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 won't find any 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 The obsolete mechanical system has been replaced by a high-tech computer controlled system, creating an optimal ignition system with maximum performance and virtually no maintenance.
All mechanical parts such as contact points, centrifugal weights or vacuum diaphragm, springs, bearings have been replaced by a single part: the central shaft with rotor.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 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 then 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 engines and type 4 engines, but if an electronic ignition was originally present, order the coil mentioned under the options tab because the current coil is not suitable
This 123 vacuum is for standard engines that were factory equipped with a vacuum advance. Many replace their standard distributor with a distributor without vacuum advance, but the ignition time does not care about the engine load, which in turn leads to a reduction of the pulling force.
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
Useful information from Paruzzi magazine and from our YouTube channel :
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