Marelli Distributor electronic upgrade?

karmat · #1 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 04:15 PM

So what I am wondering is if anyone has upgraded their Marelli distributor with a new magnetic pick-up and control unit for the later Marelli electronic distributors? I know, I know there are a hundred options for electronic upgrades that involve swapping the distributor. I even have another Marelli fitted with an Allison Xr700 (Crane). Lets say for the sake of discussion that I want to keep my original Marelli distributor and I don't want a Crane box. It's a single points 103 distributor from a 1969 car.

Having never seen the inside of a Marelli electronic distributor I don't know what activates the pickup. Is it magnets in the rotor? If so, does the newer rotor fit the older distributor? Anyone done this?

Cheers,
Karl

**ossodiseppia** · #2 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karmat

So what I am wondering is if anyone has upgraded their Marelli distributor with a new magnetic pick-up and control unit for the later Marelli electronic distributors? I know, I know there are a hundred options for electronic upgrades that involve swapping the distributor. I even have another Marelli fitted with an Allison Xr700 (Crane). Lets say for the sake of discussion that I want to keep my original Marelli distributor and I don't want a Crane box. It's a single points 103 distributor from a 1969 car.

Having never seen the inside of a Marelli electronic distributor I don't know what activates the pickup. Is it magnets in the rotor? If so, does the newer rotor fit the older distributor? Anyone done this?

Cheers,
Karl

karmat · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ossodiseppia

The pointed distributor has a four lobbed cam that actuates the points. The electronic distributor has four "fins" that trigger the sensor. You would have to fabricate something to replace the cam or fit over it.

I think there are a couple of options for replacing the points... I just forget what they are.

**Geezer** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 05:08 AM

I just get the Pertronix conversion kit. Used them on many vintage ignition systems and they work great. Not sure if they have a kit for Marelli but it's worth asking.

Ignitor

karmat · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 09:28 AM

There is also a product pretty much just like the Pertronix on eBay all the time called Hot Spark. Anyone have photos of the inside of a Marelli electronic dizzy?

Karl

**ossodiseppia** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karmat

There is also a product pretty much just like the Pertronix on eBay all the time called Hot Spark. Anyone have photos of the inside of a Marelli electronic dizzy?

Karl

**lowmileage** · #7 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 09:59 AM

I have the RML (or something like that). I think it's nuts to run a points set-up anymore.

karmat · #8 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ossodiseppia

I am sure glad I work at home.