Posted: May-16-2008 06:19PM

Well said, Bart. I can't understand why a good topic turns into a slagfest............ just no reason for it!

Glad to hear that the 123 is working well for you, I too am pleased with it's performance.

Terry 

Everything goes better with beer.

Posted: May-16-2008 05:36PM

I have taken the advice and set it to 6 and there is a tremendous improvement in the car!

As an aside, I really do not understand the negative commentary which several members placed on this link. I asked for assistance, several people gave specific, detailed INTELLIGENT, suggestions, along with detail concerning the operation of the 123 in relationship to its use in a mini.... after that kind assistance, some ne0-facist butt face decides to critize those who are only trying to help! My only question at this time is "why"? /

Thanks again to those of you who offered positive suggestions, the few others who didn't... get a life!

Bart

"huh? did i really just say that out loud?"

Posted: May-16-2008 01:17PM

coming from you, AC, I'll take that as a complement of the highest order. Should we have the good fortune to meet, the first round is on me.  If the wife is a little slow to get on board with the type of healing I mentioned, just show her the poor young dear's prescription(s).

 Have a fine weekend. 

Posted: May-16-2008 12:33PM

Many thanks for your offensive comments!

AC 

Posted: May-16-2008 11:18AM

Tell me, AC.  Have you done any "laying of the hands" work yet?  How about any sexual healing?

There's a great opportunity in Italy for young praticioners such as yourself who have the calling.  Lord knows that so many Italian women need....and want... help in the worst way.  Right up your alley, eh ?  Bringing in the sheep...

Posted: May-16-2008 11:06AM

Thanks, Mr. Dodd for adding that bit of info.

I, for one, was unaware of your contribution.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

Posted: May-16-2008 10:38AM Edited:  May-16-2008 10:39AM

Just for the record I also submitted advance curves for the 123 mini dizzy too. It is a very good unit, and I have used it in a number in engines that I have setup too. In my experience there are few A-series engines that the 123 unit won't suit. The curves follow closely what I use in my own range of modded dizzies.

AC

Posted: May-16-2008 10:28AM Edited:  May-16-2008 10:34AM

Thanks Mur, that one was just too easy... I resisted temptation.

declanm:

Thank-you for recognising my intellect and experience. I did quote your post verbatim. and was poking a wee bit of fun at YOUR words "If I remember correctly...", which from the rest of your same post it is obvious you did indeed know that one must remove the 123 dizzy to make adjustments. (Or maybe you forgot mid-post.)

Yes, I do own a 123 dizzy and, yes, I have handled others. In fact I have been messing about with cars for a long time, quite possibly (though I don't know for sure, as your profile is rather short on data) before you were no more than a glint in your father's eye.

Oh, and please do draw us a picture... though I have been doing that too , prefessionally, for a very long time.

In short, chill out mate.

Oh yeah, the score 1 for 2? I was remarking about the expert attention this thread was receiving (though I expect they both have since moved on). However, to enlighten you a wee bit more, AC Dodd is a well known and respected personage and posts under that name. Marcel Chichak (another Canadian, by the way) also posted to this thread. He is the guy who we owe so much to for developing the 123 dizzy for the Mini. You also posted several links to his website. His identity here is "chichm". That is why 'chichm's' signature line contains the links you so kindly posted. (Have a look). That is whose knowledge and expertise you were placing into question in your second and third posts to this thread. (Nice going, pal.)

That would be 2 for 2 in my estimation.

Have a nice weekend!

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

Posted: May-13-2008 05:10AM

Ian,  apparently I wasn't clear enough about what I really meant.  When I referred to those who "blindly buy" Aldons, I was speaking only of people who blindly buy an Aldon red or yellow, from this vendor or that, and who never provide their own engine specs or never get the Aldon offering recurved.  This does not apply to you, obviously.  Apologies all around if I caused your blood pressure to rise.

One of the posters to the thread played a role in helping to define the advance curves offered with the 123.  See if you can guess which one it was.  The 123 was designed in Denmark, I believe.

You are correct about the appeal of the 123.  When one buys a 123, they are buying much more than simply a recurved Lucas.  They are buying a cleverly implemented electronic distributor which, among other things, uses quality Bosch plastic bits like cap/rotor rather than the Lucas stuff.  Not to mention the fact that they are buying 16 advance curves which may come in handy if a different engine size/build is undertaken or if the 123 is sold on to another person with a different engine build.

Another benefit from buying a 123 is that you won't be buying  one of the Chinese "Lucas" dizzies that seized up whilst being dynoed. 

