What is an emergency jump starter and do I need one?
An emergency jump pack is designed to start a car with a flat battery. Traditionally these were large, heavy, tedious things, but as technology has progressed, so have jump packs!
Essentially a jump pack is a portable battery, big enough to start a car but small enough to be portable. They are capable of providing a large amount of power for a short time, with the best jump packs being able to start a car many times from a full charge. A good jump pack should be small but capable.
Our jump start packs are based on the latest battery technology and can deliver a starting current of 300A and has a capacity of 18000mAh. In addition to starting a car engine, they alo have 12v output for all your car accessories, a 5v output at up to 2A so can charge all your mobile devices and a 19v output which can even power a Laptop.
Lamborghini have announced that the ludicrous Huracan Sterrato off roader is to become a reality… So what’s all this about?
It’s not every day that the exotic Italian manufacturer announces a new car, and their supercars do tend to remain in production for quite a few years… It’s not like a ‘normal’ car where the same platform will get a mid life facelift before it’s replaced by a new model after 5 years. The Huracan has been around 8 years since it was launched In 2014, replacing the Gallardo which itself had a 10 year production run. Gone are the days when a car would remain in print for a decade, so it’s understandable that Lamborghini wants to roll the dice a bit as it’s Huracan is a little long in the tooth…. But an off road supercar? Really? What’s this all about?
The supercar and hypercar movement has all but paled into irrelevance in the last decade. There was once a time when 150mph was the realm of the gods, and 200mph was a pedestal upon which only one or two cars ever sat… These days your average family saloon can cruise at close to 150mph, and we see cars capable of 170mph+ on a daily basis. Your fast saloons from the likes of Mercedes AMG, BMW’s M division and Audi’s RS department have been churning out bread-and-butter supercars for a decade, bringing performance to the masses and inadvertently diluting the potency of those really ludicrous supercars.
Are we now numb to speed? Have we become accustomed to acceleration? Is brake horsepower boring?
The fact that Lamborghini deems it not only feasible but commercially viable to produce a supercar with a lift kit seems to indicate that we are in a post-supercar era.
When everything can do 0-60 in under 6 seconds, and 600hp isn’t enough to get you noticed, does performance really matter?
As we sit here in 2022, Power, Performance and Outright Gorgeous Looks are all no longer part of the design brief for a high end motorcar. Take a look at any modern BMW and you can see that the days of understated elegance are gone. Does anyone actually make a genuinely good looking car anymore? What has happened to the new car market, and to new car buyers, and how does that impact the way we value our beloved classic cars?
The speed with which modern cars are passing into the realm of irrelevance can only seek to bolster the enthusiasm around classic cars.
We’re here for the sounds, the smells and the style of old fashioned, properly designed and engineered cars from an era where performance was genuinely impressive.
There’s no doubt that the Huracan Sterato will be a hoot to drive off road, and equally no doubt that it’ll sell in droves.
Either way, here’s some photos of the Lamborghinis of old… cars from a time when seeing one would result in your jaw hitting the floor, not turning into a yawn.
The range of electronic ignition kits here at Powerspark Ignition now includes more than 100 different kits, which fit a huge array of classic cars. We are often asked which is the most popular, so here’s out Top 5 Best Selling Electronic Ignition Kits in video form… featuring Mr Bean, Basil Fawlty, some antique footage, a freezing cold winter and definitely no Morris Marinas being crushed by a piano.
TRANSCRIPT:
Welcome to another Top Fives video from Powerspark Ignition! This week we are looking at our TOP FIVE best selling electronic ignition conversion kits from last month.
An electronic ignition kit replaces the points and sometimes troublesome condenser inside your distributor, giving you less moving parts for smoother running and swifter starting.
The K4 Ignition kit for Lucas 45D an 59D distributors
In at number one this month we have the K4, a kit that always features near the top because it replaces the points in the widely used Lucas 45D and 59D. If all of that was gobbledegook, then how about Classic Mini, Land Rover, MG and MGB? Those four cars were built in huge numbers, and they survive in droves today – hence it’s our best selling kit this month!
