Pertronix in a 69 911E

[domtoni]

Anyone have experience installing a Pertronix unit in an early 911E?

Directions seem to be inconclusive, and everything I have read indicates that the directions are not good.

Comments please?

Thanks
Dom

[jstobo]

The 69 has a different part# from 70 up so be sure to get the right one. If you have it already you will need to take the magnetic pickup off the plate, screw the plate in the distributor then reattache the magnetic pickup.(two very small screws so be careful not to lose them in your distributor.) The instuctions state that no modifications are necessary. I had the devil of a time trying to mount the pickup-it just wouldn't line up with the mounting screw holes. Turned the Pertronix pickup over and saw that the mounting hole was under the magnetic pickup(black plastic box on plate). Hence the above procedure which was not in the directions. The magnets slip onto the distributor shaft -no problem and I have been very happy with the installation. Be sure to reset your timing after installation as it will be off by quite a lot. Good Luck.

[Early_S_Man]

Whether points or Pertronix are being installed ... the distributor needs to be removed from the engine at TDC #1, partially disassembled, cleaned thoroughly with Brakleen or similar degreaser.

I recommend reading the following thread:

distributor lube...

1. The points plate should be removed and cleaned.

2. Remove rotor, then felt plug, and circlip.

3. The camshaft should be removed after taking the springs loose.

4. The weights should be removed and cleaned, including any rust present on weights or pivot pins.

5. The thin phenolic sheet the that the centrifugal weights slide on should be cleaned ... very, very carefully! If it isn't already cracked, be careful not to even breathe on it ...

[domtoni]

Originally posted by jstobo
The 69 has a different part# from 70 up so be sure to get the right one. If you have it already you will need to take the magnetic pickup off the plate, screw the plate in the distributor then reattache the magnetic pickup.(two very small screws so be careful not to lose them in your distributor.) The instuctions state that no modifications are necessary. I had the devil of a time trying to mount the pickup-it just wouldn't line up with the mounting screw holes. Turned the Pertronix pickup over and saw that the mounting hole was under the magnetic pickup(black plastic box on plate). Hence the above procedure which was not in the directions. The magnets slip onto the distributor shaft -no problem and I have been very happy with the installation. Be sure to reset your timing after installation as it will be off by quite a lot. Good Luck.

Thanks. Wanted to get a few miles under my belt before I made this post. This is the whole installation process:
- took the distributor cap off
- removed the points
- took the black pick up off the plate
- screwed the plate to the distributor base
- re-installed the black pick up onto the plate
- ran the wires out the side of the distributor
- attached the wires - red to the fuse block and black to the normal points connection
- replaced the cap - it took some time before we were able to get the mag pickup to slip down, and allow the rotor to sit where it should
- the timing was not, note not reset

Under cold conditions, the car was impressive. In a cold condition, it started in half the time as with the points.
During the initial drive, the car was fine, but the pump was on a cold condition.

Driving this evening about 25 miles, and got the oil up to 160 F, and on a hilly road, the car still stuttered, but not as bad with the points.

Next step will be to:
- reset the timing
- do another test

If the car still stutters, then it is down to the pump, and I best take it to a specialist here in the UK who has more experience than I or my local Porsche mechanic.

Thanks for all the kind comments

Dom

[domtoni]

Thanks Warren, I had the distributor out last year, and it appeared to be working fine. It is well lubricated, but noted your post into my book marked area.

Best
Dom