Even if you've "upgraded", have you got the BEST ignition solution for your V12 engine?
ReOpus is a totally new amplifier circuit board that is easily fitted inside your existing Lucas OPUS AB3 amplifier casing. ReOpus has been specifically designed and manufactured to dramatically improve on the original's performance and specification. ReOpus transforms your inevitably degraded and outdated Lucas ignition amplifier into a modern, high-performance, and thoroughly reliable system for your cherished V12. Let's have a closer look at the Lucas OPUS problem...
The original Lucas OPUS AB3 ignition amplifier is well known for being the main failure point of the ignition system fitted to Jaguar V12 and other high performance vehicles of the era. The OPUS amplifier PC (Printed Circuit) board is housed in a finned aluminium case. This was initally located between the cylinder heads where it is subject to extreme heat. This was necessary because the leads needed to be as short as possible to avoid interference. Later modifications allowed Lucas to lengthen the leads and the amplifier was moved to a cooler location near the radiator. This only marginally improved its reliability. First designed in the 1960's, the OPUS ignition system was a very elegant solution to cope with the incredibly rapid firing requirement of high revving 12 cylinder engines. The problem lies in the fact that the OPUS designers had a limited number of comparatively primitive electronic components to work with. Forty years on, and there are now many high-grade components available specifically designed for vehicle electronics.
The poor quality of components and the extreme conditions under which it operates, mean that the OPUS amplifier has been the source of great frustration for owners over the years - especially when a replacement would soon go the same way. The borderline performance is made worse by the ageing of the electronics and the build-up of the heating/cooling cycles as you drive. For this reason, some of the original electronic components will have changed in their values and the unit will be operating outside its designed limits. The results are an irregular and weak spark with as much as 12 degree timing errors between cylinders. It's not necessary for the unit to fail completely for there to be a problem. The inherent smoothness and power of Jaguar's V12 engine means that most owners do not notice the frequent, random timing scatter or partial mis-fires under power. After all, the V12 still feels a smooth engine even running on six cylinders. (I forgot to connect the throttle linkage to one of the cylinder banks once and I never noticed until I got to an open road and asked it for some power!) If your vehicle still has a Lucas OPUS unit, it will be contributing to poor starting, irregular idling, reduced performance and poor fuel economy... and one day soon, it will fail. Ever heard of Murphy's Law? The bad reputation of the OPUS system, has been created solely by the failures of the amplifier circuit board. People have questioned the reliability of the magnetic pick up and timing wheel in the distributor. In our experience, these are very simple, reliable and effective devices, probably more so than optical devices. The evidence? Well, new pick ups and timing wheels can still be purchased from the larger Jaguar spare parts organisations - but original OPUS amplifiers have sold out! The "Aftermarket Fixes" available so far... For years, the team at ReOpus looked high and low for other solutions. We found one that replaces the amplifier internals with a later (1980's) Lucas CEI design. It's expensive because it also requires a brand new distributor, pick up, and coil... time and money wasted if the originals are still working. Also, we weren't convinced this would solve the high operating temperature problems... and feedback tells us we may have been right. If you're not concerned about originality, we found other aftermarket "black box" systems. Our own experiences, and others, revealed many having problems with system compatibility, reliability, component quality, ease of fitting, service and support from the manufacturers. Check their specifications for yourself... Can they cope with 12 cylinders @ 8,000rpm? Do they actually state they are designed to run 12 cylinders - or do they only quote 8cyl specs? They may provide a V12 fitting kit, but is this just a corporate way of selling more of their generic amplifier units? Our research on the original Lucas OPUS shows that the only significant upgrade was to adjust the circuitry to allow lengthening of the leads for a cooler location in the engine compartment. None of the above are truly "modern technology " designs. ReOpus was designed with the latest components specifically to run 12 cylinders accurately - even from the engine valley heat of a V12! Think of it this way: In the V12, the ignition has to work 3 times faster than a 4 cylinder, 2 times faster than a 6 cylinder, and 50% faster than an 8 cylinder. It makes sense to go with a system that was designed to run 12 cylinders up to 8,000rpm rather than a generic, or "adapted" amplifier still using dated electronics and circuitry. THE NEW SOLUTION...
ReOpus gives you all these benefits by just replacing the old circuit board in your existing amplifier casing. This can often be achieved without completely removing the amplifier from the vehicle (if using a portable soldering iron) and even without resetting the ignition timing. ReOpus is easily installed by anyone who can use a screwdriver, spanner and a small soldering iron. If you don't feel up to soldering (hey, no shame in that!), any auto-electrician should be able to do the job in less than an hour! If you want to check your auto-electrician will do the job, just print out the the "Fitting Instructions" page and show them... or email them a link to the page. You could save money by unplugging and removing the amplifier case and take it to a competent electrician to do the soldering bit.
What more can we say? Well, how about some background... We had three V12 engined cars on the team - all had Opus ignition problems. We tried the various fixes available at the time, but weren't happy with them. Dave (the board's designer), decided to do something about it. He created his totally new ReOpus design and fitted it to his V12 E-type. The difference was dramatic! It was so good that the decision was made to manufacture and distribute it world wide. After extensive prototype testing and adding further improvements, ReOpus must now be the best solution whichever way you look at it - and surely you want to fit the best? We're so confident with ReOpus that we're giving you a manufacturer's FIVE YEAR GUARANTEE... plus personal ongoing email, web site, and manufacturer support. If you want to experience the real power and smooth torque of that beautiful V12 like never before, get your card out of your wallet now because here's REOPUS UK's unbeatable online price ...
£197.00 ...registered delivery world-wide is included in this price. Please allow 5/10 days for delivery. Use the "BUY NOW" button to order
PLEASE NOTE: We will need details about your car and existing ignition. After ordering, you will be asked to fill in a form. To see this form before you buy, click here. ReOpus 5 Year Warranty. The manufacturer warrants, for a period of FIVE years from the date of shipment, that the ReOpus circuit board is free from defects in material and workmanship. The manufacturer’s obligations under this warranty are limited to the ReOpus circuit board only when it is used as a replacement for the Lucas Opus Type AB3 ignition trigger amplifier together with the original car manufacturers pickup sensor and an appropriate coil. All warranty claims will require you to return the unit to our manufacturing facility, at your cost, for examination. If the unit is found to be defective we will either repair or replace it at our discretion and return it to you free of charge. Web Site © Double Six Design |
Fitting Instructions Print out and check how easy it is to fit. Comparison Table Original Lucas OPUS v. ReOpus.
Testimonials What Owners say about their ReOpus. V12 owner tips It's worth checking this page out before fitting a new ReOpus.
FAQ Unsure about something? These may help. Original Wiring Help Differences between Jaguar models, photos, and schematics. Links STRONGLY recommended links for ALL Jag owners.
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