TWO
The K6 ignition kit for Bosch distributors
Our number two best seller is the K6, designed to give the gift of electronic ignition to German, Italian, British and Swedish cars which use the Bosch JF4, JFU4, 009, 050, SVDA, 0231, and more. We’re talking Alfa Romeo Giulias, a heap of classic Audis, the BMW 2002 et al, many iconic Fords from the 1970s,
THREE
K2 Ignition Kit for Lucas 25D distributors
Ah the Lucas 25D, Britain’s favourite distributor and the unit that appeared in house favourites including the All Agro Allegro, Ford Escort Twin Cam, Morris Marina, Riley Elf MK1 and 2, Sunbeam Alpine and many, many more. Once again it’s no surprise see the K2 kit in the top three best sellers, the list of vehicles this little kit fits is extensive! It even includes Mr Bean’s favourite car…the Reliant Robin.
FOUR
The K34 ignition kit for Autolite and Prestolite distributors
It’s July 4th as we type this blog post, which is completely appropriate as American Independence Day leads us nicely to the Willys Jeep…which uses, you guessed it, the K34 electronic ignition kit. The 1945 Willys Jeep (also known as the CJ) was actually the first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car – Land Rover’s Series 1 didn’t go into production until 3 years later in 1948.
FIVE
The K35 Ignition Kit for Magnetti Marelli 2 distributors
Ciao! Aftea whistlestop tour through the top four we’re finishing up in Italy with our K35 kit, which replaces the old fashioned points in one of the most popular cars ever made – The Fiat 500. The Nouva 500 arrived in 1957, remaining virtually unchanged until 1975 when it was replaced by the Fiat 126, which in turn gave way to the Cinquecento. It’s easy to think the 126 wasn’t as popular as the 500, but Fiat made almost a million more 126’s than 500s! The Fiat 500 has to be one of the ultimate practical classics… they’re numerous in the marketplace, easy to maintain, small when it comes to restoration and most importantly, they’ll pin a grin on your face wherever you’re driving. Thanks for enjoying a quick look at our Top 5s, lots more videos coming soon!
Let’s talk about the proposed MOT changes (Boris thinks moving it to every 2 years instead of every 1 year will save you some pennies)… So let’s look at this in real terms, with 5 real cars with 5 real-ish owners.
1. The Austin Healey. Owned by Roger*. Roger has owned it forever, restored it himself, rebuilt the brakes and clutch and engine, and he still takes it for an MOT every year even though he doesn’t need to, because that’s what he’s always done.
2. The Mini. Owned by Jason. Jason* is 20, he’s been building it since he was 15 with his dad. They’ll MOT it every year, and they know it needs the sills doing, but they’re OK for now, and they have completed the interior ready for the show season.
3. The Volvo. Owned by Geoff*. Geoff bought it for £250, but has spent more than £2,000 on it to ensure it’s safe and road worthy. He loves it, he knows it needs an exhaust and ideally a cambelt, but he’ll do that when he has the money.
4. The Cavalier. It’s owned by Mike*, who’s selling it on behalf of the elderly owner. It needs a LOT of work, but Mike knows it, and the person who’s going to buy it knows it.
And lastly…
5. The Nissan Juke. It was leased new by Karen*, who ran it for three years, did 35,000 miles and never so much as opened the bonnet or changed a tyre. At it it’s first MOT, both front tyres were through the cords, and the rears were suspect, but it was MOT’d by a dealer who was selling the car, so they let it slide with some really naff budget front tyres and some brake pads.
It’s then bought by Sarah*, who assumes the car is kosher as it’s come from a dealer who has mostly good reviews. It probably won’t rust like the Mini or rot like the Cavalier, but like every car here, it will need the springs, shocks, bushes, brakes, tyres and emissions checking every year just to keep on top of it, because Sarah has a busy life, isn’t into cars and will never check any of those things herself – meaning the car could be dangerous and she would never know.
So there we go, in a nutshell, thats why we need the annual MOT. It’s probably not for you, because if you follow us, you know this. But share this with some of your ‘not car friends’ and they’ll understand.
*The names are made up, change them any way you like.
When it comes to classic cars, we at Powerspark Ignition do consider ourselves as specialists. This is why we have come up with a list of classic cars below that we believe you must drive in your life, whether you can afford to buy these cars or even to just to get behind the wheel one time they will truly be something special to drive. Continue to read on below to see these cars for yourself and maybe you don’t agree? Just kidding, of course you will agree, all of these classic cars are simply magical.
