Lumenition, Magnetic, 123 Ignition Distributor?
Poll: Lumenition, Magnetic, 123 Ignition Distributor?
Total Members Polled: 46
Discussion
When my engine was put into my XK150 I tried a 123, it didn't work, none of its curves were remotely like my rather odd XK engine wanted. Eventually Bozwell (from here) manually went through measure what the engine liked and built a distributor with good old fashioned points to get it to go properly. I believe they've used 123s quite successfully on other engines. It now has a unit like a Lunenition in I think, can't remember the name.
Eike, who built the engine didn't think I'd have any joy with a 123.
Since then 123 have finally brought out a fully programmable version. We'd been waiting for this a couple of years back, but obviously the development took longer than expected. This would probably have let me have the sort of ignition timing curve that the engine actually wanted.
Eike, who built the engine didn't think I'd have any joy with a 123.
Since then 123 have finally brought out a fully programmable version. We'd been waiting for this a couple of years back, but obviously the development took longer than expected. This would probably have let me have the sort of ignition timing curve that the engine actually wanted.
Hooli said:
After a bike that kept eating electronic ignition modules every 2.5k I upgraded to points. Points work for me & will all the points fitted engines I've had I've had very few ignition problems.
I use 123 a well made bit of kit. Had a Boyer Bransden on a Commando years ago complete rubbish (nicknamed the random spark unit) replaced with less troublesome points.I think if your dizzy is knackered (mine was) a 123 makes a good (if expensive) replacement, you can play with the advance curve for better running with modern fuels.
Lumenition was on the D-type when i bought it nine years back and has performed faultlessly, except that if it stops at a precise point in the cycle just the act of turning the ignition on can start the engine - dangerous if you've left it in gear. But the E-type runs on points and has never let me down either. Others seem to get on well with the 123 system. You pays your money and you takes your choice I guess.
lowdrag said:
stops at a precise point in the cycle just the act of turning the ignition on can start the engine.
A free start! Early Rolls Royce used to be famous for it. My record if 6 in a row on the old racer, but I'm on trembler coils and manual advance and retard. Im surprised the dwell is long enough to do it on your car.
onomatopoeia said:
I'm using the Aldon (Petronix) hall efect system on two of my Imp engines (Lucas 25D4 distributors) and it gives me no problems.
Crappy chinese rotor arms on the other hand ...
One of those ruined a test day for me on the lotus. Fine under 4k but anything over it would short out, it took me hours to find the problem. Crappy chinese rotor arms on the other hand ...
chard said:
Hooli said:
After a bike that kept eating electronic ignition modules every 2.5k I upgraded to points. Points work for me & will all the points fitted engines I've had I've had very few ignition problems.
I use 123 a well made bit of kit. Had a Boyer Bransden on a Commando years ago complete rubbish (nicknamed the random spark unit) replaced with less troublesome points.I think if your dizzy is knackered (mine was) a 123 makes a good (if expensive) replacement, you can play with the advance curve for better running with modern fuels.
Nothing wrong with points but how good are the replacement parts these days ?
I've read dozens of items about rotor arm and condenser failures.
The other thing to consider is how good is your distributor mechanically - many are well-worn and fitting a new set of points isn't going to help.
I have 123 on my Mk2 and points on my other Jags, none have given problems.
I've read dozens of items about rotor arm and condenser failures.
The other thing to consider is how good is your distributor mechanically - many are well-worn and fitting a new set of points isn't going to help.
I have 123 on my Mk2 and points on my other Jags, none have given problems.
For all you people who - like me - have had untold problems with the Chinese rotor arms go here:-
http://www.distributordoctor.com/red-rotor-arms.ht...
your personal Xmas present to yourselves, and you owe me a pint
http://www.distributordoctor.com/red-rotor-arms.ht...
your personal Xmas present to yourselves, and you owe me a pint
the 123 is a fully electronic dissy and not just the top part leaving the worn bottom part as igniter heads do
unless you have a very modified car and engine set up the standard 123 for your model will be fine
I'm very pleased with my 123 it's made the car better throughout the rev range from idle to top end
of course as with any single component or part it'll work best if the other parts associated to it are in good condition and fully functioning
if the whole car is fully and properly serviced then I'd strongly recommend having Peter Burgess fit the 123 and set up the running on his rolling road for a very reasonable fee for excellent service - http://www.peter-burgess.com/index.html
unless you have a very modified car and engine set up the standard 123 for your model will be fine
I'm very pleased with my 123 it's made the car better throughout the rev range from idle to top end
of course as with any single component or part it'll work best if the other parts associated to it are in good condition and fully functioning
if the whole car is fully and properly serviced then I'd strongly recommend having Peter Burgess fit the 123 and set up the running on his rolling road for a very reasonable fee for excellent service - http://www.peter-burgess.com/index.html
Another vote for the 123. Has made a huge difference to my mgb, much more tractable at lower revs and generally just runs better.. Also is returning very good fuel economy... Half of this is probably down to the 123, but the other half is down to the old worn Dissy. I was always a points man, but due to the sheer amount of poor quality ignition parts I felt it was the only way to go and haven't looked back.
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