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 123 ignition 
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Joined: January 16th, 2012, 11:54 pm
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Location: Aldershot
Post 123 ignition
I'm thinking about fitting a 123 ignition. And I'm after a bit of general advice pros/cons of fitting one. Other then not having to adjust of replace points.


March 7th, 2013, 5:22 pm
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Joined: October 23rd, 2009, 10:41 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
Hi Dave. You have just poked one of the forum's several hornet's nests. Prepare for some buzzing! :)

In my opinion, there are no drawbacks to electronic ignitions. I fitted a Diginition 10000 miles ago (2009), and I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever. Money well spent. However, I have a project on the go, and I'll fit points to that one and compare. I know a lot more about 2CVs now than I did in 2009, and I'm happier to tinker with points etc now.

On balance though, if you're after a fit-it-and-forget-it style of motoring, go electronic.

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March 7th, 2013, 5:34 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
Smiffy wrote:
Hi Dave. You have just poked one of the forum's several hornet's nests. Prepare for some buzzing! :) .


Thought it might be.
Changing/adjusting points system doesn't bother me. It more the fit and forget reliability I'm was thinking about more. I know we'll services points ignition is reliable enough but they still can let you down.


March 7th, 2013, 5:42 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
Smiffy wrote:
On balance though, if you're after a fit-it-and-forget-it style of motoring, go electronic.


I agree - some will not - but ran my first Dyane with standard 123 ignition for hell of a long time and mileage with no worries - also ran this one with 123 evo (was fitted to Visa engine - hence 123 evo) and again no problems - beauty of 123 evo is you can tune it by changing the setting for more advance if there is no KNOCK or just set it to your engine and away you go. If taking off road seal joints with good silicone but for normal use no need. You about to get many people saying the opposite to me but hey I liked them.........


March 7th, 2013, 5:45 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
Most people have nothing but praise for 123 and similar systems. My experience of them is very limited, but I've just removed mine friom my Dyane. It might yet go back on - it's sitting on my workbench awaiting a verdict - but I like points. I know where I am with points and a condenser, and while I have been let down (once, in twenty years of A series motoring) by a condenser, I've been let down far more frequently by the condenser replacement electronic system fitted to my old Dyane. And that failed catastrophically ... it once left me, without warning, with completely dead electrics in the outside lane of the M42 while halfway past an artic with a car up my exhaust pipe. Bit of a low point, that.
What puts me off electronic ignition is people saying things like "you should carry a points box in case you need to put it back to standard" or "you can start a 123 equipped car on the starting handle as long as the battery's in good nick" (why would you need the starting handle then? :lol: ) Plus, I'm an unashamed luddite who doesn't mind changing points every now and again - it's a good opportunity to check and clean the oil cooler - and I resent the view held by some that electronic ignition is a necessity if you're going to use your A series every day. It's not. It's also not the cure all some people think it is ... Sean's signature says it all, for me!

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March 7th, 2013, 6:51 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
I've never had one fitted on any of my A Series so I can't really comment. The D*lly has lumenition which hasn't given a problem in the 70,000 miles I've done with it :)

Might be worth looking into - the racers use it too.


March 7th, 2013, 7:13 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
Rhythm Thief wrote:
Most people have nothing but praise for 123 and similar systems. My experience of them is very limited, but I've just removed mine friom my Dyane. It might yet go back on - it's sitting on my workbench awaiting a verdict - but I like points. I know where I am with points and a condenser, and while I have been let down (once, in twenty years of A series motoring) by a condenser, I've been let down far more frequently by the condenser replacement electronic system fitted to my old Dyane. And that failed catastrophically ... it once left me, without warning, with completely dead electrics in the outside lane of the M42 while halfway past an artic with a car up my exhaust pipe. Bit of a low point, that.
What puts me off electronic ignition is people saying things like "you should carry a points box in case you need to put it back to standard" or "you can start a 123 equipped car on the starting handle as long as the battery's in good nick" (why would you need the starting handle then? :lol: ) Plus, I'm an unashamed luddite who doesn't mind changing points every now and again - it's a good opportunity to check and clean the oil cooler - and I resent the view held by some that electronic ignition is a necessity if you're going to use your A series every day. It's not. It's also not the cure all some people think it is ... Sean's signature says it all, for me!



I have to agree about knowing where you are with points ignition. And also with them being reliable enough for every day use. In my 15 years of motoring I have always had a car with points ignition and only been let down twice. Once by a rotor arm. And once by a new coil.
The only real gain seems to be the fit and the forget aspect.


March 7th, 2013, 7:24 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
DaveB wrote:
The only real gain seems to be the fit and the forget aspect.


Even that isn't all it's cracked up to be ... you still need to remove the fan periodically to clean the oil cooler. And while you're in there ... well, it's not much effort to change the points!

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March 7th, 2013, 7:27 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
samfieldhouse wrote:
I've never had one fitted on any of my A Series so I can't really comment. The D*lly has lumenition which hasn't given a problem in the 70,000 miles I've done with it :)

Might be worth looking into - the racers use it too.

I had completely forgot about the lumenition kits. I have had these fitted to minis in the past. And they proved very worth while on them.


March 7th, 2013, 7:31 pm
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Post Re: 123 ignition
I think in the end if your the type who likes to get away from the wife and tinker with the car and set the points etc. I used the Dyanes when first bought with points (last one started after sitting in a barn for 5 years on second key). I could not say there was any difference in power/ torque (except on the Visa engine against original 2 sensor old type).
You pays your money you take your choice :) :)


March 7th, 2013, 7:59 pm
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