Powerlite
Cranking a tired classic on a cold morning is where the limits of original Lucas electrics show themselves most clearly. Powerlite electrical components address that problem directly with UK-built high-torque starter motors, performance alternators and Dynalite units that fit in place of the original equipment and deliver substantially more cranking power on a fraction of the current draw.
Powerlite manufactures every unit at its base in the Black Country in the West Midlands, the traditional home of the British motor industry. The brand was established more than 15 years ago, with parent company Eurolec Components Ltd bringing over 40 years of experience in the re-manufacture of automotive electrics. Recent expansion includes the acquisition of Classic and Vintage Dynamos of Shirebrook, one of the oldest re-manufacturing operations in the UK, adding over 2,000 finished starters, alternators and dynamos to the available range, along with thousands of old core units covering applications from Austin to Wolseley.
The headline figure on the Powerlite starter motor range is up to 200% more cranking power, using up to 50% less current than the inertia or pre-engaged unit the car left the factory with. This matters most on the cars that struggle to spin over reliably from cold: the Triumph six-cylinder engines with marginal compression on the front cylinders, MGB engines that have been mildly tuned, and Land Rover petrol units that draw heavily from an ageing battery. Lighter weight, smaller dimensions and reduced current draw also help where the original starter battles to keep up with a fitted-out classic running extra accessories.
Powerlite alternators occupy a similar position. The original dynamo on most pre-1965 British cars produced around 20 amps, which was adequate for the headlights, ignition and a heater fan and very little else. Modern owners run heated screens, sat-nav, dash cameras, electric radiator fans, performance ignition systems and uprated lighting. The Powerlite alternators range provides higher charging output across the range to keep up with these demands, in compact, lightweight units that suit both classic restorations and competition use where weight and space matter. Powerlite supplies race teams, prestige manufacturers and restoration specialists worldwide, and that breadth of application is what drives the engineering specification.
The Powerlite dynamos section covers both straight replacement dynamo units for owners who want to retain original specification, and the Dynalite. The Dynalite is a Powerlite invention: a modern alternator built into a dynamo housing, looking externally identical to the Lucas unit it replaces while providing up to 80% more power and up to 40% less weight. For owners chasing period-correct appearance under the bonnet without the charging limitations of an original dynamo, the Dynalite is the answer. All Lucas-type Dynalites fit in place of the original unit with no brackets, kits or modifications required.
Powerlite components fit across a broad range of marques. Owners of Triumph car parts will find starter motor and alternator applications across the Stag, TR range, Spitfire, GT6 and Dolomite. Our MG car parts section pairs naturally with Powerlite units for the MGB, MGB GT, Midget and earlier Sprite/Midget applications. Land Rover car parts covers Series 1, 2, 2a, 3 and early Defender starter and charging applications where Powerlite high-torque units significantly improve cold starting reliability. Jaguar, Austin Healey, Mini, Morris Minor, Rolls-Royce and Bentley applications are also covered in the broader range.
Founded in Lincoln in 1982, we have been supplying classic British car parts to owners and restorers in the UK and 195 countries worldwide for over four decades. Our parts advisors can confirm the correct Powerlite application for your engine variant, polarity and gearbox combination. Call us on 01522 568000 before ordering if you are unsure which unit your car requires.
Shop the full Powerlite range at Rimmer Bros and order online for fast, worldwide dispatch from our warehouse in Lincoln.