75 911S Conversion to Electronic Ignition...What all is involved?

randytrish · 10-15-2006, 01:27 PM

Hello All,
I have recently purchased a '75 911S. I am new to Porsche ownership and learning, so bear with me. I have did numerous searches on electronic ignition systems with still no clear understanding of exactly what I need and options I may want to consider. I do not plan on racing my car. My car still has points and the factory style coil.
I guess I'm like everyone else, I want better performance along with reliability at a good price.
Thanks in advance,
Randy

2.7RACER · 10-15-2006, 01:56 PM

Randy,
I recently changed out the points in my '76 in favor of a Pertronix unit.
The points in your car can be reliable and they are simple.
Unlike older cars pre-CDI, the points don't get the big electrical arc, so they don't wear out like the old systems.
They are mechanical and need to be adjusted from time to time.
The pertronix is a simple electronic system that needs no further maintenance once it's installed.
It, by itself, will not improve the performance of your car.
Things like a more open exhaust, cams and pistons, even carbs or the after market fuel injection can bring your 2.7 alive.
Might not pass smog.
Ultimately, enjoy the car, keep it maintained and original, then trade for more power when the time comes.

ael911 · 10-15-2006, 01:59 PM

Pertronix Ignitor is the way to go. No more points and it fits right inside the distributor to retain the stock look. I believe our host sells them.

randytrish · 10-15-2006, 02:34 PM

So you can go with the ignitor upgrade and not have to also change the ignition unit? In the 101 projects book they recommend the upgrade to the MSD ignition unit to replace the CD box. I guess i want to make sure and understand that these upgrades can be done separately.
Randy

47silver · 47silver's Garage

I installed the pertronix a couple years ago. You can use it with the porsche cdi box or the msd. I did not have any problems with my tach or any issues.

randytrish · 10-15-2006, 02:55 PM

I believe that through my searches that it was the perma-tune unit that was so controversial. Does the perma-tune provide the same function as the MSD ignition unit that I mentioned above?
Oh by the way, I also have a Silver Anniversary Targa # 67

jhladousa · 10-15-2006, 03:28 PM

From what I have read, orignal perma-tune units were ok, then they got bought out and produced a whole lot of bad units. I read they have once again been bought out by the original owners are are now producing good boxes again......no conclusive evidence of that on my part, just what I have heard.

If you still have the original bosch CD box and it's still functioning well, I don't see any need to replace it.

I swapped my points for the pertronix unit this past summer. No problems what so ever.

Good to see some other Silver Anniversary cars!

ael911 · 10-15-2006, 04:26 PM

I use the oem cd box with pertronix and it works great. I have read lots of negatives on Permatune boxes on this fourm.

ael911 · 10-15-2006, 04:28 PM

I would go with MSD if my 3 pin box died. Replacement CD boxes are seriously expensive unless you find a deal on a used one. It would be cheaper to with MSD than to replace a NOS 3 pin box.