MG Car Repair: MGB electrical relay, ballast resistor, flasher relay

Question
I have a 1979 MGB. The ignition relay had been replaced at some time by the previous owner with a "tridon EP-26 flasher unit 12.8V. There are four prongs on the flasher/relay.
brown
black
white/brown tracer
two white

I would like to replace this relay with an original lucas type. While at my regular parts store, I was advised that this relay is a special "ignition only" relay, as it was part of the ballast resistor ignition. He said something about a six volt coil. I advised him that my set up was using a petronix electronic ignition and lucas "sport" coil. The coil has a number DLB105 marking on it. Fred said that this was not the correct coil and I might have problems with starting. I was running the car last summer with no problem, although after sitting for a few days, it would take some time for it to start, but I attributed that to me being new to the car. Can you help me with this? If so, would you recommend the proper ignition relay for me to use and if this would have to be a lucas?

Answer
Hi John,
A flasher relay can in no way be used as an ignition relay. It would just connect and disconnect as the bimetal strip inside heated up. The ignition relay is a four pin relay. But it is a conventional four pin relay where two pins are an electro magnet that connects two contact points together (which are the other two pins). You can purchase a ignition relay from Moss Motors, Victoria British, The Roadster Factory or Engel Imports. To name a few. They all have websites.

The Petronix is an aftermarket ignition system and I have no info on them. Some of the parts suppliers I listed sell this ignition system and they should be able to recommend what coil to use with it.
Howard