Volvo P1800
We say this with no disrespect to Volvo, yet when you hear the name Volvo your mind does not automatically go to a fast, elegant sports car. Despite this, the Volvo P1800 was exactly that. It was an absolute masterstroke in mechanical engineering, the two-seater model is extremely durable as one model has gone on record for clocking up over 3 million miles! The car was marketed between 1961-1973 and was driven by James Bond actor Roger Moore in the television series ‘The Saint’. The classic car produced up to 100 hp and had a top speed of around 110 mph.
Aston Martin DB4
Carrying on with the James Bond links, we of course have the Aston Martin DB4. It was produced from the years 1958-1963 and is part of a long stem of Aston Martin cars that were just machines of beauty. There is surely no wonder as to why this would be 007’s classic car of choice with its top speed 139 mph and 0-60 in 9.3 seconds, it would’ve made a mockery of any other car in the 1960’s. There really is not much more a luxury driving experience than an Aston Martin DB4 so if ever you get the opportunity to drive, do not hesitate!
Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing
The Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing was amongst one of the first batch of sports cars that were produced post-war. The car was the fastest production at its time in 1954. It was also the first direct fuel injection series production car and this meant that the classic car could reach up to 160 mph! There are still a few of these cars circling around collectors and specilaists, so once again this car would be a life goal for someone to even get behind the wheel.
Porsche 911
Now ending off the list of cars that you have to drive in your life as a classic car admirer, we have probably the most famous classic car of all time, This being the Porsche 911. The classic car absolutely oozes vintage and magnificence, it is an amazingly well-built machine that delivers one of the finest driving experiences known to man. With a top speed of around 150 mph, the classic car is much more than a pretty face. It truly epitomises the category of ‘classic car’.
Contact Us for Electronic Ignition Kits
Visit Powerspark Ignition for all your classical car needs, our website offers a wide range of products for many types of classical cars. Give us a call at 01527 889453 or simply contact us through our online form.
As we are deep in the thick of winter it is important to know how you should store your classic car to ensure it can survive the colder conditions. A lot of classic cars are open-top, due to this you will most likely not drive the car at all through the winter months and leaving a classic car dormant for a while can be rather dangerous. Read on below for some factors to consider when storing your classic car in winter.
Engine Concerns
Be sure not to get into the habit of just firing up the engine every few weeks or so, unless you are planning to drive. Although you might think regular usage like that is helpful to the classic car, it is actually the exact opposite! Doing this will mean the oil in your engine will not get to the correct temperature, this means it will hold moisture which can cause interior corrosion. If you are not planning to drive your classic car in winter then you are better off just leaving the engine alone completely.
Battery Concerns
Now for the more modern cars, a trickle-charger will be able to keep the battery in good condition over the winter period. This is not the case for classic cars and so you are better off removing the battery clamps when you are storing it, this way it will save your battery from going completely flat. When the battery does go flat, problems can occur with interior systems like your fuel gauge and radio.
Brakes Seizing
Now this point seems quite easy to understand, if you have not driven your classic car for quite a while then there is a very high chance of your brakes seizing up and the car will no longer be able to move. You should never leave the handbrake on if your classic car is being stored, use chocks instead to keep it in place. Drum brakes are particularly likely to seize up, if this happens then proceed to jack the car up, remove the wheel and apply strong force with a mallet until the drum can be turned by hand. It is important to test your brakes before going on longer drives after the winter, if not then you could be putting lives at risk!
Frozen Windscreen
One of the most obvious tips for storing your car in the winter is to cover the windscreen. Some people may not have a garage and so will have to leave their classic car outside. If this is the case then be sure to purchase a covering for your windscreen to prevent ice or snow covering it up. Some classic cars may even experience internal ice build up on the windscreen so ensure it is completely covered, with no empty gaps on display.
Contact Us for Electronic Ignition Kits
Visit Powerspark Ignition for all your classical car needs, our website offers a wide range of products for many types of classical cars. Give us a call at 01527 889453 or simply contact us through our online form.
Some people may believe that cleaning a classic car is the same as your standard modern car, this is not the case. You should not take your classic car through a car wash, as you would with a modern car. It is important to know all the rules and procedures to take proper car of your classic car, incorrect cleaning methods could lead to serious damages that cannot be fully repaired. Read on below to find out how to clean your classic car.
