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 The obsolete mechanical system has been replaced by a high-tech computer controlled system, creating an optimal ignition system with maximum performance and virtually no maintenance.
All mechanical parts such as contact points, centrifugal weights or vacuum diaphragm, springs, bearings have been replaced by a single part: the central axis with rotor.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 (the 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 25 hp and 30 hp engines, and type 3 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 TUNE with bluetooth
By connecting the 123 TUNE to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, it can be easily adapted to the exact needs of the user, without any restrictions, whatever his requirements. The ignition offers two switchable advance curves, allowing you to adjust the ignition when driving on two different fuels such as petrol and LPG or petrol and E85. The 123 TUNE has a vacuum connection that remains disconnected if this option is not available, as is the case with many engines tuned with larger carburetors. This makes the 123 TUNE suitable for all possible engines, from standard to high-performance engines.
These are all additional features that the 123 TUNE has to offer over and above the standard igniters:
- two advance curves (500 to 8000 rpm)
- two no-load advance curves and boost delay curves (0 to 200 kPa or -30 inHg to 15 psi)
- two speed limits (MAP-start) where no-load feed starts when connected
- two speed limit fields (advanced random spark stealing)
- real time setting from keyboard.
- rpm timer (ideal for tuning on the road)
- file import and file export functions (easy change of curves)
- electronic instrument panel with: temperature indicator (in ° Celsius or ° Fahrenheit)
temperature indicator (in ° Celsius or ° Fahrenheit)
pressure input manifold (in bar or in inches Hg/Psi)
tachometer (0 to 8000 rpm crankshaft)
energy meter (flow in ignition coil)
meter with total advance (in degrees crankshaft)
The application for IOS or Android can be downloaded for free
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 Manual
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