Almost finished assembling the engine.I have decided to fit 123 ignition,purely to get rid of the points and condenser.I dont see the need to use them when an electronic version is available.Now I know this wont please some people,but its my choice,and thats that:D.

I am never going to open the bonnet of any of my cars again in public.

If it runs as good as it looks, you'll be onto a winner!

Dave,
not sure which type of 123 you've fitted, but if it's the basic version with only one advance curve, bear in mind that the target ignition advance for M4 engines was between 24* and 28*, compared with 28* to 38* for later 602 engines.

If you set the 123 statically on an M4, which has the pin in hole point at 12* instead of the 8* degrees on later engines, it's going to produce more total advance.

In other words, you might find that you need to retard the timing from the M4's static setting.

Ken
( M4 up and running here...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30132857@N ... hotostream )

Ken,that sounds sweet,and rather quiet considering theres no exhaust fitted .
Hmm,I was wondering about the advance on this engine,so is the pin hole at 12*?

Hi Dave,
it wasn't as quiet when the throttle was opened up, which was where a pair of fireman's gauntlets and an old towel soaked in water came in handy.
With that very short manifold stub on the nearside, it only took a few moments for the towel to start smouldering...

Yep, 12* is the 'static' point on M4 and the other 'old style' engines.

123 has a shallower advance curve ( unless they've changed it yet again ) than the centrifugal setup, so you'd probably be OK, but I thought it best that you are aware of the difference.

ken

Thanks Ken.I didnt know that,it was on my list of"things to find out" before I start the engine.

You could of fitted a Boyer Branson gismo, takes the load of the points making them last longer

Yes James I know that,but,you still need the points and the dated advance/retard system.

Whoops,thats going to upset some people