DUI distributor/coils in a VW

[Jim Schield]

Anyone tried these? How did you like them?

[Glenn]

They've been around for 20 years and nobody seems to use them.

What does that tell you?
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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"

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[Jim Schield]

I know I haven't heard about VW folks using them, but the design is certainly used on most modern engines now. Maybe the expense doesn't justify the voltage (50,000 volts, $239.00)
Best regards,
Jim

[BFB]

Bumping this out of curiosity..
and also maybe a big part of why they’re not seen used a lot on vw is the size / aesthetics? The HEI worked well on GM stuff so whats the problem with these on vw?
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[slalombuggy]

I put DUI systems in a few cars, but never an ACVW. They were a good product for the domestic world but having a HUGE distributor/cap/coil on a t1 engine is less than esthetically pleasing to me. Even my pertronix billet distributor is big.

[Glenn]

[Brian_e]

I built about 6-8 of these 10 or 12 years ago.

Ugly as all hell, but they will knock you over when they shock you rather than just tickle you like the standard VW stuff.

I used $65 eBay SBC distributors, and about 30min of very simple machine work and they are done. I ground every other prong off the mag pickup.

It’s about the best spark power/$$, and ugliest ignition you could get.

There were 4cyl Vega HEI, but they had a separate coil, and they weren’t available new when I was looking. Only junk yard available.
Brian
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[chrisflstf]

And I thought a Magnaspark was huge.

[Glenn]

Does it clear the mechanical fuel pump?
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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

[Brian_e]

People still run mechanical pumps?

Of course it won’t clear one.

Brian
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[Brian_e]

[Stinky123]

This thread is a bit old. They are based on the Chevy HEI distributer. I'm sorta surprise that they dont make one based on the smaller diameter HEI. I dont know how they compare to Pertronix, and others, price wise. On the Chevy forum, Pertronix is not regarded well, to replace older GM point distributors. Chinese electronic parts aren't regarded well and the DUI website says that they are made in the US.

They use GM parts, therefore, guess which one I.d want to be looking for parts for in the middle of nowhere. GM parts have a good reputation for durability.

As far as electronic ignitions go, the HEI is regarded as being one of the best


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_energy_igniti...HEI,system's%20breaker%20points%20and%20condenser.

[Frank Bassman]

I don't know why we haven't seen someone adapt a chrysler 8 cyl mag pickup dist with vac and mechanical advance to vw... way smaller footprint, bigger cap than the bosch by a lot, nowhere near as big as a HEI and can be used with a remote mounted HEI, way cleaner and will more than likely clear any stock fuel pump.

-Frank

[jpaull]

If a person wants the spark of the HEI GM distributor, anyone can use a GM module and GM coil and get the exact same spark using normal size distributors. The ugly dui beast doesnt have any advantage or purpose.

One way is the vortec style stand alone module, bracket, and coil is $36
https://www.ebay.com/itm/133253996303?mkcid=16&...media=COPY

I personally prefer skipping the module and getting a cdi and having a better spark then the GM HEI.
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[slalombuggy]

GMs electronic parts haven't been made in the USA since the 90s. The components may be assembled in the USA making them compliant for made in USA stickers, but the electronics have been made in China and Mexico for decades right along side everyone else's.

And yup, I can attest to the output of those hei distributors. I got layed down a couple times by leaky plug wires and wet fenders. They fkn hurt and my hand took a while to work right again. Not quite as bad as one tech who was leaning on a wet fender who wasn't wearing pants under his wet coveralls and his tighty whiteys were also wet. If you understand current flow and paths of least resistance you'll understand his pain.

[jpaull]

[ORANGECRUSHer]

Can the same be said for a product like MegaJolt?
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