Lancia Motor Club

Gentlemen, I am in need of your advice............
I’m contemplating fitting electronic ignition to my S1 1.3s  Rallye Coupe, and am unsure of the type of Mageneti Marelli distributor currently fitted to my car. Both the Coil and distributor look original. It has been suggested to me that all 1300 engines were fitted with model S105 distributors, and the 1200’s  & 1600’s were fitted with S139 distributors. Could any one confirm this?
I’m thinking of going for the Lumenition Optronic Ignition system. Has anyone experienced this system and does it work.
I presume I should also up grade the plug leads to high quality 8mm suppressed leads? 
Thanks, Trev

You could try:-  http://www.viva-lancia.com/specials/ignition/index.htm

Trev

I run Luminition on both my Fulvias but they are 1600s. I think the Lada kit fits but it is a bit fiddly. No problems yet  (after 6 years) but I keep a spare standard dizzy in the boot if I am going abroad! I think you should be able to fit Luminition to you 1300 distributor but seek their advice. others rate the Hall effect system too.

I use 8mm silicone leads but also straigh copper except it messes up the Brantz trip master....

Tim

The parts book says not; S139's are fitted to 1600's, S105's to everything else. I'd be surprised if they were as the 139 is physically different to the 105's so the aparture in the cylinder head is different, it would seem unlikely to me that Lancia would change that from 1200 to 1300.

There is a third type, Ducellier, which was fitted to cars bound for the USA.

Thanks guys, very helpful as ever......... I think I’ll go with the Luminition system + performance coil & HT leads. I’ve spoken with the manufacturers (very helpful) and they have a unit suitable for my S1. Trev 

Just to put your mind at rest I have a Lumenition Optronic on my 1300 Coupé - albeit an S2.
I fitted this on the car many many years and it's given no problems and I don't recall any issues fitting it ... it all seemed quite straightforward. It's just finding the best place to mount the little control module which I did with a simple bracket on the left-hand side of the engine bay.
 :)

Gentlemen......a belated thank you for your help & advice on this matter. I've just fitted the Lumenition Optronic system & performance coil to my S1 & first impressions are good. All just in time for Fulvia50.

What fitting kit did you get from Lumenition for the 105 dizzy???

Hi Tim,
I’ll need to check & get back to you........but suffice to say that I purchased the whole kit including a new coil directly from the manufacturers; Autocar. They also provided the conversion kit for the 105 dizzy & pre-drilled the locating holes. They were very helpful.
Fitting was straight forward albeit fiddly......the dizzy was removed & disassembled as the plastic splitter needed to be fitted under the bob weights & springs. I’ve only driven the car a few miles since, but it already seems to be a bit punchier. I’m still running the standard RED ignition leads. Should I up grade these to say;8mm Magnecor leads?.
As I’ve previously mentioned, I’m slowly trying to get a little more power from the 1968 1.3s engine, & the ignition seemed a good place to start. I’ve also been offered a Gp.4 side exit (single box) exhaust. Do you think this would be a good idea? I know it will be loud. Would you have any suggestions on other areas where I could squeeze a few more BHP with out major engine rebuilds?
Trev.

Hi Trev

Thanks for the input - await any further info you may have on file re parts for lumenition. It is a great piece of kit but has a warning not to use copper leads.

Fulvias main restriction is exhaust so a better / larger manifold will help. The rest of the exhaust is only minor so you could still use the Gp4 manifold and tie into the standard system. Or be a bad boy and get your self noticed....

Tim

Tim,
Copper Leads!!.......are you suggesting that my original red leads are copper core, and i should change them? If so do you have any suggestions on what to go for?
Trev.

You will be able to tell if they are copper..... (zero ohms resistance).

Tim.....I fitted the Standard Optronic System which comprised:
  1. Power Module Ref: PMA.60
  2. Fitting Kit for Marelli S105 distributor Ref: 316
I also up graded to a Lumenition MS4 Ignition coil with ballast resistor.
Apparently I can run copper leads with the Standard system, but not with the Performance unit, however I may upgrade to a set of Lumenition performance leads.
Trev.

Thanks

Can you take a photo of the base plate as I have some Luminition parts which I would like to mess around with.

Tim

I’ll try but that may be difficult..........as it’s located under the rotar cap, & bob weights, so not very visable. Are you going to Fulvia50 at Goodwood, if so you’re welcome to have a look then. Trev.

Yes. Will be in my avatar!!