distributor info

[johnnyvw164]

So getting back into A/C VW's after 35+ years away. The landscape has definitely shifted LOL.
I'm trying to get caught up on what good centrifugal distributors are available. This would be for a small displacement engine (69 crank by either 87 or 90.5 cylinders) mild cam and dual zenith ndix carbs. Years ago I had either an 009 or 010 distributor, and had also used a Mallory dual point unit. I have neither of those available. Reading through the various threads, there are some mentions about the 010 and 019 distributors being the best, but those are rare and expensive these days. And I've read the new 009 substitutes are pretty crappy?
So what would everyone recommend?
Thanks!

[Glenn]

What carb(s)?

Rare... there's plenty of them out there. Expensive, I guess compared to the price of a Chinese 009 for $50.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[johnnyvw164]

I guess you missed that...dual Zenith 32 NDIXs.

I have found some Bosch 009's on ebay in the $50 range...not too bad. But original 010 and 019s seem to be going for $200 plus for used ones, that may or may not need work.

One of the things I would like to know is how good (or bad) the substitute 009s and 010's are Like the Kuhlwerks "010", EMPI, etc. Anything about the Pertronix distributors?

I would like to stick with new, but not at the expense of a reliable, good working unit.

[Glenn]

[vwracerdave]

If you want new the CB MagnaSpark is the best dollar value available today.

https://www.cbperformance.com/product-p/2010.htm
_________________
2017 Street Comp Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble, OK
2010 Sportsman ET Champion - Mid-America Dragway - Arkansas City, KS
1997 Sportsman ET Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble ,OK
Featured in Dec. 2001 HOT VW's Magazine page 63

Watch my racing video's http://www.youtube.com/user/okvwracer/videos

[johnnyvw164]

Thanks for the input guys.
I'm definitely of the mindset of "buy once cry once", so it sounds like I'll just have to work this price range into my budget. I hate spending any money on crap that ends up getting replaced with what I should have bought in the first place.

[Lingwendil]

With a set of Zeniths a CB magnaspark may look out of place but will perform very well. Probably the better value and quality option if you don't want to go for an 010 or 019. That, or one of the MSD clones and an ignition box would be a great way to go too if you don't mind doing a bit more wiring and set up.

I set up a Magnaspark for a friend a couple months ago, and all we did was swap out one of the included springs, time it, and it worked perfectly. No surprises or issues. It does use it's own wireset or the MSD style sets.
_________________
73 super beetle thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=649622 Back on the Road!

Modify your Kadrons for SVDA http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8115884#8115884

Cast iron VJU4BR8 SVDA reference thread- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0

Need replacement filters for original Kadron aircleaners? WIX #42087 is a perfect fit, as is Napa Gold #2087!

[txoval]

I run the CB Magnaspark II in my 65's 2028 engine and it works well.

I also have one of Glenn's distributors and it is top notch. Yes the restored 019's and 010's cost more, but they are great distributors

The new 009's are a crap-shoot

[Ohio Tom]

I buy every Mallory HyFire I can find.
I convert them to Pertronix trigger. (if they aren't already optical trigger).
You can still buy the parts to make them like new.

Glenn likes the Cast iron O.G. Bosch units. they are nice. I have seen his work first hand. Top notch...

I like old Mallory stuff.

MSD is good.

CB Perf (MSD clone) is good as well.

Just about anything can be made to work well with enough work.

[johnnyvw164]

What about original Bosch 009s? There seem to be a fair number of them out there at reasonable prices.

[Pruneman99]

The original Bosch 009's are much better than the China clone ones. You can get replacement parts from the distributor guys on here. Really, you will probably just need some fiber shims (maybe a few metal if yours are damaged) and the internal felt that goes inside the shaft, and the felt "pill" for the top of the shaft.

I left the spring weights attached to the main shaft and just ran it through the ultrasonic machine. Lubed everything up, new oiled felt, set end play, and new points etc.

I'll probably get flogged for doing it "half way" but there was very little if any wear on the parts, and after the ultrasonic, everything came out super clean. Works good.

But I've gone to a SVDA Bosch unit since. Even better with a stock carb.

[Glenn]

I've done a number of 009s, but the build quality of the cast irons is far superior.

_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[Lingwendil]

[johnnyvw164]

Ah, excellent info guys. I found an 009 at a good price that I'm going to grab as a starting point. The motor is probably the better part of a year away from being built anyway, so I can keep my eyes open fr something better in the meantime. The Magnaspark would be an easy choice it seems.