Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: Khurram Darugar on April 05, 2011, 14:43:54

Title: Coil + ballast + 123Ignition
Post by: Khurram Darugar on April 05, 2011, 14:43:54

Hello,
I was wondering if there was a recommendation on coil and ballast when using 123Ignition.
My ballast resistor has come apart I would like to hear what you guys have done.   

Thanks
Kay

Title: Re: Coil + ballast + 123Ignition
Post by: al_lieffring on April 05, 2011, 15:01:38

When I switched to Pertronix igntion I replaced the coil with a Pertronix coil to eliminate the possibility of system conflicts. I selected the lower ohm coil (the one rated for V8 engines) and run it with the Bosch 0.8 ohm resistor. and a resistor bypas coming off the 3rd terminal at the starter solenoid.

I am sure that 123 also has a line of complimentary products to install with thier distributors.

Title: Re: Coil + ballast + 123Ignition
Post by: Atazman on April 05, 2011, 16:18:12

I stayed with the same (stock) coil and eliminated the resistor.  I love it.

Title: Re: Coil + ballast + 123Ignition
Post by: Khurram Darugar on April 05, 2011, 16:36:39

Atazman, both of you guys seem to be going in the same direction ie more spark.
Is there any risk of frying the 123 or fouling etc. 
Removing the resistor would be easiest!
Thanks
Kay

Title: Re: Coil + ballast + 123Ignition
Post by: Norm on April 05, 2011, 18:06:36

http://www.123ignition.nl/pdf/123MER6.pdf

This link should answer all your questions. 

I installed the 123 with a hi energy coil and left the resistor in place since with or without didn't seem to make any difference.  If you use a stock coil (over 1 ohm) you might get a little more spark without the resistor (see the tips section)

By the way...  The 123 is great!

Norm

Title: Re: Coil + ballast + 123Ignition
Post by: wwheeler on April 05, 2011, 20:32:18

With the 123 distributor, I used the red coil (1.8ohm?) and bypassed the ballast resistor as the mfg recommends. You can leave the resistor in place and just use a separate wire to bypass it. That way, if you ever want to install the stock distributor, it is easy.

I also used the stock wires and NGK plugs (forget the number at the moment). You can also increase the plug gap to take advantage of the better spark. Some people on this site have said .035" and I currently set mine at .033". I am going to experiment with .035" soon though.

I love the 123 and wish I had changed sooner. Starts great, runs great, dead on with the timing and no maintenance going on two years now.

Title: Re: Coil + ballast + 123Ignition
Post by: VincentR on April 11, 2011, 20:02:17

Hi All,

I also fitted 123ignition on my 280sl 1970.
For the people who wants to leave the ballast (in order not to change any wire loom design), you have to change the silver ballast (means with the silver metal sheet bracket) for another ballast (same manufacturing) with the red metal sheet bracket (the value of the resistance is not the same and fits perfectly with the 123ignition). Change the soil as also already specified.
As already written you can also increase a bit the plugs gaps.

After that : no more maintenance and better torque and easiest CO tuning.

Best regards.
VincentR (France).