Electronic Ignition

I just fitted a 123 distributor to my Normale this evening to replace my dying, presumably original one. Easy job – most time taken up cleaning the old parts. The only thing was that the rotor arm is fitted 180 degrees out from my original one which confused me for a bit when inserting it in the hole. Engine fired up first time and runs smoother (at idle) than I have ever heard it. A post mortem on the old dizzy will probably show why. I haven’t properly set the timing yet or gone for a drive. It looks similar to the old one – just has one extra wire. So far very pleased.
Chris

When I got my car it had a ‘Powernition’ distributor fitted. That ran well until it simply ‘died’ electronically and I couldn’t find anyone to repair it, so replaced it with a “123” unit as I didn’t have an original distributor to put back in.

With a ‘breakerless’ kit, if the electronics failed it’s a simple job to swap the old points and condenser back in, but you will still have a distributor with some wear in it so is unlikely to be 100% perfect unlike a new electronic distributor.

Electronic ignition is undoubtedly better, which way to go though, breakerless kit or replacement distributor, that’s one of those questions everyone will have a different opinion on.

Without Norman (on both the Traction and DSuper) as the advance curve is built in and you simply set the correct engine ‘curve’ via a small screw to whichever setting your car requires.

There is a guide included and the distributor normally arrives pre set for a Perfo engine. You may need to select another curve for the 11D but I don’t have the instructions to hand.

I know the setting makes a difference as the one in my DSuper was set to Perfo when I bought the car so had to change it to a DY engine………..

The Club lists an electronic ignition in the spares list under the title ‘Electronic Ignition Classic Power’. How does this compare with the 123 or is this a 123?

I am buying some spares from Jose Franssen – includes 2 single cv joint 11BL driveshafts – and am saving £150.

Re vacuum advance
Does the club 123 distributor have a vacuum advance unit fitted???

Chris T replied that he is no longer selling the 123 distributor as he has had too many failures. He said he has had units returned that have failed on fitting and after a period of time.
Of course 123s are available from other suppliers, with and without vacuum advance.
I have one, with vacuum advance. I think I have now done about 300 miles with it – so far very pleased.
Chris