All you wanted to know about ignitions and distributors
General information #
For all ignition systems, a good, reliable earth connection and a stable 12V power supply are of crucial importance. A stable 12V power supply is absolutely essential, particularly for electronic ignition systems. If you have a mechanical voltage regulator, replace it with an electronic one.
A proper earth connection can be achieved by running an earth cable from the engine to a point on the bodywork, often one of the bolts on the beam to which the engine is mounted. Please supply a clean surface for good ground
Setups you can buy from us:
- Conventional
- Conventional without distributor cap
- 123ignition Fiat-2-R (complete distributor)
- 123ignition Fiat-2-R (complete distributor) without distributor cap
- 123ignition Fiat-500 (hockey puck), for tuning purpose
- Hall-effect sensor
- Hall-effect sensor without distributor cap
There are various other ignition systems available on the market. These include the Velleman kit and the conversion kit for the ignition system of a Fiat Cinquecento (or Fiat 126 ELX). We have no experience with these ignition systems. We therefore recommend opting for a 123ignition Fiat-2-R, for example, should any problems arise. The support for this ignition system is excellent.
When using a conventional ignition system, always use a good capacitor, such as the DD or the ShackTune. The Magneti Marelli and Bosch capacitors are not the best and can sometimes cause faults. You can find more information about capacitors here.
Some kits require insulated terminals (flat female connectors or rings); you can find them here.
1. Conventional #
A conventional ignition system, often called a “distributor ignition system” or informally a “Delco system”, was widely used in gasoline engines before modern electronic ignition became standard.
In this system, electrical energy from the battery is sent to an ignition coil, which transforms the low voltage into a high voltage. This high voltage is then routed to the distributor cap, where a rotating component called the rotor directs the current to the correct spark plug at precisely the right moment.
The timing is controlled mechanically. A cam inside the distributor opens and closes a set of contact breaker points (also known as “points”). When the points open, the magnetic field in the ignition coil collapses, producing a high-voltage pulse that creates a spark at the spark plug. A condenser (capacitor) is used to prevent arcing across the points and to improve spark efficiency.
One of the key characteristics of this system is that it relies on mechanical parts, which wear over time. Components like the points, rotor, and distributor cap require regular maintenance and adjustment to ensure proper engine performance.
Although reliable for its time, the conventional ignition system has largely been replaced by electronic ignition systems, which are more precise, require less maintenance, and provide better fuel efficiency and performance.
Products used:
- Distributor
- Coil
- Capacitor
- Contact points
- Spark plug wires
- Spark plugs
Things to keep in mind:
- Use a good quality capacitor
- Replace contact point at the same time as the capacitor
- This is the original setup used on Fiat 500’s
2. Conventional without distributor cap #
The principle is the same as that of a standard ignition system. However, the ignition coil must be replaced with a coil with two outputs, as there is no longer a distributor cap. The coil with two outputs is sometimes referred to as a ‘double’ coil. A high voltage for the spark is present at both outputs simultaneously. To deliver the same energy, the primary side is now 1.5 ohms instead of 3 ohms (standard).
The advantage is that there is one less connection point, which can cause signal loss. The seal on the rotor and the distributor cap are also a thing of the past, as they are no longer needed.
Products used:
- Distributor
- Distributor cap, cover plate (IS6180)
- Coil with two outputs (IS6310)
- Capacitor
- Contact points
- Spark plug wires (IS6115)
- Spark plugs
- Insulated terminals (WC0105)
Things to keep in mind:
- Use a good quality capacitor
- Replace contact point at the same time as the capacitor
- The distributor cap doesn’t fit on a 110D/110F distributor, you could remove the little ridge
- The coil is 1.5ohm
- Both outputs of the ignition coil produce high voltage at the same time
- It doesn’t matter which spark plug wire is connected to which cylinder
- You might need some insulated lugs to install the coil
3. 123ignition Fiat-2-R #
Fiat van der Laan’s top choice
The 123ignition Fiat-2-R is a modern electronic ignition system specifically designed for classic cars such as the Fiat 500 and Fiat 126. It replaces the original mechanical distributor and uses digital technology to precisely control the ignition timing.
Unlike a conventional ignition system with contact breaker points and a distributor cap, the 123ignition operates without wear-prone mechanical components. The ignition curve is pre-programmed.
One of the main advantages of the 123ignition system is its improved reliability and performance. With no mechanical parts to wear out or go out of adjustment, the ignition timing remains stable and consistent. This results in smoother engine operation, improved cold starting, and often better fuel efficiency.
