Experience Dealership line mechanic on MG, Triumph, Jaguar for 15 years, Instructor in commercial mechanics school 2 yr. Product information manager for piston and valve manufacture, Instructor & hotline answer man for import car parts importer 15 yrs.
Organizations Associate member SAE
EAA member
Publications Import Car magazine
Education/Credentials ASE Master Auto with L-1 certification up to 2000
Question QUESTION: I have a 72 spitfire that i am trying to replace the distributor cap, points, condensor, and rotor. Problem is although i've bought the parts twice, lastly from Victoria British, the cap does not match. The one they send me is squared on the edge instead of being more of a dome and also mine has a small u-shape on the bottom edge on one side. Do i have a different distributor installed that didn't come with the car? Also, I see that there are aftermarket electronic ones for the 75 and up 1500. What about mine. How can I solve this mess? Mark
ANSWER: Hi Mark,
A lot of different distributors will fit the 72 Spitfire and many 72 Spitfires have had engines replaced with other year models. The best way is to call Victoria British with the number off of the distributor you have. If they can't supply you with the correct cap & rotor by the distributor number, try Moss Motors or The Roadster Factory.
Howard
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QUESTION: Howard, this morning I finally reached the guy who rebuilt the car. My 72 Spit has a 68 MGB distributor and have loacated the stuff here locally. I thank you for the response anyway. One last thing, would you recommend me changing to an electronic one, oddly they do not offer it for the 1300 Spit but do offer one for the MGB, I find that strange. Before I plop down a couple hundred for it, will it work and do you recommend it? Mark
Answer Mark, that has to be your decision.
You have less maintenance with an electronic system but no repairs can be made if it dies out on the road.
The Kettering ignition (points) system needs periodic maintenance but many out on the road repairs are possible and points and condensers are very cheep as compared to a new electronic module.
Howard
