Ultimate Electronic Distributors – The 123 Ignition

Bigger Spark – Easier Starting – Totally Reliable – Low Maintenance

The introduction of the 123 Ignition distributor to the classic car market was truly revolutionary. Electronic ignition systems have been about for donkeys years, but not as complete replacement units. Traditional electronic ignition units tend to be modules which replace the points and condenser. They often don’t fit well and are not terribly reliable. 123 Ignition distributors are engineered to be electronic from the start with all the components in a waterproof casing. The other major bonus is that because you are replacing the whole distributor the process is 100% reversible. Should you wish to return your car back to its original specification.

Why Is Electronic Ignition Better?

Simply put they are more precise, make a bigger spark and have less moving parts, so require less maintenance for them to work correctly.

Distributors are as old as engine design itself. From 1900 up to the mid 1980’s they hadn’t really varied in design. They are essentially a clock-work mechanism that creates an electric pulse and sends it to the right cylinder at the right time.

To do this distributors have a mechanism which varies the point the pulse is created (known as advance and retard). They also have a condenser and set of points which make the pulse. Then a rotor arm which sends that pulse to the spark plug via your HT lead. As the engine pick up speed so this process gets quicker.

123 Ignition distributors get rid of the advance and retard mechanism, points and condenser. All of those parts are replaced with a single programable electronic unit. These units, once set up never need servicing or adjusting. They improve combustion because these units are so much more precise and powerful. This leads to the improvement in performance and economy.

Choosing the Right Unit