123 Electronic Ignition

A 123 Ignition distributor is right at the top of our upgrade list. We have fitted over 300 units on classics from Austin’s through to Volvo’s.

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Ultimate electronic distributors – The 123 Ignition

Bigger spark • Easier starting • Total reliability • Low maintenance

The introduction of the 123 Ignition distributor to the classic car market was truly revolutionary. While electronic ignition systems have existed for many years, they were traditionally offered only as partial upgrades, typically small modules designed to replace the points and condenser.

These conventional systems often suffer from poor fitment and inconsistent reliability. In contrast, 123 Ignition distributors are designed as fully electronic units from the ground up. All components are housed within a sealed, waterproof casing, ensuring durability and dependable performance.

A further major advantage is that the system replaces the entire distributor, making the upgrade 100% reversible. Should you ever wish to return your car to its original specification, the process is simple and straightforward, ideal for owners who value originality as much as reliability.

Why is electronic ignition better?

Simply put, electronic ignition systems are more precise, produce a stronger spark, and contain fewer moving parts. As a result, they require significantly less maintenance to operate correctly and reliably.

Distributors are almost as old as the internal combustion engine itself. From around 1900 through to the mid-1980s, their basic design changed very little. At their core, traditional distributors are mechanical devices, essentially a clockwork mechanism, designed to generate an electrical pulse and deliver it to the correct cylinder at precisely the right moment.

To achieve this, conventional distributors rely on a mechanical advance and retard mechanism to alter the timing of the spark as engine speed changes. They also use a set of points and a condenser to create the electrical pulse, along with a rotor arm that directs this pulse to the correct spark plug via the HT leads. As engine speed increases, this entire process must happen faster and more accurately, something mechanical systems struggle to do consistently as they wear.

123 Ignition distributors eliminate these limitations entirely. The mechanical advance and retard mechanism, points, and condenser are all replaced by a single, fully programmable electronic unit. Once set up, these systems require no servicing or adjustment.

Because electronic ignition delivers a more accurate and powerful spark, combustion is improved. This results in better engine performance, smoother running, easier starting, and improved fuel economy, making electronic ignition an ideal upgrade for classic cars.

Getting one fitted

A 123 Ignition distributor must be fitted with a non-ballast ignition coil and a set of silicone HT leads. This is because the system requires a coil resistance of 3.6 ohms.

Most classic cars fitted with standard distributors use coils with a resistance of less than 3 ohms and copper HT leads, which are not suitable for electronic ignition. Using the correct components is essential for reliability and correct operation.

We keep new coils in stock and can manufacture custom HT leads in a matter of minutes to suit almost any classic car application.

Replacing the distributor itself is a straightforward process and typically takes less than one hour. Setting the engine to run at its optimum level takes a little longer. Further adjustments to the carburettors are usually required to take full advantage of the improved ignition curve and more efficient combustion.

Cost of fitting a 123 Ignition distributor and setting up the carburettors £195.00 inc VAT

Custom ignition mapping charged at £96.00 per hour including VAT