E-Type Distributor Comparison Data and Resources

On the Jag-Lovers list, there is often discussion regarding the various distributors used on E-Types during production, as well as the compatibility of modern replacements for the original Lucas units.  Andy Blackley on the List has compiled a brilliant Excel Spreadsheet combining factory manual data with his own comparisons of the advance curves for factory distributors used on 6-cyl (XK engine) E-Types, along with popular aftermarket replacement units, such as the Petroniz, Mallory and 123 units.

I have not independently verified this data, and cannot vouch for its accuracy, but for those seeking a handy source of this information (like me), this information is invaluable.

Along with Andy’s discussion (in Word format)  and Excel Spreadsheet, the separate source files are also here:

Lucas 40617A (3.8L – Triple SU Carbs)

Lucas 41060A (4.2L – Triple SU Carbs)

Lucas 41207 (Early Series 2, no vacuum capsule)

Lucas 41322 (Late Series 2, with vacuum retard)

A succinct but useful discussion of Jaguar’s use of vacuum advance and retard distributors, by Dick Maury, can be found here.

Additionally, for Marcel Chichak’s comprehensive spreadsheet on the advance characteristics of many Lucas distributors, not only those equipped to Jaguars, click here.

Marcel Chichak has prepared a very useful guide to tuning Lucas distributors, which can be found here.

Lucas’ Overseas Technical Correspondence Course, in Session 3, addresses “Coil Ignition” and contains a lot of useful information.  This is a scan of the original period document I found on the Internet.