Pertronix Flame Thrower Electronic Distributor & Coil

[jorgelu17]

Hi. I purchased the Pertronix Flame Thrower Electronic Distributor and Ignition Coil for my 71 VW convertible Super Beetle. My question is, is it worth to install and does it make a big difference in starting it up and performance. Is there any cons that may go with this? Also, do I need to purchase the pertronix spark plug wires to or will the stock ones work? Thank you Samba peeps!! I look forward and appreciate the feedback!

[VW_Jimbo]

The ignition module will die, unexpectedly and most likely when you are the furthest point away from help. I always carried a preset points distributor in my tool box, so it was no big deal. The coils are great, better than the new Bosch ones. Wires are good too.

My module lasted about 7 years. When it died, I had just filled up the tank coming back from a Bug show in Irwindale, 35 miles away. Had a hard time starting it back up. When it did start it was all over the place. No power with pedal push. So, I pushed it over to a parking spot across from the pump and swapped out the distributor. BAM! Car came back to life and I drove home! No more Pertronix for me!
_________________
Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[Glenn]

It will make the car faster than a Ferrari

Seriously, i'm not a fan. When they die, they just drop dead, unlike points that give you warning signs.
_________________
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

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

[bsairhead]

I have used the modules for years, never had an issue. Carry points a feeler gauge and the right size screwdriver. Or do what VW_Jimbo does. Timed with clamp installed. Don't forget the 13mm

[Glenn]

[bsairhead]

[Glenn]

[bsairhead]

Yes you need to do or have maintenance done. A couple years ago I went to a VW show about 120 miles from home in my Bay Window. Found a good deal on a vintage cast iron distributor and decided to run it home. A friend of mine watching asks what I was doing sitting on my camp stool with the deck lid open. My response, ''playing".

[jorgelu17]

From the sounds of it, it does not seem to be a good upgrade then! That's what I"m getting out of this. Thanks for the responses so far fellas!

[Zundfolge1432]

[jeffrey8164]

People keep saying these things are unreliable but I’ve been running them for 30 years and never a problem. Full disclosure, I’ve never used their distributor. I just installed the module in my stock distributor or a German 009.
Even if they’re not to be trusted, why wouldn’t one just have another module to carry around? Easy swap, even on the side of the road.
Pertronix I will use the stock coil and plug wires.
Pertronix II uses a different coil and different plug wires.
Never used a Pertronix III. I think those use a different coil and wires as well.

Recently, I installed a MagnsSpark II from CB Performance. Can’t say I noticed any perceivable difference in performance but I’m thinking about replacing the plug wires that came with the kit as they don’t have a very good click feel on the plug end.
_________________
Volkswagen!
Turning owners into mechanics since 1938.

“Let he that is without oil throw the first rod”
(Compression 8.7:1)

[Glenn]

[baldessariclan]

[wcfvw69]

I have had so many customers try the points replacement modules, install them per instructions and had them fail, leaving them on the side of the road. Like mentioned, lots of folks have luck with them too. But it's kind of worrisome to have to carry a set of points and condenser just in case too. What if the engine dies in rush hour traffic on the freeway?

I just haven't been left stranded by points or condensers in 40 plus years of VW ownership. I know several people who still daily drive their bus or bug. They've all tried the modules and went back to points and condensers.

The other issue is the Pertronix modules don't play well with some of the fuel injected buses either. Lots of threads about misses at different RPMS. Several folks have emailed me over the years with this issue and asking if the distributor was at fault or needed to be restored. I found they had the module installed. I told them to remove the module and install a set of points and condenser. They did and their issues resolved.

I don't mind taking 5 minutes adjusting the points (if needed) every three thousand miles and reapplying new points wear block grease. As mentioned it's just part of the maintenance of these old cars.
_________________
Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc

40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.

**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours**

[bsairhead]

Not all of us have gone back to points. Not saying I don't have a back up just saying I never needed it.

[Glenn]

[cjsuner]

Been on my Pertonix I dizzy for 15 years, and I've never had a problem with it, and no, I don't carry a spare point dizzy around either.

I recently upgraded to an MSD ignition system, so I swapped my Pertonix dizzy over to my wifes car, and haven't had any issues over there either.

YRMV (your results may very) but i've always enjoyed easy start-ups with my cars, single, or dual carbs.
_________________
71 Super Convertible (Orange)
74 Standard Beetle (Light Blue)

[bsairhead]

[Glenn]

[BenJAMin]

I've run a Pertronix Ignitor in my Bosch distributor since 2002. In more recent years I bought a chinese copy for $20 that I did try to keep just in case there was a problem. If/when I ever had a Pertronix problem I"ll either go 123 or Pat Downs Shockwave. I've had 2 123s in 2 different Citroens for over 20 years.

Fun Fact: I've never been stranded by Electronic Ignition, I have with Condensers.