Hi all, My car has been having all sort of weird disfunctions the last 10 years, it all started with rev and tacho not working. I would start with tacho only, then rev would start working once engine is hot, or both would stop... Then, 3 years ago, I also had the engine oil alert switching on regularly while driving. I immediately thought of bad electrical wiring or ground connection, the fuse box was changed but problems remained. The shop suspected a faulty dinoplex and was supposed to try with a good dinoplex borrowed from another BBi, but this was never done. And everything seemed fixed by magic, with the pbs not visible anymore. My cousin took the car for a WE in Lyon last summer, and he had all kind of trouble with the car stopping while driving, and refusing to restart for up to 10 minutes. I experienced the same pb while driving back from Dijon (did some tracking on the old F1 circuit.) On the way back, I stopped after 1 hour of driving. It as really hot in the cabin, with my phone shutting down from the heat. I stopped for an hour at a friends house, and went back to the highway. The engine cut suddenly, I called assistance, By the time they arrived, I was able to restart the engine, but still decided to get the car back to normal roads. After restarting and 5 minutes of drive, same thing happened again. What I noticed is that everything seems fine, engine cranks up but the engine wouldn't start, as if the fuel pump isn't working. I also noticed I didn't hear the whine from the dinoplex when the car wasn't working. So I have the feeling the dinoplex is having issues when the car is too hot. Does this sound possible? I was thinking of replacing the unit. I remember seeing a replacement part for €240 somewhere but can't find the link anymore. I found these websites: Magneti Marelli Dinoplex, SAE701 and Microplex Repair and Restoration Documents Ferrari 512 BB Berlinetta Boxer Perma-Tune Bespoke Ignition Module - Perma-Tune (permatune.com) The second link seems to be the only avaiable option for purchase, has any one experience with this? How difficult is it to install? Any other suggestion or advice? Regards, Julien
Try searching this forum for ‘MSD’. Lots of information on a relatively common alternative to the Dinoplex.
I run a Swiss made replacement in my 82 Countach, which also uses a Dinoplex. Works very well. I can PM you contact details if you like.
This is an alternative: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/512-bbi-various-spare-parts.633515/ Best, Peter
Hi Julien Here’s a post that you may find interesting After quite a bit of research and advice from fellow FChaters I think the Pertronix Digital HP unit will do the job very well, and you can fit it in the case of the old electronic box if you prefer originality. 1979 512BB Dinoplex Upgrade - Plug and Play https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/index.php?threads/1979-512BB-Dinoplex-Upgrade---Plug-and-Play.631311/ Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
Hi all, Thanks for all the tips and suggestions, I have a lot of reading and research to do. I'll let you know how it goes and give a litlle feedback on how I went about solving this once I am there. Thanks again. Julien
Hi all, The car is in the shop, and we can proceed with repairs... The owner of the shop that will be working on my BBi, being very french, has very limited english knowledge... ;-) So he asked me to purchase the dinoplex remplacement. Unfortunately, my technical knowledge is as limited as his english, so before ordering, I would like to just have a confirmation of my options: From what I read, I could go ahead and buy MSD Streetfire from a site like this one: https://www.speed-shop.fr/default/moteur/moteur-t4/allumage/boitier-msd-street-fire-avec-limiteur.html And following coil to be used with it: https://www.speed-shop.fr/default/bobine-d-allumage-msd-blaster-2-45-000-volts-rouge.html Is that correct? Also, from another topinc on the forum, I have this following thread: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/1979-512bb-dinoplex-upgrade-plug-and-play.631311/ One popular suggestion would be this ignition which could be better suited and works with the original coil: https://pertronixbrands.com/products/digital-hp-ignition-box-black-anodized-finish?variant=3179729485827&filter_cat_year=1980 Would that be better? This one is a little harder to get by since I only found it in Germany (by a reseller on Amazon) so I would need to get it delivered in Germany first (no biggy since I have relatives leaving there.) What do you think? Since I am not even sure, the pbs I had came from the dinoplex, I want to be as little intrusive as possible. I'll keep all orginal parts so I can swap back. So I believe I also need some cable adaptors, do you know where I could get some? Or does this need to be custom built? Thanks again for your help, Julien
Julien, why not make it easy for yourself and start focusing on one solution? You are running in circles - I would recommend you to buy an MSD unit. The install is comprehensively and detailed described i many threads on this site. An extremely competent engineer and member of this site has even made an electrical diagram with complete instructions for installation and many BBi's are running happily with this cheap solution (Including my own). Make your life simpler by focusing on one solution only. Use the search function and learn how to install the unit and then inspire / support your mechanic. See an example on an MSD unit that is prepared for installation here: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/512-bbi-various-spare-parts.633515/ And this is NOT an attempt to sell my unit, but only meant to inspire and help you! Best, Peter
Just to give you all a little update... I bought the MSD unit, and corresponding coil. Had it all installed while the car was being serviced. I got the car back today and all is great: rpm and speed counters working flawlessly, the oil pressure gauge no more showing drop in pression. All the gremlins that bugged me these last ten years are gone! I changed the fuse box, checked grounding of electrical cables but it turned out to be the dinoplex! So relieved...
