Stock or Aftermarket Distributors & Coils -- Experiences?

[E1]

Our distributor broke a critical, tiny (green) wire near the rotor last week, totally disabling our 1984, 1.9L for a day near Aspen. We managed to re-solder it with the help of a passing heavy equipment mechanic, but it still barely ran and the very thought of moteling in Aspen while awaiting a distributor, Yikes!

In the end we found a wonderful mechanic at Aspen Total Automotive. The key on the distributor was also broken (odd!), and he worked a fix within an hour off the tow truck -- for $67.50 Labor. HIGHLY-RECOMMENDED.

So I ask:
1). Has anyone used or know anyone using a different distributor than stock?
2). Is Bosch still the safest bet?
3). Vendors for an entire distributor?
(I'd prefer all-new if possible -- unless you all think rebuilt has *extensive* longevity)
4). I've never heard of this, but the Flamethrower distributor looks good "on paper":
https://www.carid.com/pertronix/flame-thrower-vw-s...gJ2SPD_BwE

Also, anyone have experience or input regarding a higher-output coil?

THANKS in Advance!
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[B.O.B.Wanders]

I've used Pertronix electronic ignition modules in a Lucas distributor on an MGB and they are pretty good, but consider what it replaced. I wasn't aware of the"stock-like" Pertronix distributors. Looks awesome. That's about the same price for a new Hall sender unit from BD. I too recently had a break in one of those Hall sensor wires at a splice up under the wire cover and it took a while to find it. Tiny wire but it stops you dead in your tracks.
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83.5 WBX 2WD Assuan Brown Westy, B.O.B.

"It feels good to be lost in the right direction” - unknown

[Gauche1968]

There are aftermarket distributors for a 1.9L Vanagon?

You can't get a new distributor. Well, Ken at Vanagain said he had three NOS left a few months ago, but who knows if he still has them. Otherwise, you have to have your distributor rebuilt. Ken can do it and Bus Depot also offers a service, as do the various part houses: NAPA, Rock Auto, etc. for less money, but who knows what the quality of those are.
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1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

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Shameless bump hoping for more input.

I'm leaning towards buying the all-new Flametronix distributor, and having my factory unit rebuilt as a back up.

Does it appear to come with a Hall sender?
https://www.carid.com/pertronix/flame-thrower-vw-s...gJ2SPD_BwE

I am also still curious if there's benefits to a higher-output coil. Semi-related or maybe not, once my alternator output went from 13.6 to 14.5 volts, the van ran much better and mpg gained at least 10%.

Is more spark is helpful? Or potentially too hot for the chambers. (?)

Thanks!
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[B.O.B.Wanders]

The Hall effects sensor activates the ignition module and is an integral part of the distributor "system" so I'm am certain it would be included.
_________________
83.5 WBX 2WD Assuan Brown Westy, B.O.B.

"It feels good to be lost in the right direction” - unknown

[the joker]

please keep us posted I'm looking to upgrade , 2.1 L wasserbox, joker running with a single factory solex carb think it would be a good combo , use to run that with a blue '' hot'' coil , on a 69 ghai , always ran great.

[E1]

Has anyone had their factory distributor rebuilt?

I could price around and still may, but if anyone knows the cost and success of this, and from whom, I'm all ears.

Thanks Again.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman