electronic ignitions

z-volks · Post by **z-volks** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 6:09 pm

Anyone have any pros and cons on electronic ignitions. I HAVE A 1600 WITH A 009

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 6:42 am

They are supposed to be foolproof. There was one on my Thing when I got it. The first to go was the elect ignition. Put in a set of points and was good to go again.
I would still be willing to try it again. My gut feeling is that it was an isolated example and not likely to reoccur to such a nice guy as myself. Good luck. Bob Ingman

corbo12 · Post by **corbo12** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:01 am

Just installed it last week (Ignitor kit).
I also have a 009 and blue...

The changes : I realized that my 009's got a pb (need to fine tune the issue). Perks : Start first shot, hot or cold. No more reeving.

Be carefull though : each kit is meant for different types of engine configuration (009, blue..., depression cap... and so on).

As for the rest... give me a month to fine tune my 009, then I'll be able to give you additional perks.

James2 · Post by **James2** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:07 am

Points suck.

z-volks · Post by **z-volks** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:56 pm

Just put in the pertronix ignition. Big difference. I took a blast around block, after a 15min install. I have to tune the carbs tomorrow . its a quick fix.

mstatedog · Post by **mstatedog** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 5:10 pm

I put a Petronix in my 1776cc bug with 009 and blue coil.....works great...but I keep my spare points in the glove box!

dog

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 6:32 pm

Of the selection available can anyone think of a reason that one might be preferred over another. What is the first choice? Cheers. Bob

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 11:21 pm

Howdy.

We've had both Electronic and standards...

If you don't like tuning points then electronic is the way to go.

Down side is that they give no warning when they die and you'll be convinced for a couple hours that you're out of gas.

We carry a loaded distributor under the seat -- elec points left me stranded....

I've tested an MSD Ignitor box -- could not tell the difference except the high pitch whizz from the engine bay.

I don't remember the set --- there's one available that's very simple -- only a magnet etc... about $35/kit... I couldn't tell the difference between this and the $65 setup.

We still have the Pertronix/009 in our Thing... since the car only gets driven ~500 miles/year -- not sure if it gets enough use to make it worthy.

If you have time/budget -- my personal preference is to find a working Bosh Injection Setup -- replaces carbs and ignition stuff.

T

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:36 am

T the reason I asked was because when this topic came up last year on the off-road forum the final analys was that there seemed to be no noticable difference between brands and that the cheapest one seemed to perform equally well with the high dollar units.
I think if I am to try it again I will have someone that knows how modify a late vanagon ignition for me. I have a bit more trust in Bosch than the others. Cheers. Bob Ingman

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:48 am

Bob.

We have Pertronix, Compufire and the "AccuFire"...

I believe the Acufire is a private label Empi marketed thing. It looks fairly universal.

I can not tell the difference between the units -- they claim to have more power produded via electronic ignition... I'm confident that cleaning an air filter has more effect.

I have a 2 litere late type 4 (vanagon) ignition on a full-block. I'll check to see if it has the electronics -- If it does it's yours -- shipped free for all you do for us on the board.

Timmy

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 2:00 pm

T- thats about the nicest thing i`ve heard in a long time. I`ll have to find someone that can walk me through installation. Thanks. Bob Ingman

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:16 pm

Bob....

I went downstairs... I have a 1980 (formerly owned by Gordie Robers -- for you hockey hall of fame enthusiasts)... and a 1976 Type 1...

Both of these fuel injection steups did not have electronic ignition -- they both had vacuum advance distriibutors with points/rotor

I'll double check my bosch book and bentley books to see if any were spec with pointless igntion.

T

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 6:33 pm

T I think it was the late 80s and 90s Vanagons that used the electronic ignition modules. I knew it was too good to be true but sooner or later I`ll come by one to install. Some talk about this last year on T-4rum and I think it was the European guys that knew how to hook them up. Cheers Bob Ingman

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:51 pm

I'll keep my eyes peeled for you... Out of all the bug talents... finding obscure and abandoned things is my talent.

They're out there... now I have a mission.

Timmy

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:26 am

I have began a thread on this subject on T-4rum ( Water cooled Vanagon ignition in an air-cooled engine. Its beginning to get interesting. Cheers. Bob Ingman