Re: Marelliplex

[Dick Stachowiak <stachowiak@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ed,

You have to be careful with the Marelliplex ignition, as several 
versions were sold.  The standard version that came stock in the US 80 
and 81 spiders have a dual pickup and a very limited mechanical 
advance.  This system used a vacuum switch and relay to select between 
the advanced pickup and the retarded pickup.  I'm told the vacuum 
switch is no longer available.  I have this setup in my GTV without the 
vacuum switch, and just can't get enough advance to run properly.  
There was an aftermarket version of the Marelliplex that used a single 
pickup and had a modified advance curve to give full advance.  Don't 
jump on the single pickup version just yet, as there are many of the 
original dual pickup versions that got converted to single pickups as 
the supply of dual pickups dried up.  They still lack the proper 
advance curve.  In fact I have one on my Spider that is dual version 
converted to single pickup with only half the needed advance.  I would 
see if you can try the single version before you commit to it, and see 
if you can full advance out of it.  Other than the advance issue, the 
Marelliplex is a great system.  It's based on the General Motors HEI 
system, in fact GM supplied the modules to Alfa.  If you ever have a 
problem you can get a replacement module at any parts store.  Just tell 
them it's for a 1980 Chevy.

Dick Stachowiak ( looking for a single pickup Marelliplex with full 
advance )

71 Spider ( single pickup Marelliplex with half advance )
71 GTV ( dual pickup Marelliplex with half advance )

On Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at 11:00 PM, alfa-digest wrote:


> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 19:27:47 -0400
> From: "Ed & Marsha Prytherch" <mred2u@domain.elided>
> Subject: Marelliplex
>
> I am planning to buy a used Marelliplex for my GTV and I have the
> opportunity to get either the single or dual pickup type. Are there any
> pro's or con's with either type?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ed Prytherch, Columbia SC
>
> ------------------------------
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