I have a 1955 BN-1 and I understand that there is an item called an ignitor which is available for my Healey and replaces the condensor and points in the distributer. Is there any good reason for installing same? Will it make the car more dependable as far as starting and running? I seem to be plagued with electrical problems lately.
Thanks.

Hey Thomas,
I have an older system - Allison - on my BJ8 and other than currently
hooking it back up after replacing a wiring harness, it worked well.
From what I have read from various sources, using the current unit
from Petronix is a good way to go. Pretty cheap and easy to install and
once set up right, you're good to go with no worries about points, etc.
Google "Petronix Ignition" and you will find a lot of info about it.
Moss sells it and you can find them online as well. Assume one is
available for a BN1.
Good luck,
Mike

I've had a Pertronix Ignitor in my BJ8 for (probably) 5 years or so. It has performed flawlessly. I can idle my engine down to about 300RPM, and I believe it idles smoother and starts easier and quicker. The unit will compensate--to a degree--for a worn distributor (though mine's in pretty good shape). Not having to mess with points leaves more time to work on other stuff.

One thing I did that some might not is use the cutoff switch in the boot to ground the coil. You have to move the terminal on the switch which previously grounded the coil to prevent starting to have the opposite effect (the Pertronix switches current through the coil whereas points switch the coil to ground).

Thanks for your help, all. Sounds like the ignitor is the way to go. Thanks again.
Thomas