Lucas electronic distributor - do I need a coil?

[lbc_newbie]

I have a Lucas electronic distributor (brand new) and want to know if there are any issues with this product as far as reliability and quality. Also, is a new coil in order upon installation? Will my tachometer still function? I have a 78 Midget with a 1275 engine.

 

[Midget78]

Your engine size is a bit different then mine but the distributor you have is the same. The issue I have learned with these elctronic units versus the points / condensor style is they give no warning when they are going to die. The points systems at a minimum you can work on and keep them going. The other thing with the electronic units is you want to take caution when working on the car and the key is in the "on" position. I was tuning the Weber and the car would die. I would find myself under the hood making adjustments and would forget that the key was still in the on position. A minute or so, no big deal but when it is prolonged then you can wreck the sensor. A Pertronix unit runs around $110 and should be kept handy as a spare for backup. At this point of putting in a new Pertronix unit I would suggest the coil. In the catalogs they recommend specific coils to go with these units. As for the tachometer, I do not know as mine hasnt worked since I purchased the car. The plan is to fix that next.