Volvo RWD 120-130 Forum

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Ignition coils 120-130

Depends on what the 'electronic ignition' is. If its just something like a Pertronix or a similar 'pointless' optical / reluctance / Hall sensor switched system which retains a distributor with a single coil arrangement (which includes the 123), there is no fundamental difference in the ignition coil. Modern engines with COPs and ignition control via logic level switching controlled by the ECU are a completely different kettle of fish.

The factor which you have to take into consideration in selecting a coil for use with a distributor arrangement is the resistance of the ignition coil which determines the peak dwell current that flows through the coil and points / electronic switch. Some vehicles use an external ballast resistor with a low resistance ignition coil. If the vehicle does not have an external ballast resistor then the coil will typically have a higher DC resistance to limit the primary coil current.

I expect that if you check the installation instructions for the 123 distributor, they will specify a minimum allowable DC coil resistance for use with the distributor. If not, email them and ask. If the Bosch blue coil has a DC resistance that is equal to or greater than the minimum DC coil resistance specified by 123, then you are good to go.

I speculate that if you stay away from the aftermarket 'hot' coils and ignition coils made expressly for use with external ballast resistors, any conventional coil will probably work satisfactorily.






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New Ignition coils [120-130]
posted by  Greig  on Wed Dec 18 08:53 CST 2019 >


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