123 distributor

[Stevejaguar]

I have just fitted a 123 distributor to my otherwise standard UK spec series 1, 4.2 E-type.
I have set it to curve '0'
Do I need to have a larger plug gap, if so what should it be?
Coil I am using the old one at present. Is there a preferred one ?
Plug leads, do I need to do anything with them?

Thanks
Steve

[Mark Gordon]

The standard 0.025 spark plug gap is fine as are the coil and ignition wires. I recommend that you go for a test run letting the engine fully warm up and then try the engine performance under various conditions such as hard acceleration and uphill acceleration in low RPM (starting at about 2000 RPM) as well as steady cruising and idle. My guess is that with the default "0" setting on the advance curve, you'll have no complaints. If you do, then fiddle with the various curves to find one of your liking.

[chrisfell]

A plug’s spark is a function of the coil, not the igniter. Standard coils generate 30,000 volts. Sports coils generate 40,000 volts. Others generating even higher voltages are available. Plug gap can be increased with the greater voltage. I set mine at 30thou using a Lucas Gold coil. I also use modern iridium plugs of the appropriate heat rating. Others will tell you that this will cause engines to explode and the earth to stop revolving. I’ve been using mine for over 30,000 miles, I’m still waiting for the promised consequences.

[PeterCrespin]

The coil is primarily responsible for the spark characteristics, yes, but the spark is also influenced by the switching mechanism used to ignite the coil pulse. The nearer to instantaneous the primary circuit can be made to collapse, the more intense will be the corresponding output from the secondary (HT) winding.

Since semiconductors cut the primary much quicker than a set of points, the spark will be greater for the same coil/dizzy/ht leads/plugs setup if electronic ignition is used rather than contact breaker.

[politeperson]

It is best practice to fit a new coil, preferably a Lucus Gold Sport Coil, and new carbon tension leads and plugs too.

Thats what I did and it worked marvelously on setting "0" once the static timing was set, using a TDC plug on piston no 6 (No.1).

I am a big fan.

[Spark]

Series 1 2+2

Hi
Have purchased a 123
Upgraded the Rev counter to run with the distributor

On the Rev counter one terminal runs to the coil and the other asks for a 12 v supply,
Question is where is the best connection for the supply

Thanks
Phil