Section : Ignition and Distributers

Distributer Questions for a Mk1 GT6

Posted By : James Fotheringham, 19-Feb-2006, 02:45pm

Hello,

I have a G reg mk1 GT6 1968

It is fitted with a Lucas 22D6 dizzy.
Is this the standard distributor for this car? When did triumph switch to/from the Delco Remy model?

Secondly, the contact earth wire from the points assembly to the plastic terminal is frayed and damaged. With what standard of wire should I replace this with?

Any info would be much appreciated,

Cheers in advance,

James

Followups :

Distributer Questions for a Mk1 GT6

Posted By : Van Hamlin, 19-Feb-2006, 07:14pm

Standard GT6 had Delco distributor although many have been replaced by Lucas.

The only special thing about the wire is that it has a special sleeve material so that it is more flexible than normal wire. This is so because the points base plate has to move.
Are you sure the wire itself is damaged and not the sleeve? a little bit of fraying at the ends of the sleeve isn't anything to worry about.
If you replace the wire with a new bit of wire you will also have to attach the connectors to each end of the new wire.
Probably better to get a new wire/connector assy from Rimmers - see TR6 catalogue on web site.

Van
- Distributer Questions for a Mk1 GT6
  
  Posted By : James Fotheringham, 19-Feb-2006, 08:17pm
  
  Thanks for the quick reply.
  
  Can I infer from the fact that so many Delco's have been trashed, that the Lucas is a superior model?
  
  The wire is intact but the sheath is almost completely gone!
  I will have a browse at Rimmers.
  
  Cheers,
  
  James
  - Distributer Questions for a Mk1 GT6
    
    Posted By : Chris Taylor, 19-Feb-2006, 09:37pm
    
    For reasons I have never had explained, Triumph used Delco distributors on GT6s and Lucas on the same engine as fitted to the Vitesse! They are interchangeable (as far as I know) and the Lucas is generally considered to be the better one; it is certainly easier to gets parts for.
    That said, the Lucas distributor was used on quite a number of Triumphs so it is important to make sure you have got the right one for the engine. (Standard Mk1 GT6 should be the same as Mk1 Vitesse).
    - Distributer Questions for a Mk1 GT6
      
      Posted By : William Davies, 19-Feb-2006, 09:59pm
      
      Fitting Delco distributors was no more than a sop to the US market, where most Spitfires and GT6s were destined. Every good American knows the myths about the Prince of Darkness! As we all know, the truth is that the Delco product is cheap junk, whereas the Lucas distributors are nicely engineered.
      Cheers,
      Bill.
      - Distributer Questions for a Mk1 GT6
        
        Posted By : Colin Lindsay, 20-Feb-2006, 05:24pm
        
        Don't forget - the early Vitesse had no rev counters so if buying a Lucas model make sure it's got the distributor drive for the rev counter.
        
        Distributer Questions for a Mk1 GT6
        
        Posted By : Chris Taylor, 21-Feb-2006, 01:00pm
        
        You've to go back to 1963 (?) to find a Vitesse without a rev counter!
        Since the only suitable distributor for a Mk1 GT6 is a Vitesse 2litre (Mk1), the rev counter drive issue should not arise.
        I would not consider the distributor for an early Vitesse 1600 or a 2L Mk2 to be suitable for a Mk1 GT6 unless someone has done a careful comparison of advance curves. The combustion chambers are quite different.
        You MIGHT find a vaguely suitable distributor from a Mk1 2000 saloon, which DID have a Lucas distributor but no rev counter.
        
        It was interesting to see for the first time a perfectly sensible reason for the Lucas/Delco distributor issue!
        BTW, why then did the post Sept 63 Vitesse 1600's have a Delco distributor? (ie those with a rev counter). Even by then it was clear that American sales of the Sports 6 were not going to take off dramatically. Did Lucas actually make dizzies with tachometer drives at that time?
        
        Distributer Questions for a Mk1 GT6
        
        Posted By : James Fotheringham, 04-Mar-2006, 03:16pm
        
        Lots of good info guys.
        
        Anyhow I was looking for an Ignitior, and found Southern Carbs & Injection.
        
        http://www.sciperformance.co.uk/onlineshopproducts...
        
        They sell Ignitors for under Â£60, I have ordered for a 22D6, not sure if they have Delco Remy though.
        
        Bearing in mind the average price at the recent Tri Spares Show was about Â£85.00
        
        Thought I would share this info...