Installation is generally straightforward, as the unit is designed to fit directly in place of the original distributor. This makes the 123ignition a popular upgrade among classic Fiat enthusiasts who want modern reliability while preserving the character of their car.
Products used:
Things to keep in mind:
- Please read the 123ignition manual carefully
- You might need some insulated lugs to install the 123ignition Fiat-2-R
- A setup that offers good performance and is easy to install
- If you wish to fit this distributor to a 110D or 110F engine, you must use the ring supplied
4. 123ignition Fiat-2-R without distributor cap #
Fiat van der Laan’s performance choice
If you want what we consider to be the best solution for your ignition system, then this is the kit for you. Fully electronic and without a distributor cap. Virtually no losses.
No series resistor is required, as the 123ignition can handle a coil with a resistance as low as 1 ohm.
Products used:
- Distributor (IS6325)
- Distributor cap, cover plate (IS6180)
- Coil with two outputs (IS6310)
- Spark plug wires (IS6115)
- Spark plugs
- Insulated terminals (WC0105)
Things to keep in mind:
- Please read the 123ignition manual carefully
- You might need some insulated lugs to install the 123ignition Fiat-2-R and coil
- A setup that offers the best performance and is easy to install
- The coil is 1.5ohm
- Both outputs of the ignition coil produce high voltage at the same time
- If you wish to fit this distributor to a 110D or 110F engine, you must use the ring supplied
- It doesn’t matter which spark plug wire is connected to which cylinder
5. 123ignition Fiat-500 #
Are you looking to tune your engine and adjust the ignition curve? Then this is the ignition system for you. Installation takes a little longer than the Fiat-2-R from 123ignition. Make sure the connection to the blue wire is secure.
Products used:
- Distributor (IS6320)
- Coil with two outputs (IS6310)
- Spark plug wires (IS6115)
- Spark plugs
- Insulated terminals (WC0105 and WC0130)
Things to keep in mind:
- Please read the 123ignition manual carefully
- You might need some insulated lugs to install the 123ignition Fiat-500 and coil
- A setup that allows for adjustments for tuning purposes
- The coil is 1.5ohm
- Both outputs of the ignition coil produce high voltage at the same time
- It doesn’t matter which spark plug wire is connected to which cylinder
- Only buy this ignition system if you intend to tune your car and know what you’re doing. Otherwise, buy the Fiat-2-R from 123ignition.
- This ignition system cannot simply be fitted into a Giardiniera; the distributor housing would need to be modified. Our advice is to install a Hall-effect sensor instead.
6. Hall-effect sensor #
All this ignition kit does is replace the contact points and the capacitor. The advance is still controlled in the old-fashioned way using the springs. You’ll never get an ignition curve as smooth as that of the 123ignition, which is particularly noticeable at higher revs.
This ignition system is also highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations and incorrect connections. Proceed with care and read the manual carefully.
Products used:
- Distributor
- Hall-effect sensor kit (IS6315)
- Coil
- Spark plug wires
- Spark plugs
- Insulated terminals (WC0125)
Things to keep in mind:
- Please read the manual carefully!!!
- This kit is very sensitive to voltage fluctuations and incorrect connections
- You might need some insulated lugs to install the kit
- This ignition system is designed for a 600cc/650cc engine. We haven’t tested the kit in a 500cc distributor
- A 600cc/650cc distributor can be mounted in a 110D/110F engine with the following set: IS6071B
7. Hall-effect sensor without distributor cap #
Very important! The Hall-effect ignition system cannot handle ignition coils with an impedance lower than 3 ohms. If such a coil is connected – such as a ‘dual’ ignition coil – the ignition system will fail immediately! Always use a ballast resistor with a dual-output ignition coil!
Ballast resistor needed!
Products used:
- Distributor
- Distributor cap, cover plate (IS6180)
- Hall-effect sensor kit (IS6315)
- Ballast resistor (IS6312)
- Coil with two outputs (IS6310)
- Spark plug wires (IS6115)
- Spark plugs
- Insulated terminals (WC0105 and WC0125)
Things to keep in mind:
- Please read the manual carefully!!!
- This kit is very sensitive to voltage fluctuations and incorrect connections
- You might need some insulated lugs to install the kit
- It doesn’t matter which spark plug wire is connected to which cylinder
- This ignition system is designed for a 600cc/650cc engine. We haven’t tested the kit in a 500cc distributor
- A 600cc/650cc distributor can be mounted in a 110D/110F engine with the following set: IS6071B
- The coil is 1.5ohm
- Both outputs of the ignition coil produce high voltage at the same time
- The ballast resistor is placed on the positive side of the coil
