NOTE: This is not a direct endorsement but presented as information for those with the OPUS system looking to make it more reliable. It is no secret that the original OPUS system was not the most reliable. This system is easy to install and appears original when done unlike some of the other systems. The distributor does not even have to be opened or the timing adjusted. Further information or ordering information can be found at the bottom of this page.
REOPUS: A NEW SOLUTION TO THE LUCAS OPUS IGNITION PROBLEM
ELECTRONIC IGNITION UPGRADE FOR V12 JAGUARS
After extensive research into the original Lucas system, which has led to a full understanding of its original design specifications, our engineers have developed an easy and economic method of upgrading the OPUS ignition amplifier fitted to early V12 Jaguar models, including the XKE V12, XJ-S and XJ V12 prior to the introduction of the Lucas CEI ignition around 1982. This new product introduces state-of-the-art electronics, provides a thoroughly modern ignition system and eliminates the well-known Lucas amplifier problems, while maintaining the originality of a vehicle.
OPUS Amplifier REOPUS Board
The OPUS AB3 amplifier is in a finned aluminium case containing a printed circuit (PC) board, which on early cars was located in the engine valley where it was subject to extreme heat. Later modifications saw it mounted to the top or front of the radiator, but this only marginally improved its reliability.
REOPUS is a new PC board with modern components that is easily installed into the original aluminium case to replace the Lucas PC board. It has been completely redesigned to address the shortcomings of the original unit, but utilising the standard pick up, coil, ballast and wiring. This provides a modern ignition system for the vehicle yet maintains the originality.
The PC board is supplied as a kit complete with detailed installation instructions. Upgrading to a REOPUS unit simply requires the original PC board to be taken out of the case and replaced with the new board, which fits on the original mounts. The upgrade will not even require the amplifier to be removed from the vehicle or the ignition timing to be changed.
Here’s a brief rundown of the REOPUS features:
The REOPUS upgrade will give:
Here is a quote from a leading Independent Jaguar Specialists in the UK, Derek Watson, who has exhaustively tested REOPUS in his workshops;
“The [REOPUS] board works very well & used with the original Opus coil shows considerable improvement. We've been trying some different coils with it, since the Opus coil is unavailable & again it works well. The car we are testing on however, has other faults & because this board works much more uniformly across the cylinders, these faults are much clearer on the scope. I am convinced that the board is much improved.”
The Lucas amplifier unit was an elegant solution designed to cope with the rapid firing required of a high performance multi cylinder engines. Nowadays, it is known as being the main point of failure in the ignition system fitted by Jaguar and other high performance vehicles of the era.
The design was advanced for its time, but unfortunately, unlike today where components are designed specifically for vehicle electronics, the designers had to rely on a limited number of general-purpose components.
The less than ideal quality of the components and the extreme environment, in which the old unit is required to operate, means that it has been the source of frustration for many V12 owners over the years.
The doubtful performance of the original unit is compounded by the deterioration of the components as they age. Many of the original components will have degraded and changed in value. Consequently, the unit will be operating outside its original design limits. The results are an irregular and weak spark with up to 12 Deg timing errors between cylinders.
It is not necessary for the unit to fail completely for there to be a problem. If the vehicle has an original Opus unit, it is almost certain that it will be contributing to erratic starting, irregular idling, reduced performance, poor reliability and reduced fuel economy.
Here are some testimonials from very satisfied Jaguar owners;
“I am very happy with the REOPUS upgrade and in particular the increased torque that my XJS now has. I can feel the real acceleration for the first time”
Barry Eade, Auckland, September 2006
“My 1974 XJ12 had been running badly for some time and I was reluctant to drive it. I saw the REOPUS upgrade at the Auckland Jaguar Club show and after listening to what the unit could do I purchased one in the hope that it would solve my problems with the car. After installation the car started first time, which it hadn’t done before! Normally I would have to leave the engine running under choke for 10 minutes to warm up before I drove the car, but I decided to chance it. I noticed the improvement immediately and I could now confidently drive it as soon as I started the engine.
After a few miles and onto the motorway I just couldn’t believe that this was the same car. It accelerated as I expect a V12 to do and was a lot smoother and quieter. The difference was amazing”
Peter Tripp
Auckland November 2006
“Re: 1973 E-type V12 convertible REOPUS installation.
I have taken the car for a long test run yesterday and wanted you to know my experience;
First of all, the cold start has improved tremendously. It is now as quick as the turn of the key, as before it would take quite some time to turn it over before it would fire.
Secondly, the engine runs so much smoother and quieter than before, acceleration is much quicker too. Overall, the engine performance has improved dramatically and it drives like a new car. Best thing since sliced bread.
Thank you very much for putting me onto this product and I hope you will sell many more, as it has made me appreciate my car more than ever”
Ton Heus
Euromed, November 2006
And finally from an Aston Martin V8 owner;
“The installation of a REOPUS ignition upgrade in my 1977 Aston Martin V8, has been a great investment. In spite of several attempts by “experts” to tune the car, it was only when I fitted a REOPUS unit that I was able to obtain a correctly functioning ignition system and then deal with other issues to get the V8 running as it was designed to. After a number of frustrating years, gone is the poor cold starting and misfiring under acceleration. I can strongly recommend the REOPUS upgrade to any vehicle owner with the old Lucas Opus ignition”.
Clive Butler, Auckland, October 2006
To become another satisfied REOPUS customer and give your Jaguar V12 the ignition system it deserves, call:
Keith Davis on +64 21605130 (email kdavis@xtra.co.nz)
Dave Curry on +64 9 522 2169 (email dcurry@xtra.co.nz)