The ignition system of our classic Volkswagen can cause many problems. After years of use, the mechanical igniter wears out and experiences more and more deflection. If available for your engine, you can replace the complete igniter, but there is a much better alternative: the 123 igniter for standard and performance engines.
The 123 igniter comes in a box that looks very similar to the original, but inside you will find no mechanical parts. The obsolete mechanical system has been replaced by a high-tech computer controlled system, creating an optimal ignition system with maximum performance and virtually no maintenance.
All mechanical parts such as contact points, centrifugal weights or vacuum diaphragm, springs, bearings have been replaced by a single part: the central shaft with rotor. The internal electronics provide the right ignition advance and the optimal dwell angle at different speeds, so you get maximum spark at every speed. The parts used to adjust the ignition are not subject to wear. Once adjusted, and you don't have to worry about it.
For the standard 123 ignition, a small switch behind the hex screw at the bottom of the housing sets the correct advance curve for your engine (there are 16 different advance curve settings available). Each 123 ignition is also equipped with a synchronous technology that is normally only used in Formula 1, where very high speeds are reached. The electronics constantly look at the amount of energy that is supplied per cylinder, imagine that the compression of one cylinder differs from the other cylinders, then the rotation of the flywheel becomes less regular, so that the rotation of the camshaft is also less regular. Ignition 123 detects this and adjusts the ignition timing per cylinder, resulting in an engine that runs smoothly and delivers more power and less wear. These are not the only advantages over traditional ignition:
- automatic quick start program when the engine is cold
- improved ignition per cylinder as described above
- continuous adjustment and correction of the ignition angle
- automatic shutdown after 1 second when the ignition is switched offt after 1 second when the ignition is switched on and the engine is not running (ignition coil is spared)
- fuel saving
- works on 6 and 12 V (is automatically recognized)
The 123 ignition systems are suitable for:
Type 1 engines except for 25 hp and 30 hp engines
Type 3 engines
CT/CZ and type 4 engines, but if there was an original electronic ignition, add the ignition coil mentioned under the options tab, the current ignition coil is not suitable for this
123 without vacuum
Intended for performance engines that run on larger carburetors, which in most cases do not have vacuum advance capabilities. As the route from the carburetor to the cylinder head is much shorter than with a standard engine, this has no influence on the pulling power. If you have carburetors with vacuum feed, such as a Dellorto DRLA, it is advisable to use this as well and choose the 123 with vacuum, which gives you the best performance for this application.
Optional Tip :
123 distributors have a universal housing, when mounted in our air-cooled Volkswagens, a gap is left between the distributor and the mounting bracket. To fill this gap, an optional ring is available (see options tab). It is not a necessity but it is recommended.
Installation Instructions
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