Vintage ignition & extinguisher question

[RacerBOB]

Looking for info on the Contactless brand of CDI ignition as used on the DFV and also info on Dreadnought Fire extinguishers? I have exhausted the web!

Appreciate feedback

[phoenix]

Wasn't the ignition made by Lucas? I think it was called Lucas Opus - or something like that.

You might do better posting in one of the historic threads, if you haven't done so already.

[phoenix]

This may help you:

http://www.reopus.co.uk/

And on this ling there is a circuit diagram showing the starting circuit:

http://www.reopusignition.com/the-op...t-diagram.html

The start circuit appears to only increase the coil voltage when starting by by-passing one of the ballast resistors between the battery and the coil. There is no indication on the diagram that the timing is changed in any way.

[RacerBOB]

Originally Posted by phoenix

This may help you:

http://www.reopus.co.uk/

And on this ling there is a circuit diagram showing the starting circuit:

http://www.reopusignition.com/the-op...t-diagram.html

The start circuit appears to only increase the coil voltage when starting by by-passing one of the ballast resistors between the battery and the coil. There is no indication on the diagram that the timing is changed in any way.

Thanks for your reply. I wish it was that simple. While it may have performed the same task as Lucas CDI ignition, which is not the same as opus, it was from a different company called Contactless Elektronische(apparantly they used to motorcycle ignitions). I have combed the net already! Not much if anything to be found.

[phoenix]

From what year of manufacture were DFV engines using CDI?

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by phoenix

The start circuit appears to only increase the coil voltage when starting by by-passing one of the ballast resistors between the battery and the coil. There is no indication on the diagram that the timing is changed in any way.

That's just the normal set up that was used on most of the ballast resist systems on Mk 1 Escorts Mk 2 Cortina's etc to aid coil voltage at cranking.
Depending on valve timing it is possible to start an engine on max ignition degrees as there is less compression at cranking.
Of course you would know all this phoenix, but some don't

[RacerBOB]

Originally Posted by phoenix

From what year of manufacture were DFV engines using CDI?

Sometime around 1978-1979, more likely 1979/1980. Tyrrell & Ligier for a start!