My 123 works just fine on my ballasted ignition. The tach works off one of the low voltage coil terminals, and the 123 is capable of operating on less than the 8 or 9 volts of a ballasted system. I imagine the electronics of the 123 ignition system work at 5 volts DC so its internal voltage limiting device is built to take any car voltage, probably from 5V up to 15 range. It probably protects the electronics from alternator over-charging too. Another big advantage for the 123.

Good tach info.  Thanks.  Gunslinger - sorry to briefly usurp your thread, but I thought it was a valid question for you too if you're considering an electronic distributor. 

That all depends on what tach you are asking about.  Smiths electronic tachometers used until the very early 1970s were the "RVI" type.  Those work by sensing a current pulse to the coil and are generally NOT compatible with electronic ignitions.  These were followed by the RVC type which were like "modern" tachometers and sense voltage pulses.  The RVC tachs are generally compatible with most electronic ignitions.  Smiths tachometers typically have RVI or RVC printed on the gauge face to identify which type it is.

gunslinger..  check on www.ebay.co.uk  in England for the three gauge dash.. think this started in 93?? on the SPI.. like said here before.. later bc

Mini 41..  it does require special coil.. 3 ohms or more.. later bc

The 123 ignition system works just fine with the standard Mini tach in my 3-clock pod.

Out of curiosity - does an electronic distributor require a different tach than a points distributor?

I will check some of the local parts store and see what they have that may suit my needs.  I also hate to say this, but if I find a tachometer, it technically doesn't have to work (would be nice if it did).  It just has to fill the empty hole.  Hahaha. 

In my experience. my SPI had a upgraded 3 clock Dash ( center of the steering column) that held the late model 3 clock cluster.


It was fastened directly to the 'wood' Of the dash - In an Insert that will come out of the whole dash assembly. (NOT easy to remove)'



 I actually got my 'magnolia colored 3 clock instrument set from Coopertune! 
      Thanks Coopertune!



A two clock upgrade to 3 clock you may still need to run a wire from the Ignition coil to give the new tach its signal.

I'm guessing that the 2-clock pod is centred (more or less) on the steering wheel position. Since the 3-clock pod is also centred, the hole locations will mean that the 2-clock pod's mounting bracket would have to be modified to shift it to suit the new 3-clock dash hole position. Unless of course, the gauges are mounted on the dash panel.???

Not sure which dash you are talking about. The two clock off set dash and the three clock off set dash are different in that the three has a tach. The three clock center pod does not. I have had good luck with the small Sun Pro and other names tach from autoZone and other parts stores. Normally under $30. and easy to install. Steve (CTR)

As the 'Rover' mini was not a regular import into the USA until these later years.  Those parts a bit more rare... They are here in the usa but you have to shake the sheets somewhat to find...

 Most time too a 3 clock  cluster = the Tach is usually available only as a set with the other two gauges..

Not saying impossible to find but another crux.



   Most SPI specific parts I needed to find went to EBAY UK.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-ROVER-MINI-COOPER-SPORT-MAGNOLIA-IVORY-TIME-GAUGE-DIAL-RARE-WORKS-CLOCK/323891056704?hash=item4b69695040:g:am4AAOSwaQJdUbDf

There are also 'breaker's = Junkyards in the uk that do deal with minis they might have parts too.

Plus are you trying to match your existing gauges ( Black i assume)  another choice.


The UK  Mini Forum is also a great UK source to scour for needs too.

It seems that my genius is starting to show. I found an amazing deal for a dash for my little car. However I did not read the description fully or I did not comprehend the description after placing my order. I am now the new owner of a beautiful new 3 clock dash. The problem I have run into is I have a 2 clock set up. 

 In addition to looking for a MPH speedometer, now I am in the market for a tachometer. Does anyone know where to find the smaller gauges that won’t break the bank? Would it just be easier or more cost effective to possibly find inexpensive third party gauges? BC,  I remember you mentioning that you had an mph speedometer, would you also happen to have a small tachometer as well?  Does anyone else have those two small gauges they would be willing to part with?