The Infra-red principle of Lumenition's Optronic system has been proven the world over for the past thirty years. Known for its reliability, it is the system of choice for performance under the harshest conditions. The system has earned its reputation during races, rallies and expeditions across dangerous terrain throughout the world.

2. What are the benefits of fitting the Optronic system?

Accuracy, reliability and maintenance free ignition.

3. Does the Optronic system change the original advance curve?

No. The vehicle’s original advance curve is maintained.

4. How does the ignition system work?

Check out the How it works page here for information on Contactless electronic ignition using optical switching technology.

5. Is the Optronic system compatible with DIS or multiple coil ignition systems?

No.

6. My vehicle is positive earth. Can an Optronic system be fitted?

Yes it can. Please check Lumenition Technical Bulletin no.6 in the Optronic technical section of this site for full information on fitting an Optronic system to a positive Earth vehicle.

7. How easy is your kit to fit?

The Optronic or Magnetronic systems can be fitted by an enthusiast in under an hour.

8. How can I find the correct Optronic or Magnetronic system for my car?

Please find our Application Data here.

9. My model is not listed in your application book, do you manufacture a kit for it?

Our application list does not show every vehicle. If you cannot find a kit for your vehicle, try the distributor application. You will need to know the manufacturer, model and some details of the distributor fitted to your vehicle.

10. I'd like to adapt one of your Optronic units to work on my engine, can you help me?

Lumenition Technical Bulletin no.1 explains how to convert a distributor using Lumenition parts.

11. I am interested in the Magnetronic Ignition system. Can it be fitted to my vehicle?

The Magnetronic system is suitable for all 4 and 6 cylinder negative earth vehicles fitted with Lucas 20, 40 and 50-series distributors. There is also a Magnetronic system available for some 4 cylinder Bosch distributors. For full information on supported vehicles and further information on Magnetronic fitment and operation please check the Magnetronic Application List in the product section of this site.

12. I have damaged the wiring of my Optronic Optical Switch and wish to replace it. As the system was fitted a number of years ago will a new optical switch be compatible?

The Optronic Optical switch and power module was re-designed in 1983 and if your system was manufactured after that date a new optical switch will be compatible with your power module. Please check Technical Bulletin 16 in the Optronic technical section of this site for further information on component compatibility before replacing this unit.(link)

13. Will my coil be suitable with the Lumenition Optronic system?. If not what would you recommend?

The Standard Optronic System is compatible with the original coil/ coil & Ballast resistor used on contact breaker vehicles. If in doubt you should check your coil using Lumenition Technical Bulletin no. 7. Or your Lumenition supplier can provide a compatible coil and ballast resistor from the Lumenition range.

14. I have an Optronic ignition system and I want to replace the coil on my vehicle. Which one do you recommend?

The Lumenition MS4 coil is recommended for this product. This is a coil and ballast resistor combination (which gives the best charging characteristics) ideally suited to Optronic Ignitions. Product information can be found in the installation instructions section of this site.

15. Can I purchase directly from you? If not, where can I find a dealer and a retail price?

We sell through our comprehensive dealer network. These include catalogue and Internet dealers. Click here to find a Dealer and Click here for the retail price.

16. Will my tachometer (RPM meter) work with a Lumenition ignition system?

The Optronic System is compatible with almost every tachometer fitted. There is a known issue with Smith current sensing tachometer (RVI) which is fully described in Lumenition Technical Bulletin no.15.

17. My vehicle runs on LPG. Is the Lumenition Optronic system suitable?

Yes.

18. Is the Optronic system suitable for marine engines?

Yes. Lumenition manufactures a special marinised version of the Optronic system for boats. See Marine.

19. Is the Optronic system suitable for aircraft?

No. No retail Lumenition or Micro Dynamics product should be used on any aircraft.

20. I've lost the fitting instructions, can you send me new ones?

Please find a selection of fitting instruction for download. Lumenition Fitting and Installation Instructions

21. I’d like a brochure. It is downloadable?

Please find a selection of brochures. Lumenition Documents

22. What should I do if I have a problem fitting the kit or if I suspect there is a fault?

First contact the dealer from which you purchased your system. Any returns must be via the dealer, unless any special arrangements have been made with Autocar direct.

23. I don’t have a spark or have intermitted misfires. What should I check?

Please see Troubleshooting document here. Lumenition Technical Bulletin no.17

24. I have fitted the Optronic system to my vehicle and it is working perfectly. However I have noticed that my coil is very hot. Is this normal?

This is not necessarily an issue. All Coils get hot in operation and it is possible that you have not noticed before how hot the coil became before fitting an Optronic ignition. It is also likely that any additional coil temperature is only occurring on tick-over and when the engine is driven the coil temperature will return to similar levels or below those generated using points. This is not a fault and is created by the way the Optronic system operates. The rise in temperature is unlikely to damage the ignition coil. Please see our product technical section for further information.

25. What is the difference between the Performance Optronic system and the standard system?

The Performance Optronic coil comes with a special power module and matched constant energy coil for improved power range and performance. Optronic page.

26. I wish to rev limit my engine to prevent accidental damage. Which rev limiter from your range do you recommend?

Lumenition and Micro Dynamics carry a range of rev limiters from pre-set engine bay models to driver-adjustable full-throttle gear change versions. The Lumenition ERL-V and MicroDynamics RL-range are the most practical for single-coil applications where a pre-set limit is required. For racing or fast road applications the Micro Dynamics digital ranges are the most applicable. Download the product catalogue from this site for general rev limiter information and visit the product section for more detailed guides on facilities and installation.

27. I want to replace the engine management system on my vehicle. What can Lumenition offer me?

Lumenition’s low-cost “Blue” C400 -series engine management systems can be used with 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines either for ignition only or for ignition and fuel. Information on ECU configurations available for different engine types and triggering methods available together with ECU specifications and more detailed installation requirements, trial software and system functionality see the Lumenition engine management pack documents in the engine management product pages on this site,

28. What advantages does Lumenition engine management systems give me over Carburettors?

Lumenition electronic engine management systems offer total control over the timing of ignition events and the fuel supplied to engines over the complete rev range. With visible and instant adjustment and feedback via the CAL600 computer software it is possible to tune an engine to the best power profile for your vehicle. Even when changing the camshaft or fitting an upgraded cylinder head the engine can be re-mapped for optimum power and control without the need for experimental replacement of carburettor jets or emulsion tubes.
To learn more about Lumenition systems visit the Engine management product pages on this site

29. Are Lumenition throttle bodies available for my vehicle?

The most popular range of Lumenition throttle bodies are the TBP series of side-draught throttle bodies with a Weber DCOE pattern fitting. These can be fitted on any engine for which a suitable Weber-style manifold can be sourced. With idle speed control and an advanced cable linkage and fuel rail system these throttle bodies have proved ideal for race and road tuned vehicles alike. Lumenition also offer a number of direct to head throttle bodies for selected vehicles as well as single bore throttle bodies for plenum based fuel distribution or for use on specialist manifolds. Please see the engine management pages on this site for more detailed information on throttle bodies. Many different styles are available and if the type you require are not in the basic lists please contact Autocar by email for further information.