What’s Different About Cleaning a Classic Car?
Unlike your standard modern car, classic cars need to be washed using specialised materials. Something like using the wrong products or tools when cleaning your classic car can result in very costly damages. You have to be aware of possible rust issues that may occur to your classic car, this can occur if when you are drying the car you do not get rid of all the moisture as this will lead to rust damage.
It is recommended that if you are someone who drives on a regular basis then you will want to wash your car at least once a week. Although this may seem a slight bit overboard, we can assure you that it is not. Cleaning your classic car is far more important than cleaning a regular vehicle, as it carries a significant amount of value that can be lost if contaminants like bugs or dirt are allowed to build up on the outside.
How to Clean Your Classic Car
As we have already mentioned, never take your classic car anywhere near a car wash! This may be putting your vehicle at risk for damage. Instead, wash it by hand using a sheepskin or cotton material. If you can’t easily reach certain areas by hand, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Be sure to use specialist dish soap instead of the ordinary soap as not only will it make your car less eye-catching, but it will also lessen its value. It is vital that when cleaning your classic car that you work from the top down. If you start at the bottom of your car and work your way up, grime and other contaminants will drop onto sections that are already clean. Also, if you are only using one towel, starting at the bottom could cause you to transfer the harsh metal shavings and oil from the brakes onto the rest of the car.
After you’ve washed the majority of your classic car, it’s time to focus on your vehicle’s grimiest area, these being the wheels. Since they will have more buildup than anywhere else, you should use a new towel most effective cleansing. Once your car has been thoroughly cleaned, use a steady stream of water to rinse it off. Try to avoid using more water than you have to. Excessive water use could create pooling in hard-to-reach areas, which may cause rust damage.
Contact Us for Electronic Ignition Kits
Visit Powerspark Ignition for all your classical car needs, our website offers a wide range of products for many types of classical cars. Give us a call at 01527 889453 or simply contact us through our online form.
As 2022 is almost upon us, it is important for classic car enthusiasts to figure out what car they should buy. We must stress that these cars are affordable for many people and should not bankrupt you just as you start the new year! These cars have the feel of a £200,000 priced item whilst costing just a fraction of the price. Be sure to read on below if you are interested in buying a classic car for a price that won’t burn a huge hole in your pockets!
1975 Dodge Charger
The 1975 Dodge Charger is a 2-door coupe and is being priced on the market at just over £5,500. Although it does not quite have the same magic as the models that proceeded it, the 1975 Dodge Challenger is still a wonderful classic car. Powered by a V8 engine that reaches up to 155 hp, the Charger has a top speed of 109 mph and goes from 0-60 in 12.8 seconds. The interior is fitted out with comfortable leather seats and a waxed wooden dashboard, this is truly value for money.
1978 Lincoln Continental
Now the 1978 Lincoln Continental is available in a 4-door or 2-door variant. This gives you the choice to pick which is great if you have a family as a 4-door car is probably more appealing. It really does give off a look of luxury and class yet can actually be bought for around £4,400! Powered by a V8 engine that can reach 166hp, this classic car has a top speed of around 106 mph and is the perfect example of the standard muscle car.
1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II
Nothing oozes more class and elegance when it comes to classic cars than a Rolls-Royce. The 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II is a 4-door full size luxury classic car, available on the market for around £8,800. In the 1970’s you would not find a car with more grandeur. Similar to the other cars we have previously listed, the 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II is powered by a V8 engine, this seems to be an extremely common theme amongst classic cars. The Silver Shadow can reach top speeds of around 115 mph and its engine can crank out around 247hp.
1981 Chevrolet Corvette
Last and certainly not least on our list of classic cars to buy in 2022 is the 1981 Chevrolet Corvette. This may be one of the most stylish looking Corvettes ever created, despite this the classic car is still not stupidly priced, with it costing around £9,500. It is of course powered by a V8 engine, of which achieves 190hp. The car is not the most powerful or dominating when compared to others on the market, however many upgrades and developments are now accessible to improve it to your liking.
Contact Us for Electronic Ignition Kits
Visit Powerspark Ignition for all your classical car needs, our website offers a wide range of products for many types of classical cars. Give us a call at 01527 889453 or simply contact us through our online form.