Posted: May-13-2008 02:50AM

I my case it was because Aldon (used to - do they still??) advertise that, if you sent them an engine spec (they provide a questionaire), they would build you a dizzie with the correct curve. Of course when this proves incorrect its a bit of a hassle to process a return. And of course, if you did return it, what would you fit to your car ( a few years ago Aldons were about the only source of new dizzies).

If you're lucky (like me) you will find someone who has the skill and equipment to recurve your new Aldon which is a great solution.

Unfortunately, there aren't many shops with the necessary hardware, software and wetware to do proper re-curves. The only people I have met who are not particularly impressed with 123s are those who have all the above and can set up their own conventional units (and those of their paying customers). I would suggest that the 123 with its adjustability is a godsend to those who don't have access to a dizzie expert..and their equipment.

Am I incorrect in suggesting that one of the posters to this thread actually designed the beast??

Cheers, Ian

Posted: May-13-2008 02:44AM

Shear or sheer?  

When trying to look smart, use the correct words.  It might help.  Actually being smart is helpful as well. 

Posted: May-12-2008 10:41PM

wow !!!   it sure is lucky we have a genius, a Canadian one at that, watching this thread.  In a moment of shear brilliance, he determined that the dizzy has to be removed.  Well, I guess he owns one or has held one of these dizzys, something I have not.  I was just passing along the text from the 123 website and then restating it.  Silly me

Let's see if I got this right, genius.  It is totally impossible for something to be on the underside of a dizzy and yet still accessible with a tool and mirror. There is absolutely no way that something could be on the underside of a dizzy and still be accessible or viewable.  Did I get that right?

I guess my previous post's sentence, in English, "If I remember correctly, it is necessary to remove the distributor to change the curve. "  wasn't quite clear enough for some.  I'll draw a picture next time.

 As far as your orgasmic delight regarding the participants on this thread......1 for 2 ain't bad.  

Posted: May-12-2008 05:09AM

Yeah, you must be getting forgetful!   You have to take the dizzy out to get to the Allen screw. Then you have to be able to see the click-switch!

Wow! What a thread! Marcel Chichak and AC Dodd in the same thread! Who's gonna show up next? KC? Vizzard?

Anyway, thanks guys, it reminds me that I really should be moving on from setting 4, (now that I've drained the gasolene from the crankcase)!

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

Posted: May-11-2008 09:39PM

I never tire of that joke, so thanks partsguy.

Posted: May-11-2008 07:45PM

Yeah, I would say that #6 is a good starting point with your spec. I am on #8 with my HC Metro at the moment, and all is well.

I'm quiet impressed with the Distributor, starts right up........ and no run on. That's a change. 

Of course I need to add a Scatter Cam....... (Insert tongue-in-cheek emotioncon here). That was for you mur!

Terry 

Everything goes better with beer.

Posted: May-11-2008 05:46PM

btsave,  you don't have to have a "Mini expert".  As long as you can find someone who can tune SU carbs and can play with the ignition timing, you'll be able to get the job done.  It would be a plus if the mechanic had A-series experience, such as with Spridgets, but that's not required. 

If you are still wondering where the curve selection switch is, the 123 website(http://www.tdcperformance.ca/) provides installation instructions which you can access by: clicking 123/Mini Installation Manual on that webpage

Then you must scroll to Step 2 which will provide the following text:  "You may wish to verify that the correct advance curve has been selected in your '123' : using a 5mm Allen wrench remove the hexagonal plug on the bottom face of the housing. Inside the hole you'll find a 16 position rotary switch. ( marked '0' to 'F' )"

So, the curve selection switch is on the underside of the dizzy body.  If I remember correctly, it is necessary to remove the distributor to change the curve.  But then, my memory fails me most of the time so you may have to find out for yourself if it is necessary to remove the dizzy in order to change curves. 

 Good Luck !!

It sounds like AC Dodd(ie) has provided the necessary information for you. 

Posted: May-11-2008 11:34AM

Hehehe the wife wan't be too happy about the marrying off bit!!

Just doing my bit to help out.

AC 

Posted: May-11-2008 10:09AM

Well done, AC.  Finally a useful response for the lad.

When in Italy, make sure you lay your hands on the good-looking signorinas who look(and feel) like Sophia Lauren at age 25.

Otherwise, one of your Mini customers might try to marry you off to his sister.

Ciao, amici !! 

Posted: May-11-2008 09:49AM

Cheers,

Kelley

"If you can afford the car, you can afford the manual..."