mrtim Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 Contemplating installing either a CSI or 123 electronic distributor on my '65 TR4a - seen many opinions (duly noted) but interested to hear form anyone who has fitted either of these Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PYU940F Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 I am contemplating the same. Put a 123 on my son's 1970 Alfa Spider and it works well on that. Maybe the CSI has a curve more suited to the TR? I don't know. Simon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steves_TR6 Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 I’ve iust put the latest 123Tune+ on my 6 Very pleased with it, well engineered and the bluetooth app works well on the iphone ( it does not work well on android) The rev limiter does work, but seemingly not at the correct revs!, ant the immobiliser is an added bonus. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Boyd Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 You get an immobiliser with the CSI, nice touch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PYU940F Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 what does the blue tooth do? Can one program it via a computer? Simon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Icarus60 Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 Simon The original 123 had preset curves, like the CSI The 123 Tune is setup using a laptop with any curve you like It has two different curves which can be stored and these are selectable via a switch each with its own rev limiter The latest version has Bluetooth and is set via a mobile phone. I have had a 123Tune on my 3A since they became available and it has been faultless. Regards Rog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ben Freer Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 I inherited the older version 123 on my 3. It hasn't misbehaved so far despite doing 10k+ last year. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steves_TR6 Posted April 30, 2018 Report Share Posted April 30, 2018 Yes the tune+ gives access to view and change the curve on the iphone, and a dashboard with tacho etc. Its good! As above though, doesnt seem to work on android and the rev limiter is cutting too early on my car My tacho agrees with the ‘dashboard’ on the iphone, so i dont think it is wrong, and rebuilt last week by jdo Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tr4aJim Posted May 1, 2018 Report Share Posted May 1, 2018 (edited) Folks, Ive looked at 123 distributors but they have a warning saying: - Triumph-owners should check if they need a connection for a mechanical rev.counter, as a 123\GB does not offer this. The Tr4a has a rev counter drive off the distributor. How do those of you using the 123 get around this, or am I misunderstanding? Thanks Jim Edited May 1, 2018 by Tr4aJim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted May 1, 2018 Report Share Posted May 1, 2018 The 4 cylinder tacho drive is taken from the distributor pedestal, not the distributor itself unlike the 6 cylinder arrangement. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tr4aJim Posted May 1, 2018 Report Share Posted May 1, 2018 Ahh, understood. Thanks! Jim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JochemsTR Posted May 2, 2018 Report Share Posted May 2, 2018 I am driving with 123Tune installed in my original distributor in order to keep the mechanical rev counter. Jochem Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobTR3 Posted May 2, 2018 Report Share Posted May 2, 2018 I fitted a CSI to my TR3 two years ago and it works fine, no issues, plenty of curves to satisfy all set-ups. Fit and forget Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JochemsTR Posted May 2, 2018 Report Share Posted May 2, 2018 I just looked at the installation video of CSI and compared it to mine 123Tune. I believe either one will do. I like CSI's immobiliser. I do not like CSI curve setting. 123 is easier. However, for either one, if you have a tuned engine, or planning to do some optimal ignition curve searching, the pre-installed curves are not sufficient, and a programmable curve is necessary. CSI does not seem to offer this, in this case you need to use 123Tune. Last but not least, it is all electronics. Eventhough CSI or 123 may have very limitted break down or failures, I hate to stand in the middle of France with a broken down distributor. Therefore, I keep an overhauled mechanical version with me all the time. Jochem Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted May 3, 2018 Report Share Posted May 3, 2018 Last but not least, it is all electronics. Eventhough CSI or 123 may have very limitted break down or failures, I hate to stand in the middle of France with a broken down distributor. Therefore, I keep an overhauled mechanical version with me all the time. Jochem Precisely! Last year one of the French lads broke down over here when his 123 went down and we had to supply him with a complete Dizzy to get him home. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Heritage2 Posted May 4, 2018 Report Share Posted May 4, 2018 I run a CSI in my modified TR4 (176 bhp) and has been in for 2 years without any issues. Seems to have enough to handle the additional tune. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Posted May 4, 2018 Report Share Posted May 4, 2018 (edited) @ Paul, What curve setting did you have with the CSI? and what type of carburettor? You do not need the 123 tune for "normal / fast"road use? Marcel Edited May 4, 2018 by Quicksilver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tim hunt Posted May 4, 2018 Report Share Posted May 4, 2018 I fitted an original type 12Tune to my 4A ten years ago and it hasn't given a moments bother since. I don't mind if I am tempting Providence since I always carry the old Lucas 25D4 complete with adjusted points and all HT leads just in case. For my engine curve # 7 proved ideal giving 10degs advance at idle, 22 degs at 2,00rpm and 30 degs at 4,500. Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Posted May 16, 2018 Report Share Posted May 16, 2018 (edited) Ordered a CSI just a few day's back, and arrived monday. Easy installation and adjustment. https://www.csi-ignitionshop.nl/product/triumph-tr4-tr4a-4-cilinder-3/ Why CSI? because the original looks of the distributor, the only difference is the connection of the vacuum advance. . Edited May 16, 2018 by Quicksilver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PYU940F Posted May 16, 2018 Report Share Posted May 16, 2018 I am thinking about putting electronic ignition on my 4a. Could you report back on whether there were noticeable improvements in smoothness/idle etc. Thanks Simon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Posted May 16, 2018 Report Share Posted May 16, 2018 (edited) @ Simon, I have fitted it monday afternoon Had a short trip in the neighborhood and it runs quit well, fist chosen curve as advised in the instruction is curve nr 10, but i have had to do some other adjustments first for a good impression (tappet clearance, new needle and shaft in one of the SU's and balancing them.. new air filters ..) A quick test with a timinglight/stroboscoop result in a very stable flachs on timingmarker no wiggling as before with the traditionnel contact breaker/points. report back, Marcel Edited May 16, 2018 by Quicksilver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 Sorry for the delay, have some issues / problems with the carbs and fuel supply what i never had before.The motor hastigate sometimes. I think its is fuel related. So i had to do some investigation. Marcel. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bazyli56i Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 Hi, I had a 123 electronic distributor fitted last October, prior to having the distributor fitted I was plagued with the car pinking regardless of numerous valve clearance and timing checks, since the 123 distributor was fitted I have not heard the pinking noise, no problems to date so very happy with the change, hope this helps those thinking about the change. Cheers John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tim hunt Posted May 29, 2018 Report Share Posted May 29, 2018 That exactly mirrors my experience John. Before fitting the 123 I had been plagued by intermittent pinking, I think this was due to stretched springs in the Lucas distributor giving a variable mechanical advance. In the ten years since fitting the 123 I have had no more pinking. Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Posted June 14, 2018 Report Share Posted June 14, 2018 So all problems are solved, car is running well. The carbs were not in balance, and i have change the leads for new ones and fit new spark plugs NGK BP7HS (was BP6HS) Now the idle is smooth and quiet, the response when accelerating is great, and cruising at 125 km/ph in 4 overdrive is relaxing. So it is well worth this upgrade. what mark? thats is your choice or depence your nearby dealer. Cheers, Marcel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.