, Crane, etc. Mike Eck (www.Jaguarclock.com) makes one that allows you to switch back to direct points ignition, includes a rev limiter, and is compatible with your tach. With the other boxes, you will need a tach driver, such as the MSD 8920.You will need to find a location for a moderately sized box somewhere in your engine compartment with any of these options.

3) Install a Pertronix Ignitor. This is a self contained module that fits entirely in your distributor, and replaces the points. It implements an optical trigger, so you won't have to touch your distributor again for a long time. The only visual clue is that there will be two wires coming out of your distributor, rather than one.

4) Install a Mallory Unilite. This is a complete replacement for your Lucas distributor, with an electronic trigger. If your distributor is very worn ,this may be a good choice. Unfortunately, Mallory caps are cherry red, so they are rather hard to hide.

5) Install a Crane optical trigger in your distributor, along with a Crane ignition box.

6) Install a crank trigger and an Electromotive ignition system. This will really change the appearance of your car, and only really makes sense if you go with Electromotive fuel injection.

I'm sure I could think of a few additional ways to do this given time, but that's a pretty good choice. If cosmetics are the issue, then Pertronix is the most discrete conversion.