Some classic car types are still active on the roads and were made in the 50’s and 60’s. This means before it was purchased the classic car was obviously well cared for and looked after. Now then, if you do not treat your classic car to these same standards then that is when you may see some deterioration and eventually the car will no longer function as it has been neglected for a long period of time. Read on below to find out how to increase the lifespan of your classic car.
Fix Windscreen Chips ASAP
A lot of us tend to make the same rookie error when it comes to a chip in the windscreen, something that could easily be fixed by a professional very quickly however it is too small and unimportant to think about, right? Wrong! A lot of people will leave a chip in there classic car as it is not really noticeable, this often leads to a crack developing across the windscreen and then causes you to get an entirely new windscreen which is not cheap!
Clean the Interior
The inside of your classic car is actually more important to its longevity then you may think. This is especially the case if you were interested in re-selling the classic car in the future as no-one will buy it if the interior is not up to standard. Ensure to clean any stains and articles of food out of the car as failure to do so could lead in a build up of bacteria and mold which will also eat away at any wood or leather within the car, this will drop its re-sale price massively.
Drive Safely
This point can be applied to any type of car. Yet especially in your classic car, it is vital that you do not damage your car whilst out on the road. This can be deadly for not only the car but also your won life. Driving recklessly can lead to many dents and scratches to the body of your car which can be hard to consistently repair over time especially if it is from the 50’s or 60’s.
Change the Air Filter
This is something that can be often forgotten by many drivers as it is not something that immediately comes to mind when looking after your classic car. Damaged or blocked air filters could actually lead to poor performance on the road as well as excessive fuel consumption. You should assess your air filter at least once per year due to the age of your classic car, you may have to change it even sooner if you are around a lot of dust.
Contact Us for Electronic Ignition Kits
Visit Powerspark Ignition for all your classical car needs, our website offers a wide range of products for many types of classical cars. Give us a call at 01527 889453 or simply contact us through our online form.
Classic cars are named as such due to their age an era defining looks. For example specialists will be able to tell you what year a car was made by analysing the interior as well as the overall chassis. As they are of a certain age classic cars may need more looking after then standard modern cars, they will also tend to make different noises due to the problems that may be happening within components such as the engine or exhaust. Read on below to find out more about the source of the noise is that your classic car and if they are truly a cause for concern
Rumbling Exhaust
A rumbling exhaust pipe is usually due to a cracked exhaust muffler. This crack occurs due to a leak into the exhaust muffler of your classic car. You will only really hear this noise when there is a problem with the exhaust muffler as it sounds within its name, it does suppress the sound of your exhaust pipe. Now if you realise the noise is getting louder find this means that the crack or leak has gotten larger, this means you are releasing more carbon monoxide into the environment which of course is not ideal! Try and get this problem sorted the second that you spot it.
Rattling Sound at Slow Speeds
If you begin to drive off in your classic car and you notice a rattling sound, this could be due to a loose lug nut within your wheel. The sound may go away as you increase your speed and return once again once it is reduced. This problem is mostly due to a recently fitted tyre not being properly fitted or a worn down lug nut that has gone bad. The simplest solution is to just tighten the lug nut on your wheel of your classic car, if you cannot solve the situation yourself then be sure to find a replacement from a professional.
Grinding Due to Shifting Gears
Grinding sounds on your classic car when you are shifting gears is usually due to a worn out clutch! Now this is a problem that occurs often in classic cars especially if the clutch has not been replaced in a while. If you suspect that your clutch is on its way out then be sure to get in touch with a professional mechanic unless you fancy your chances driving your classic car without a clutch!
Popping from Engine
Now the sound of popping when you are driving a classic car is actually extremely common. The reason for this is most likely due to a worn out spark plug within the engine, you may also hear this popping sound if your fuel filter has been clogged up. Be sure to book a car service with your local mechanic to narrow down what the exact problem and source of the popping noise is. If you find out that is an issue with the spark plugs then fear not, be sure to have a look at our broad range of spark plugs here at Powerspark Ignition.
Contact Us for Electronic Ignition Kits
Visit Powerspark Ignition for all your classical car needs, our website offers a wide range of products for many types of classical cars. Give us a call at 01527 889453 or simply contact us through our online form.
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