all right guys, let the newbie clear things up...(hah)
I am also familiar with magnetos, my jetskis use them. but what I think what Sean was talking about was a magnetic pick-up instead of points in his dist. like a pertronix.
Jacobs is a company that makes an ignition system that 'uses the spark plug to measure the condition inside the combustion chamber' at least that is what they say. but I have no reason to doubt them, it seems like the system works. it makes sure that all of the fuel is burned by giving a multiple spark discharge. but does not give you multiple sparks if they are not necessary. it also allows you to run .10-.25 bigger gaps! that gives you a lot more surface area on the spark, giving you better combustion.
here is a quote from their site...
'Jacobs' computer-controlled ignitions "modify spark output in response to changing environment and running conditions. By tailoring spark voltage, duration, and phase angle for each cylinder on every power stroke. Jacobs Electronics' computer-controlled ignition systems improve performance, gas mileage, engine life, and lengthen intervals between tune-ups.'
like I said, I have run they on my porsches, and noticed a seat of the pants difference.
but this may not help Sean get his Opel running. does it run? is this how you got it? is it the coil to dist wire that is grounded? or just one of the smaller tabs (which should be grounded) maybe post a picture. but I do know that it was OK to unground the coil and return the wire to the dist. this would bypass the Jacobs system and allow you to run on the original system.
hope this wasn't too much...Jon
