123 Distributor 911SC

[Jaymanbikes13]

I am considering purchasing one of the 123 distributors from Partsklassic to install in my 79 911SC. Has anyone on here installed one of these and if so, any words of wisdom? Thanks

[porschedude996]

I bought one, actually rebranded for Pertronix with Pertronix CDI. It wasn’t cheap as you well know. The main reason i was moving on this digital/ programmable system was because the retard function of the advance pod was inoperative. After coming to a final configuration on my build, 3.0L, 964 cams, Euro 9.8 P&C’s, Acktung Kraft 1 into 1 out muffler, otherwise stock. I rethought 123 vs. the stock distributor. The stock distributor advance curve could be modified if need or desired. I could do that after my build. During one of my many, many, orders over 1-1/2 years, I found a new OEM Rebuilt unit with a new pod. It was 1/3rd of the Pertronix system. My final thought after running with the known good distributor, was why change. I’m probably not much over the stock HP and it really isn’t a “set you back in the set” kind of engine. Since then I installed a Digital CIS ECU from Andrew Cologne. This was primarily to… ahhh… assure the car would pass emissions tests in the future…??, That’s what I told my wife. I did improve the mileage, and the smoothness of the engine. Did I need it to pass emissions tests in the future? Probably not, it was running clean, so clean the emissions tech said “Wow, wow, I get newer cars in here that aren’t this clean.” Emission test is required before sale of car 4 years or older in Kalifornia and Santa Bumble County.


One has to ask (what am I building?). I think there is little HP to be found in just a 123 distributor.

[PeteKz]

Add to what porschedude said: Why do you want to change the dizzy? Is there something wrong with the old one? Have you modified the engine?

[Jaymanbikes13]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Add to what porschedude said: Why do you want to change the dizzy? Is there something wrong with the old one? Have you modified the engine?

The distributor is need of an overhaul. Its a 6-7 week lead time to have it rebuilt or I can purchase a 123.

[porschedude996]

Originally Posted by Jaymanbikes13

The distributor is need of an overhaul. Its a 6-7 week lead time to have it rebuilt or I can purchase a 123.

Who had 6-7 week lead time?

[mikedsilva]

Originally Posted by Jaymanbikes13

The distributor is need of an overhaul. Its a 6-7 week lead time to have it rebuilt or I can purchase a 123.

Get the 123 - and sell your stock dist to offset the cost.

[rowingone]

I installed one in my 72 MFI and love it . . super easy to set up and I like the anti theft feature too. You might buy from 123Ignitionusa if you are in the states. I bought mine as my original dist was shot . . as someone mentioned, get the new 123 and sell your old one to offset the cost.

[porschedude996]

Correction, it is perma-tune, not pertronix.

I found replacement distributors (P/N 930 602 021 FX) on many sites for $950 and higher. Host has them for $1,273 with a core of $650 or so. If you choose one that has a core, make sure they have it in stock.

I didn’t like what perma-tune did to the 123 distributor the resell. They glass beaded the outside in a poor In a real amateur way.

I would doubt that the guy who performs my emissions tests would pass the visual on either the 123 or the glass beaded perma-tune.

[freddy67]

Super easy swap, and it made a noticeable difference-starts smoother and runs a bit better overall. Just make sure to follow the instructions closely, especially for the wiring. Also, double check your timing after installation

[Nditiz1]

If you are going to buy the 123 support Ed from 123ignitionusa. He works directly with the tech master ian (icarp) so it comes with built in support. Once ian is better of course.

[Jaymanbikes13]

I am purchasing it from PartsKlassic, they also rebuild stock ones and they are quoting 6-7 weeks. I went ahead an purchased it along with their wiring harness.

[Jaymanbikes13]

Originally Posted by porschedude996

Who had 6-7 week lead time?

PartsKlassic

[jma0506]

I installed the 123 last year and don't regret it one bit - smoother at idle and overall, easier start-ups and +1 to Nditiz1 - buy the 123 to support Ed from 123ignitionusa, and Ian had been an immense wealth of knowledge and help in getting it running and tuned.

[Jaymanbikes13]

Installed and super happy with the results! I purchased the 123 from PartsKlassic along with their harness.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by Jaymanbikes13

Installed and super happy with the results! I purchased the 123 from PartsKlassic along with their harness.

Why would you run a PartsKlassic CDI with a 123Dist, when the 123Dist with just a coil provides a better spark (longer dwell spark)?
Besides with a CDI, the ignition system has less reliability.

The CDI approach was only used because of the lack of high power switching semiconductors in the '60s & '70s.

[dailydriven911]

Originally Posted by mysocal911

Why would you run a PartsKlassic CDI with a 123Dist, when the 123Dist with just a coil provides a better spark (longer dwell spark)?
Besides with a CDI, the ignition system has less reliability.

The CDI approach was only used because of the lack of high power switching semiconductors in the '60s & '70s.

I run both as well but was thinking of ditching the cdi in favor of this method. I've read arguments from both sides but I think I might just give it a try.

[Nditiz1]

Originally Posted by mysocal911

Why would you run a PartsKlassic CDI with a 123Dist, when the 123Dist with just a coil provides a better spark (longer dwell spark)?
Besides with a CDI, the ignition system has less reliability.

The CDI approach was only used because of the lack of high power switching semiconductors in the '60s & '70s.

So glad you commented on a post that had nothing to do with CDI. He mentioned buying the 123 from PartsKlassic not a CDI. Go back to your other CDI thread.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by Nditiz1

So glad you commented on a post that had nothing to do with CDI. He mentioned buying the 123 from PartsKlassic not a CDI. Go back to your other CDI thread.

Glad you're learning about why CDIs are "history"!

[Jaymanbikes13]

Originally Posted by mysocal911

Why would you run a PartsKlassic CDI with a 123Dist, when the 123Dist with just a coil provides a better spark (longer dwell spark)?
Besides with a CDI, the ignition system has less reliability.

The CDI approach was only used because of the lack of high power switching semiconductors in the '60s & '70s.

I did not purchase a PartsKlassic CDI.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by Jaymanbikes13

I did not purchase a PartsKlassic CDI.

Lucky you!