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Mon Mar 01, 2004 10:50 am

I'm considering the Pertronix electronic ignition because it seems that points need constant maintenance. Am I doing something wrong if my points don't last very long?

Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:13 pm

Points do wear eventually and I always check mine on a regular basis (thats just part of the fun of driving an old car).

If the points are not lasting long I presume you mean they are pitted and need changing. If this is the case you have a faulty or incorrectly fitted condensor.

The condensor is simply a capacitor that prevents arcing across the points as they open and close, its this arcing that causes the contact surface of the points to pit.

Replace the condensor and fit a new set of points and see if this improves the lifespan.

Alternatively switch to an electronic system, they're pretty good, are low maintenence and produce a better spark, this makes starting easier and can also help with gas maileage and performance.

Mon Mar 01, 2004 2:27 pm

There's thread about ignition setups in the engine forums you might like to read. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64513

Wed Mar 03, 2004 4:21 pm

If pionts were the hot shoe set up, cars would still use them..Throw way your computer and use a type writer and ribbon...same difference. :shock:

Wed Mar 03, 2004 4:37 pm

I have owned VW's on and off since 1969. I always buy and install the correct stock points and condenser. I've never had points that didn't get pitted way too soon. Like 1500 miles, I don't know for sure? I just got back into VW ownership and think that there has to be a better way to deliver spark to the plugs. The Pertronix electronic ignition system is the one I'll try. But I'll keep a set of points and condenser in the trunk just in case.

Fri Mar 12, 2004 12:14 am

I installed the $69 Pertronix electronic ignition yesterday. It's running great.

Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:27 am

Can you tell me where you got that Pertronix at? I've been thinking about that for awhile now.. I'm really sick of messing with points.

Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:41 am

I got mine at Donsco in Belmont, California. Where are you located? I think J C Whitney sells 'em for the same price.

Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:48 am

I live in Pomona, CA.. About 1 hour east of LA. And yeah, that seems like a good price.. Only thing is I don't wanna get it from JC Whitney.. I've heard some bad things about them.. Although I don't know if it applies to this. Thanks a lot..

Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:29 am

Just go to the Pertronix page and check out there products. I wouldn't get the Pertronix II electronic ignition. I don't think there spark plug wires or chrome plated coils are necessary, but who knows? I just bought there product on the recommendation of the guys at Donsco. I like the way its installed inside the distributor and keeps things looking stock. I would think that your local VW parts house could tell you about them. I'm no expert. We'll see how they work. I'm going to have this car for a long time.

Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:50 pm

Thanks Jamie.. I'm definitely gonna check that out. Let me know how it works out for you too..

Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:28 pm

Carry a spare set of points and condenser, just in case the Pertronix fails.

I've seen a few of them just stop working, and if you don't have points... you'll be walking home.

Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:04 pm

Hey Glenn, what about those compufire distributorless ones? I know they cost quite a bit more, but do you think that's something worth checking into?

Fri Mar 12, 2004 9:11 pm

I like the Pertronix because it is installed inside of the distributor. Your motor still looks stock when you're done. I'm using stock wires and a Bosch blue coil. My engine is running pretty smooth....

Pertronix sells a Pertronix II electronic ignition as well. I don't think I need it for my engine. Also, they sell "Flame Thrower" wires. I didn't think they were necessary. They also sell a chrome plated 40K volt coil. Any thoughts on these?

Oh, and yes, my glove compartment has a set of points and condenser in it just in case.

Sat Mar 13, 2004 5:03 am

I've never used any of those aftermarket ignitions. Currently i'm running a Bosch 010 distributor with a Gene Berg "Ignitor" electronic ignition. The Berg unit still uses the points as a trigger, but they carry no voltage, so they will never pit.

My engine runs nice and smooth all the way into the 7000 rpm range. Spark gap is set to 1.25mm and points to .25mm.

Wire are Bosch silicone, plugs are NGK BP7HS

You can see the compact Berg coil and the control box is mounted on the firewall.

Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:10 pm

That Bosch 010, is that a vacuum advance distributor?

Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:35 pm

I don't think they are a vacuum advance dist. Which is nice for dual carb set-ups.

Glen: What engine came with the 010 originally?

Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:53 pm

The 010 is a centrifical distributor (like the 009). The differance is that the 010 has 20 degrees advance and it's "all in" @ 2500rpm. The 009 has 17 degrees @ 3500.

The 010 came on some lat 50's and early 60's Busses. But the hot rodders noticed the more agressive curve and put them on their modified VWs.

The Bosch 010 was/is one of the original "Cal Look" mods.

Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:34 pm

So it's better than the 009? How much would a Bosch 010 distributor cost me?

Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:48 pm

1970VWBus wrote: So it's better than the 009? How much would a Bosch 010 distributor cost me?

You can find used ones on ebay and The Samba ranging from $50 to $100 from time to time. You can also find them at swap meets. Just be aware that you are getting a 40 year old distributor.

I do sell restored 010's for $150 or i can restore your distributor.

http://www.glenn-ring.com/4sale/

Also Pertronix does make a unit that works in the Bosch 010.