ignition

i was considering putting in a pertronix electronic ignition. from what i understand there's no box (like in a msd). you just remove the points and replace with the new setup. has anyone tried this. i have a 2110 engine with a 009 dist. and blue coil. any opinions are appreciated. thank you.

My understanding is you would only be replacing the points with ones that don't wear and don't need periodic gaping. Other systems add a Capacitive Discharge or Transisitorized ignition for increased spark - thats the external box.

As Wolfgang says, from what I've seen, the kit is basically a new coil and a unit that retrofits in your existing 009 distributor. All you do is replace your blue coil with the one in the kit and the points with the electronic unit; it's only a bolt-on procedure but you might need to re-gap your spark plugs as indicated in the instructions. Obviously you'll also need to re-set your timing. By the way, I heard Bosch 009's are not being manufactured anymore so get ready for the Chinese aftermarket crap...

Pertronix Ignitor ignition..the older original type had some problems hence they came out with the Ignitor II that unit seems to be holding up well.
As a back up, I have another Bosch 009 with a set of points installed and timing position marked,in the event of the Pertronics failure all I have to do is pull the distributor and drop in the replacement with the points pre installed and off I go.

The Chinese 009 is already on the market at $20 less than the Bosch 009...as for reliability, I recall those previously mentioned replica 356 gauge sets that are also having some problems and are made in China

I've used the Pertronix II and think that it's great! I used my own coil, set it and forget it. I like the self contained simplicity and No more points!
I have a Mallory dizzy on my 914, so far it's also performed flawlessly and again is a self contained unit.

I also have the petronix II and it works flawlessly,as well I went up to the blue coil and better wires. Plugs are cleaner and temp is down a bit,Good deal it seems for the money.

This is my choice. No Dist. cap and it cleans up the front of the engine. Mount the coil pack on rear of shroud and route the wires from the back for an even "cleaner" (though not period) look.

More praise for the Pertronix. I've used it in a couple of VW engines with great results. It's gotten so that I've forgotten what a pain it used to be with points.

Bruce,

What's that unit that you have pictured? Any more info on it? Tell all . . .

Thanks,

TC

www.gex.com/07tkopts.htm----compufire makes it


"Compufire Ignition
This multi-coil distributorless ignition system is the industry standard for full race engines. Also used for offroad and street performance. It provides triple the energy of conventional electronic ignition systems for better fuel economy and quicker startups. This maintenance free, 12 volt system has no moving parts to wear out, so it saves you both time and money on expensive tune-ups."

a small (about an inch thick) aluminum flat cap replaces the dist. cap, magnetic pick up rotor, 20 gauge wire from cap to "coil pack",
wires to plugs. no moving parts except for advance mech in dist.
very high voltage, cleaner installation.

i was going to switch over from standard to modern crank triggered
ignition but i came upon a good deal (couldn't pass) and bought this.
There are a group of guys who adapt a ford trigger wheel to vw a
pulley and then use the rest of the ford setup totally eliminating
the dist. altogether.

i know people like the "look" and familiarity of a distributor
but ya can't beat modern technology. but you don't have to like it
either.

home.earthlink.net/~beanbooger/boost_engineering/

link to adapted ignition

I'm using a "Magna-Spark" from CB Performance. As far as I know on here, I must have bought the only one they ever sold. Has a module similar to a Pertronics inside the 009, and a rectangular coil mounted on the left inner wheel well that puts out 60,000 volts. Also running Bosch Platinum Plugs gapped at .035"

I've heard of several Pertronics failures lately - all seem to be related to ACVW's and hot days. Don't yet see a trend, just passing this along. They're cheap enough to carry a spare, or even a fully loaded 009 to just drop in when you need it.