Hello,

I have installed both.

The pros for the Crane/Allison electronic ignition conversion:

1. It is cheaper.

Cons:

1. Chopper wheel fits loosely over old points lobes inducing timing error.
2. Chopper wheel can distort over time and damage the pickup.
3. Using old distributor with worn shaft bushings, worn advance mechanism
& worn breaker plate w/vacuum control units.
4. Obvious visible mounting of transistor unit, unless put under dash.

The pros for the 123 ignition complete distributor:

1. Electronic ignition & electronic advance which eliminates wearable moving parts like advance weights & springs, breaker plates with vacuum advance/retard units.
2. Cylinder balancing were the timing is automatically adjusted to smooth engine performance.
3. Automatic coil deactivation if engine is not running to save ignition coil.
4. Eliminates fuel injection contact trigger points for D-jet equipped Volvos.
5. Will work with 6 volt cars.
6. Looks like a Bosch distributor & uses Bosch caps & rotors.

Cons:

1. EXPENSIVE!!
2. Long term reliability is unknown.

In the last 2 years, I have installed a 123 Ignition distributor in:

1. 1975 C303 6 cylinder military vehicle
2. 1967 122S
3. 1971 1800E w/D-jet fuel injection
4. 1967 122S w/B20 & K-jet fuel injection aka CIS fuel injection
5. 1967 1800S

I have not installed any Crane conversions for over 2 years.

BTW, my favorite rebuilt Bosch distributor ( I used them in quite a few B18 to B20 converted cars) costs almost $270.12 plus a $10.00 core, according to my last official Volvo parts microfiche dated 2/29/04.

The NLA (No longer available) Bosch ID32X was the 1974 B20 distributor with K-jet fuel injection aka CIS fuel injection and was perfect for B20 conversions.

FYI, I am not a authorized 123 Ignition dealer. I have to buy them 1 at a time from a dealer or my customers have bought them and had me install them.


--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502