123ignition ignition distributor (Tune+) - any experiences?

[PorscheCollecto]

Hi all,

Considering replacing the original Bosch ignition distributor on my Porsche 911 SC from 1978 (Bosch 0 237 306 001), since the distributor needs a rebuild. Rebuild costs are very expensive it seems, at least in Europe, where I live.
Then I came across the 123ignition ignition distributor (Tune+) and can see that would be a cheaper replacement than rebuilding the original distributor.
BUT before considering it seriously (since I'm normally a sucker for originality), I would like to hear if any of you fellow Pelicans have some good/bad experiences?
Any feedback is appreciated. Thx.

BR
Chris

[rowingone]

I put one in my 1972 MFI and love it. My original distributor was shot and I, as you, saw it as a more cost effective solution. I like the fact its fully electronic, programable, and you can disable the car from theft with the app on your phone. You can also run it with or without a CDI box which makes it better still. Is your car going to run better than with a correctly rebuilt original distributor . . no . . but this is a more maintenance free solution and gives you wide open options regarding ignition curves.

[Schulisco]

I also have an 123ignition tune in my SC. Pretty satisfied. We had several discussions here about it. Too lazy to summarize it again. Please have a look into the discussions, if you got further questions, let us know here.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/search.php?do=process&query=123ignition

Here's a first glance:
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1155633-dizzy-crane.html#post12318286

Thomas

[montauk]

I put a 123 with blue tooth in my 6 cylinder E Type. It's great except for one big problem. The cap they sold with it is junk. I think it was a Beru. The center pin fell out. Lots of folks have had problems with those caps. I found an NOS Bosch cap on Ebay.

[Dr J]

While I have not used that particular product, being able to adjust the timing curve with respect to rpm and manifold pressure gives you the opportunity to maximize engine power. However, if you do that, I recommend an experienced tuner or you can damage your engine through detonation. When I did my first version of a supercharger install, I used an electromotive HPX system to control timing. Once I went EFI, I played a lot with timing but only because I have two knock sensors installed.

[Schulisco]

Originally Posted by montauk

I put a 123 with blue tooth in my 6 cylinder E Type. It's great except for one big problem. The cap they sold with it is junk. I think it was a Beru. The center pin fell out. Lots of folks have had problems with those caps. I found an NOS Bosch cap on Ebay.

Yes, some batches of Beru caps were not good as some of the coils too.
But you can choose replacements by the Beru part no. "VK 102" from Bosch and other vendors. These 6cyl caps are pretty common and widely used as well on BMWs, Mercedes and others. No disadvantage any more. Here's a list I found on the web with complementary types and part no.:

Bosch - 1 235 522 051
Bosch - 1 235 522 060
BMW - 12 11 1 351 446
BMW - 12 11 1 353 117
BMW - 12 11 1 354 501
Ford - 0 710 256
Ford - 11 710 256
Ford - 436 826
Ford - 1 144 700 2
Ford - 1 171 026 8
General Motors - 74 060 87
General Motors - VS 11643
General Motors - 79 928 59
General Motors - 79 922 66
Mercedes-Benz - 000 158 16 02
Mercedes-Benz - 000 158 25 02
Porsche - 901 602 936 00
Porsche - 901 602 956 00
Porsche - 901 602 963 00
Porsche - 911 602 215 00
Porsche - 911 602 933 00
Volvo - 241669
Volvo - 76978

Absolutely no warranty for correctness!

Originally Posted by Dr J

While I have not used that particular product, being able to adjust the timing curve with respect to rpm and manifold pressure gives you the opportunity to maximize engine power. However, if you do that, I recommend an experienced tuner or you can damage your engine through detonation. When I did my first version of a supercharger install, I used an electromotive HPX system to control timing. Once I went EFI, I played a lot with timing but only because I have two knock sensors installed.

Correct. Therefore I always recommend in the first step to program only the stock ignition advance curves only! Mostly the car then runs a lot better than before if the old distributor was bad. Without knocking control doing DIY ignition curve tuning without experience and a test stand is harakiri...

Thomas