Products: Ignition

After many years of testing and using various ignition components we have only found two worthy of being included in our line of products.

Both are high quality, state of the art systems, designed to fill specific needs, and built on a limited basis by small companies.

We have subjected both to extensive testing and can vouch for their performance and reliability.

Both work on vintage Volvos as well as on a wide range of other vintage cars

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123ignition Distributors

The one step solution to classic car ignition problems - a high tech ignition system built into a new distributor, with key features not found in other systems:

• Not an add- on but a completely new, state of the art ignition system housed in a classic distributor case. The result: preservation of the original vintage look, but with modern performance.
  
• Sate of the art electronic components replace wear-prone parts including points, advance weights, vacuum diaphram.
• Microprocessor controled spark balancing based on technology developed for Formula I assures optimal performance.
  
• Sixteen selectable centrifugal advance curves built into each distributor - plus vacuum advance.
• Automatic Dwell control provides the optimal dwell angle at all engine speeds, instead of the fixed dwell-angle found in mechanical distributors.
• Simple 2 wire installation.

 

One of our most highly recommended products is the unique line of 123ignition distributors from Albertronics in the Netherlands. Available for Volvo B16, B18, and B20 engines, as well as MG, Mercedes, Minis, Jags, Porsche, Triumph, VW, etc., this is not just a replacement distributor but a complete, state of the art ignition system. Key mechanical parts of traditional distributors that are subject to wear ( points, advance mechanisms, etc. ) are replaced by state of the art, microprocessor controled electronic components that provide optimal advance and dwell  throughout the rev range to provide peak spark energy and improved performance. They have an excellent reputation for reliability, are a drop in replacement with 2 wire hookup, and have both selectable centrifugal advance curves and vacuum advance. A great upgrade for any vintage car and a much better option than the common optical or magnetic trigger kits that replace the points but still leave you with an old distributor with unknown amounts of wear in the advance mechanism, shaft, bushings and bearings. Compatible with Smiths tachs as long as they are wired correctly. 

A complete range of 123 ignition distributor's is available for Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Austin, Citroen, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, MG, Mini, Morris, Peugeot, Porsche, Rover, Triumph, Volvo and VW as well as other Lucas and Bosch distributor equipped cars.

$399.95 for the standard Volvo B18/B20 version. $414.95 for the unit designed to be used with Volvo DJet fuel injection. Prices for other vintage cars are similar. Email for the details for your make and model. Discounts for group purchases are available.

 Key features of the 123 Ignition Explained

Spark Balancing  -   The 123 ignition analyzes engine performance on a per cylinder basis and adjusts the spark timing and energy levels  of each cylinder in order to balance the power levels -  optimizing engine operation. This spark balancing function, derived from Formula 1 engine management systems, has not been available for classic cars until now.
  * As the engine runs, the rotational velocity of the distributor shaft will differ slightly with each power stroke, as a result of the unique combustion characteristics of each cylinder.
    * The 123's microprocessor measures these velocity changes and uses this data to calculate the optimal timing and energy level for the next spark sent to each individual cylinder.
    * The spark balancing program equalizes power strokes between cylinders, attenuating internal vibrations and resulting in a very smooth running engine with cleaner tailpipe emissions, improved fuel economy and enhanced full range power response.

Gated Switching - The 123 ignition uses a high quality, high speed electronic switch to turn coil current on and off with minimal losses. As a result, more energy is immediately available for each spark event, leading to better combustion and less unburned fuel.

Simple 2 Wire Hookup - All that is required is to attach the black wire from the distributor to the negative terminal on the coil and the red wire to an ignition switched 12 volt positive - usually the + terminal on the coil.  For cars with early type Smiths Tachs attach the black distributor wire to the same wire that went from the original distributor, through the tach, to the negative coil terminal.

Selectable Centrifugal and Vacuum Advance Curves - Each distributor is preprogramed with a selection of advance curves appropriate for the particular distributor application. For Volvo B18/B20 engines there are 16 selectable centrifugal advance curves in addition to vacuum advance.  This provides the widest possible options for tailoring the timing advance characteristics to a particular engine, whether stock of modified. The photo to the right below shows the dial for advance curve selection.

 Coming Soon - Programable Advance Curves

 

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SafeGuard Ignition Control

Knock Sensing Ignition Control Systems

These are perfect for either high compression or forced induction applications. Originally developed for high end racing applications, the adjustable ignition timing retard system based both on knock and/or boost will allow an engine to run a higher compression ratio and/or higher boost pressure than is possible without the system. Highly sophisticated, in knock sensing mode the Safeguard will only retard the timing as much as needed, only in the cylinder(s) where a retard is needed, and only for as long as needed. This ability to customize the timing on a per cylinder, per crank rotation basis is an elegant solution just not found on other systems. On our supercharged engines this system has allowed 50% increases in boost. ( Some people were wondering how I could run nearly 15 lbs. of boost on a 10 - 1 compression engine when we were testing our supecharger system.  This is the answer. )  Highly recommended for high CR or turbo/supercharger applications.

Includes adjustable RPM limiter.

With MAP sensor for both boost and knock based adjustable timing retards - $495

With knock retard only, for normally aspirated applications - $450

Available with an optional   "dual monitor" ( the round gauge to the right in the above photo ) which senses and displays information on both air/fuel ratio and detonation. A very useful addition to the knock sensing ignition system that facilitates tuning. $179

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