Electronic Ignition Conversion

[JeffRens]

I have a 1641 dual port motor that actually runs great. I would, however, like to convert to electronic ignition. I have a VW 113-905-205AH dual advance distributor. Has anyone done this and is any brand/supplier recommended ? Thanks in advance for a reply... Jeff

[Zundfolge1432]

I don’t think it’s ever been done.

[EVfun]

Electronic ignition is a fine idea, but much of the aftermarket parts are... uhh... I'll just say not up to VW quality standards. I can't recommend any of the internal units. There are eternally amplified options like MSD, HEI or Ford modules, or even full crank fire. What are you hoping to gain with the conversion? That may help people offer useful suggestions.
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[JeffRens]

I was thinking that a solid state ingnition would be more reliable and require less maintenance...

[Glenn]

Pertronix or Compufire, stay away from Hot Spark and other brands. And be sure to carry spares, as none are OE quality.

I still use points and never had a problem.
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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

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[bluebus86]

I have been running Pertronix electronic points for decades in most of my VWs and Porsches. Great upgrade, highly recommend it, timing never changes, dwell is no longer an issue. remember your timing changes with points between tune ups, so ylu soon loose that optimal setting and must reset it with points, the points wear, the fiber lifter wears and ti kng drifts. also a worn dizzie shaft can wobble and effect timing with points. These issues are eliminated with the Petronix.

the only time I had one fail was during a compression test, all four spark plugs removed and I cranked the motor, the Pertronix dont like that, but the solution is simple, either disconnect the ignition wire at the coil or short one of the spark plug wires to ground, and that will protect it. learned that once and never again had a problem.

Make sure you order the correct pertronix kit for your style dizzie, not all kits fit all dizzies.

Highly recommend, but with anything new fangled, wiz bang electric, keep a back up, toss the old points in the tool kit in the car just in case N. Korea blasts an EMP nuke above you.

Keep Buggin, Keep your timing dead nuts perfect! Bug On Sparky!
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[edselflop]

Is there anything like this available for us who are still running 6volt systems???
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Edselflop

1964 VW Bug

[bluebus86]

[Dangermouse]

Just be aware that there are hard starting issues associated with 6V electronic ignition units as the system voltage drops below the 5V they require to trigger while the starter motor is spinning; no spark no start.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
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Do not follow me, for I may not lead. Do not lead me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either; actually just bugger off and stand over there will you.

[Cusser]

[Dangermouse]

Me too for now but starting to think about quality and availability of points sets longer term...
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Do not follow me, for I may not lead. Do not lead me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either; actually just bugger off and stand over there will you.

[cbeck]

Same o same o, 50% yay, 50% nay, 100% carry spare points amd condensor.
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My cut in half and rebuild thread
www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647779

[andk5591]

And then many of us have had new condensors fail and points don't last like they used to.....So, which is worse? Just sayin......
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D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[René R.]

The last set of points and condenser I had lasted about 700 miles before failing in the middle of traffic. I switched to Petronix and the improvement in performance was mind-blowing from day one. I've gone over 5,000 miles since without a hiccup. (Knock wood.)
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Gone but not forgotten: 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1966) - another 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1996)

[mukluk]

[herbie1200]

6V starting issue:

The main issue is not in the electronic spark production, it is very affordable.

Problem is in the Hall-effect based distributors. They do not have points, wich function is replaced with magnetic interation between distributor shaft and a fixed captator.

When starting voltage drops under 5V the shaft rotation is not detected and no spark (neither a weak spark) is triggered. It is a "triggering" issue.

Almost all IC Hall captator have a logic not working under certain voltages because they are MOS transisor based and MOS transistor do not work under 4-4.5volts.

My soultion: a distributor with traditional points, they always trigger, no matter the voltage.

Then to use points signal to drive an external electronic iginition unit; to have a well amplified current to coil and almost zero wearing of points (they have to interrupt only a few mA of a non-inductive load)

[Glenn]

OK, this has turned into a debate, so lets use the existing topic.: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=281144
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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