Classic/Antique Car Repair: Ignition Problem, electronic ignition systems, search engine google

Question
What part is it that is failing?  do I need A whole new distributor with new electric ignition, or just certain parts of it?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Howard,

  I just put a Weber conversion on my 78 spitfire 1500.  it ran fine before the conversion.  when i tried to start the car after the conversion i had no spark until i turned the key back off,  then i get one faint spark from the coil to the distributor.  i do not have a points system.  i am very unknowledgeable about the ignition system.  I'm fairly certain that the carb has nothing to do with the problem.  I've swapped coils and have the same problem.  I've also heard of some Lucas electronic ignition module causing similar problems.  I do not know what the problem is or what the module is or how to trouble shoot it.  any help would be beneficial.

thanks
-----Answer-----
Hi Travis,
No, the carb had nothing to do with the ignition failure. That does sound like a typical igniter failure. You could have any one of many ignition systems so you need to look inside the distributor. If you have a black box attached to the side of the distributor with a vacuum advance unit attached, it is an Opus-Lucas system which were prone to fail and in fact it would be a surprise if it was in use. Examine the wires that come directly out of the box to see if they have been clipped and extra wires from outside have been run inside to a small unit as a "Pick-up". If so try to read any writing on the pick-up unit to see what brand it is. Parts are still available at "Moss Motors", "The Roadster Factory" or "British Victoria" and several others.
You can put each of these names in your search engine "Google" or "Yahoo" or which ever you use. If you have trouble finding any, let me know. Unlike points electronic ignition systems can not be repaired, all you can do is replace them.
Howard

Answer
Travis, If you can ID the brand of ignition system you have, you may be able to find just the trigger wheel that you said was broken. If you can't ID the brand, just purchase an aftermarket ignition system from one of the companies I suggested. It is not normally necessary to purchase a whole distributor unless the shaft bearings are gone or the shaft is locked up.
You didn't tell me if it had a black box mounted on the side with a vacuum advance unit on it and you didn't tell me if wires were run from outside so I can't even tell you if it was an "Opus Lucas" system or what.
Just contact Moss or one of the others and describe what you have and they will tell you what they have to correct it. Just the wheel or an igniter unit. You may need to find someone with a "Mighty Vac" (hand operated vacuum pump) to test the vacuum advance unit. All auto repair shops will have one and if you take the dist. to them they may not charge you to check it or very little.
Howard