Permatune Questions.

[1yearonLy]

I just bought a 1968 911L and noticed it has a Permatune in the engine compartment. Was this standard equipment for my year?

If so, can someone provide a quick explantion of it's purpose and how it works? My car still has a coil and points...

Thanks. I know it's a rookie question...

[ruf-porsche]

Someone probably upgraded the ignition system to a capacitive discharge system. The point is only use for trigger the CD. The coil is to provide the high voltage needed for the spark plugs. Instead of the entire high voltage from the coil going thru the points, it now goes through the CD. You can upgrade the points to a pertronix, MSD or crane trigger.

[1yearonLy]

Do these units wear out or present any special concerns to watch for when tuning the car? Any required maintenance?

Thanks for the info.

[widebody911]

Permatunes suck. Wait, they don't suck - they'd have to improve to suck.

People seem to have had good luck with earlier versions, but the later ones seem to not survive the warranty period. Then you'll call Permatune and they'll tell you you're and idiot and there's nothing wrong with the unit. BTDT. Start looking for an original Bosch CDE unit for when your Permatune bites the dust.

[1yearonLy]

Would my '68 have had a Bosch CDE unit? I'm a rookie here. I'm used to coils, points, cap, rotor, wires. What's this CDE stuff?

[ruf-porsche]

Originally posted by 1yearonLy
Would my '68 have had a Bosch CDE unit? I'm a rookie here. I'm used to coils, points, cap, rotor, wires. What's this CDE stuff?

You should look at the point gap yearly and adjust as necessary to accommodate the wear.

I don't think the earlier Porsche had Capacitive Discharge (CD)system. They just had point, condenser, rotor, caps, wire and coil.

[chibone_914]

Permatune as of late has been pretty good so far. If there is a questionable unit out there, they will check the unit for free. You pay for shipping of course.

From dealing with them for the last couple of years, they have been very helpful, informative and back up what they manufacture.

[Superman]

I put a Permatune in my car, deliberately, after receiving input from many trusted people.

[Todd Simpson]

Your '68 came stock with a traditional points/coil system and someone updated it to the later CD style. It's a nice upgrade, the CD requires less frequent adjustment to the points and has a hotter spark.

I replaced two permatunes before going to a Crane HI6 CD ignition. I can't say much for Ptune tech assistance either.

[targa911S]

PERMAJUNK! Buyer beware! Find a used Bosch.

[69 Soft Targa]

If I recall correctly Bosch CDI on production models began with the '69S. Took care of the plug fouling problem.

Since this thread has become somewhat of a poll, I agree with Superman. Permatune works for me.

BA told me he heard reports of some folks switching to MSD after apparent problems with Permatune. He could not confirm this from his own experience.

Failure of a CDI may be due to problems other than the unit itself.

[1yearonLy]

I appreciate all the input. It's always good to know how what moves you. Or something like that.



The car runs great so I have to assume it's working fine. Can anyone tell if it's a current model or an ancient one by the pic?

I'm still figuring everything out back there.

Thanks.

[chibone_914]

MSD works well but you'll need to address a few things:

1. You have to use their Blaster 2 coil.

2. You'll need their tach adaptor, and according to MSD's tech line, there is no guarantee that will work.

3. You cannot use solid-core ignition wires, and MSD does not make a wire set for the 911. You'll need to use Magnecore wires.

4. You won't feel a difference in drivability MSD versus stock C/D box. Maybe on a dyno. Just make sure your wiring from the C/D unit and the coil (transformer) is in good shape and the C/D box is WELL grounded.

I know I'm going to catch flak for that comment, but it's based on just over 20 years of experience on working/installing/running all sorts of ignition systems, including these.

[targa911S]

i believe the older permafail units were the blue anodized version that you have and that they are not as prone to failure as the newer plain aluminum models. my .02

[widebody911]

Originally posted by targa911S
i believe the older permafail units were the blue anodized version that you have and that they are not as prone to failure as the newer plain aluminum models. my .02

Nope - mine was plain aluminum

[targa911S]

So was mine and the crazy thing used to just fail for no reason, then work the next day! It would even make my garage door opener work all by itself! They of course were NO help. They blamed everything but their part. I even sent it to them for "testing" and of course they said it was fine. I bought a used Bosch and no problem....Hmmmmm. I use the permatrash as a paper weight.

[350HP930]

I have seen a lot of people swear by them, but I also have a permatune box that makes a great wheel chuck in my sloped garage.

As the cheapest replacement solution and the hope that it was a fluke and the fact that the previous owner had used the permatune with the decaying factory coil, I replaced it with another permatune unit.

Now a year later its still working (the old permatune was probably 4-5 years old).

If this one goes I will assume they are not well made and splice a MSD onto the car instead.

To me the stock bosch unit is just too primative to justify paying that much for it.

[Randy Webb]

Well my MSD failed so I put an old P-tune unit on to fix the problem.

So I guess I'm a counter example.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Randy Webb

Well my MSD failed so I put an old P-tune unit on to fix the problem.

.

yeah.. I've read of that happening to new MSDs.. so I did the marine version MSD. I'm hopeing for as good a unit as the one I bought 20 years ago for a Camaro.. the old one is still working.

[Lorenfb]

Check out this web site, Systemsc.com. It may provide some helpful
info on CDIs and ignition systems in general.

Good luck
Loren
'88 3.2