Does anyone have a link to where I can see a graphical representation of the actual "curves" available on the 123 ignition.
I find the standard one feels very flat on my un-tuned 500 and I know I can get more from it without any complaint from the engine.
It would be interesting to see what effect it would have to choose one of the special settings and if I cant get to see what the curves involve I won't be able to resist experimentation.:devil:

No responses yet Peter

I too am interested as I have a number of cars with these distributors and would like to see the curve maps. Unfortunately the 123 guys in Holland are more into sales than aftersales service.

I'll be watching this space.

Chris

Yes Chris, they're not good. The thing is that now I've tweaked the distributor after carefully setting the maximum advance I have effectively lost the benefit of its precision in some respects. In fact it may be working against me on cold start as the distributor will have advanced at static by the same number of degrees that I have pushed it too far at dynamic. That's why I would like to see how one of the other curves would work. At the moment there is no argument....My engine definitely runs better on a points setup with the distributor that seems to be in good condition.

there is info on their site regarding the curves available:
http://www.123ignition.nl/downloads/manuals/123_tune_manual.pdf

Thanks Andrew. I've got that, but it's a graphical/pictorial representation of the "curves" that I want.
The manual just gives the advance at 2K and 3K rpm. So it's impossible to know if that is a straight line progression or if there's anything else going on. Comparing it to standard would help to understand the advantage or not for each setting.

http://www.mintylamb.co.uk/123ign.html

or

Thank-you Andrew. I had found a minty-lamb thing but it was just a table that had differing data inputs, so that is amazing and will be studied well.
Just are you sure it's for the 500/126 version?
There are some indications such as the rev-range and different advance settings at idle which imply that it's not.

The minty lamb is best used

the other was placed on my post to give an indication of the different curves - it was taken from an Alfa 123 install that I had...it gives some helpful info but obviously the rev range is higher (but not higher than my build which will run to 7000!!)

I had assumed that all of the settings other than the two for the standard 126/500 engines and the two for the standard 600 engine were designed for engines that had been modified in some way.
But re-reading the scant information provided it mentions that there are, for instance, settings for E85 petrol,which I think is very high in ethanol.
The frustration is that the manufacturer gives no guidance on selecting these other than the implication that the standard setting is the way to go.
I am just going to have to experiment with the settings but I am loathe to remove the distributor to get at the selector underneath because now I am pretty certain I have it properly set so that I am exactly on the timing marks. What stupid place to put an adjuster....where you can't get at it!:bang:

The adjuster for changing the curves is accessed from the top of my 123. Have you visited the 123 ignition site and if you look at the last page on the installation instructions it shows the location of the curve switch. See below.

Ralph

As Ralph said in the wasted spark double coil setup, the adjuster is on top but in the standard model with the distributor cap and rotor the adjustment is accessed from underneath. I'm told that there is a model with a USB port where I guess you can not only adjust the curve remotely but maybe map the curves as well.
Chris

It's a big letdown on such a high-tech product to have adustments being so hard to do and to have no explanation about its premium features.

I am trying again to get the information; I don't hold out much hope.:bang:
My website query to them:

"Hello,

I have the 123 distributor for the Fiat 500/126. The standard setting works well but I am interested to be able to compare the full effects of the different settings.
1. The manual gives the degrees of advance at 2000 and 3500 rpm. but it would be good to see a graphical representation of the advance "curves". If that is imposssible, it would be good at least to know if the advance is in a straight line between 2000 and 3500 rpm.
2. The 16 different settings are not really of any use without more information about what type of engine modifications each setting has been designed for. It would be useful at least to know if each corresponds to a different camshaft or fuel type.
I know that you are reluctant to reveal this information but I think it would help the sales and appreciation of your product if it was more widely available.

with very best regards

Peter Thompson"