TheSamba.com :: View topic - Switching to stock FI, what distributor should i use?

Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:47 pm

I have a 79 bus with a 2.0L which used to have Weber 40s and an 009. I am installing stock federal FI and don't want to use the 009. What distributor should I use? Is the Pertronix SVDA a good choice? If not where can I look for the right one? I'm trying not to spend too terribly much. Any help is much appreciated.

Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:55 pm

if it is truly a 1979 federal

from old volks

Bus & Pickup Late 1976-1978 All States, 1979 Federal * 2000

Note: This Distributor also fits Type 4 (412) 1974
Distributor: VW 021-905-205P, Bosch 0231 168 005 > 022-905-205S, 0231 170 093
Note: 0231 170 093 dist primarily used on California Late 1976-1978 and all Federal 1979 Models
Can Use:
Points: 01 011
Condensor: 02 074
Rotor: 04 033
Note: 0231 168 005 dist originally equipped with Speed Limiting Rotor 04 016 (5400rpm)
Dust Cover: 039-905-241, Bosch 1230 500 139 > 1230 500 147
Cap: 03 010
Distributor Cap Clip: 034-905-265, Bosch 1231 251 033
Parts Kit (Shims, Washers & Hardware): 059-998-211, Bosch 1237 010 007
Coil: 00 012
Vacuum Can: 07 060
Ignition Wires: 09 171
Spark Plug: W8CC
Timing Set At:: 7.5deg BTDC @ 850-950 rpm (Man Trans), 900-1000 rpm (Auto Trans) w/strobe, vacuum hose connected
Advance/Retard Range: Vacuum: 8.5-11deg Adv @ 7.9 In. Hg; Centrifugal: 8-13deg @ 1600 rpm, 20.5-24.5 @ 3400 rpm

Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:00 pm

It is federal, I checked the part no. So where can I get one of these that is not like $500?

Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:00 pm

If you can't find an original, as posted above by SG, Bus Depot has a nice little Bosch SVDA for sale right now for a fair price. Careful, don't get fooled by the other ones out there that are made in China, but carry a German name such as Brueck.

Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:11 pm

Thanks guys, I'll probably go with that Bosch SVDA Busdepot has and put the pertronix in it. Appreciate the help very much!

Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:18 pm

tootype2crazy wrote: Thanks guys, I'll probably go with that Bosch SVDA Busdepot has and put the pertronix in it. Appreciate the help very much!

They sell a Bosch Distributor with pertronix in it already. It's cheaper than the points one.

Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:24 pm

look for a good used original for like $75, or do like I did find a NOS one for $200. If you are afraid of a used one send it to me and I will clean it up for you. You will want to buy points, a cap and a rotor. Maybe a vac can. That is better than the repop distributors unless it is totally worn out. I'll bet VW Westy 76 (Raul) has a dozen of them. Check with Ken at Busco too for a clean one. Almost every 2.0 from 76 - 79 had that dist in it. This is a manual trans, RIGHT?

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=735287 (has the wrong vacuum can on it for a manual trans)

also try http://philbingroup.com/rebuilt/catalog/part/10-0914.html

Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:39 pm

Yep, manual. I'll contact those folks to find what I need, thanks. This is new territory for me, going stock. Like an idiot I've thought the 009 was all right but now I know better.

Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:44 pm

tootype2crazy wrote: Yep, manual. I'll contact those folks to find what I need, thanks. This is new territory for me, going stock. Like an idiot I've thought the 009 was all right but now I know better.

I have to share your opinion about the 009, but there are many who really like it. There is nobody in between. I would play both sides of the field and buy the BD Bosch unit and also get an original and refurbish it. Funnily enough I am just putting the finishing touches on a spare original Bosch unit to keep as my back-up. The originals are definitely superior, but when you need to roll, there is nothing wrong with having a new Bosch unit to get you by or keep as a spare just in case.

Thu Sep 22, 2011 11:06 pm

No sense in throwing good money after bad. I would take Steve up on his offer. I am a firm believer that German made parts are the only way to go, preferably nos.

Thu Sep 22, 2011 11:07 pm

Think I might get that one in the samba ad SGKent suggested and buy a new can from busdepot for $50 and refurb the thing. I always have 3 009s to fall back on in the meantime :lol:

Thu Sep 22, 2011 11:17 pm

.....

Thu Sep 22, 2011 11:22 pm

tootype2crazy wrote: Think I might get that one in the samba ad SGKent suggested and buy a new can from busdepot for $50 and refurb the thing. I always have 3 009s to fall back on in the meantime :lol:

Good plan. I just bought a can for the one I am refurbishing and I got it from Aircooled.net. Bus Depot didn't have any in stock when I was looking for one.

Thu Sep 22, 2011 11:41 pm

Quote: As far as cams go you should consider Webcam. A 50.00 cam is a nightmare waiting to happen. 009's... what are those?

I think you misunderstand my friend. I said 'can' as in the vacuum can on the distributor. My cam is stock hydraulic and always will be because I love them. "009s" refers to the Bosch .009 mechanical advance distributors, typically used in aftermarket high-power aircooled vw engines

Thu Sep 22, 2011 11:50 pm

I can't take you to the thread as it is on another bus forum but that link to the place in Oregon worked out for quite a few people.

Thu Sep 22, 2011 11:58 pm

The place in Oregon sounds like a good idea, but I might be able to get that $25 one and put a $38 vac can on, clean it up and be good to go, if it's not worn out. Hmmm, what to do?! :?

Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:02 am

Through the magic of google i found the aforementioned unmentionable thread and it has indeed convinced me to go the Oregon place route. I appreciate all the thoughts and help and that's the path I'm gonna take. Thanks again everyone.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:46 am

I know what 009's are.... that was a joke as they are. Sorry for the mistake with the letters m and n....my bad.

Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:59 am

Hoody wrote: I know what 009's are.... that was a joke as they are. Sorry for the mistake with the letters m and n....my bad.

Bob - did you do your " :lol: :lol: 9 " trick again?

Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:57 am

I've been using a SVDA with Pertronix for years and it's been nothing but a complete dream! Follow the installation instructions for the Pertronix to the letter and it won't give you any issues.