Anybody know what makes a 123Ignition Distributor tick?

[Quickstep192]

I'm intrigued by the 123Ignition distributor. Electronic advance and no points - what's not to like?

The rotor and cap are still conventional mechanical, right?

Anybody know how the points and advance work?

[Quickstep192]

Bump.

Anybody?

[Lake Guy]

I have one but can’t tell you how it works. Fully programmable and electronic except for the rotor/cap interface.

[motorstereo]

This came up on another thread (not sure if this applies to your '73 -- it may not have the HKZ type CDI?)

123Ignition distributor

I contacted 123 and got a link to distributors for a ‘73.

There’s a reference that says:

Coil
Warning: Don't use the original HKZ (CDI) system directly on the 123ignition!
Although used coils all look alike, they should be viewed with suspicion since one cannot tell from the outside whether, and how often they were exposed to overheating in the past. Installing the 123ignition system will ensure that the coil will never be overheated again in future. We recommend the Beru ZS109

I have to confess to not understanding what that means. Does it mean that the 123 ignition can’t be used with CDI? The wiring diagram Chris posted would seem to indicate it works with CDI, but the warning from 123’s website seems to indicate otherwise. I’m confused...

[ChrisHoover]

The US sales rep sent me a wiring diagram for CDI.




The wiring worked fine. I struggled with getting the base timing set. I had arcing in advance of the rotor contacting the cap. I futzed with it awhile and finally restored my original distributor. I spoke with the US rep a few times and really couldn’t get an answer to the issues I was having. I think the distributor is well made but factory support is non-existent. If it works for you, great. If you need help, you’ll be SOL.

[Quickstep192]

Originally Posted by ChrisHoover

The US sales rep sent me a wiring diagram for CDI.




The wiring worked fine. I struggled with getting the base timing set. I had arcing in advance of the rotor contacting the cap. I futzed with it awhile and finally restored my original distributor. I spoke with the US rep a few times and really couldn’t get an answer to the issues I was having. I think the distributor is well made but factory support is non-existent. If it works for you, great. If you need help, you’ll be SOL.

Wow! Sorry for your bad experience, but this is very useful information for someone who was about to take a leap.

[Quickstep192]

Originally Posted by motorstereo

This came up on another thread (not sure if this applies to your '73 -- it may not have the HKZ type CDI?)

123Ignition distributor

I was that poster. My curiosity now is really about what goes on inside the 123 distributor and how they electronically simulate points and advance.