Pertronix Ignitor or Ignitor 2 with 6AL?
 

I am thinking about upgrading the ignition system on my engine. The engine is a 1977 Carrera 3.0 (930-02).

Most likely I will get either a MSD 6AL or a Mallory Hyfire 6AL. The Hyfire has lower current draw and a higher millijoule rating, so thus far it looks like the best buy. What do you guys think? Are there othere units that perform much better?

Furthermore, I want to upgrade from points to electronic ignition. I see that pelican sell both the Pertronix Ignitor and the Pertronix Ignitor II. The last one is supposedly better, but is there any point in spending that extra money when using a 6AL (or similar)? Or will the improvement that the Ignitor II offers over the Ignitor only be usefull for a non-CDI ignition system?

It's just my opinion, but in a stock 3.0 I'm all about switching to pertronix over points for several reasons, but feel the stock CDI is all you really need. Any more in ignition upgrades is a waste of money IMHO. Not sure you're going to notice any performance gain there except in your own mind. I'm sure others will disagree. I did however buy the flamethrower coil because my stock coil was damaged.

As the 6AL units (and the likes) fire multiple sparks for a duration of 20 degrees crank angle instead of just one single spark, this leads to a more complete combustion and thus better power and emissions. The multiple spark firing only occur up to 3000 rpm, above that it's just a single spark. From all I've read so far, power is increased noticeably in the lower rpm's, starting is made easier, the idle is better, and so on. But from 3000 rpm and onwards the improvement over the stock Bosch CDI-system is not very noticeable. It is also a good thing to be able to set the rev limiter to a chosen value, for example at 6000 rpm to be on the safe side.

Wayne Dempsey in his 101 projects book write that it is one of the best upgrades you can perform on your 911.

So I think I am going for an upgrade. The question is more which unit is the most bang for the buck. And, is there any point in going with the Ignitor II instead of the Ignitor I? I by the way have the Bosch 0-231-184-003 distributor, not the more common 0-231-184-007. Not sure whether has anything to say when it comes to compatibility. The pelican parts pages says that the Ignitor II is for the 0-231-184-001, 002, 003 and 004 Bosch distributors, while the Ignitor I "Works with all 911s from this era that used points (1974-77) and the standard Bosch coil.". With standard Bosch coil, do they mean only the 0-231-184-007? If so I will have to use the Ignitor II for it to work on my distributor. If anyone knows more specific about this, then please do tell. :)

My engine is not a completely stock 3.0, I have installed headers and a free flowing back box, and in the future I hope to raise the compression and install 964 cams. I also have a K&N airfilter and a customised airbox-lid. ;)

I'll add this...

I put the pertronix into my 77 last year. It was better than the worn out points.

I just have my 007 distributer modified to RS specs and the shop that set it up told me that the pertronix was out by ~ 15° all throughout the curve.

This explains why it was supposed to by timed at 15° ATDC originally.

The distributor is now completely mechanical. I will be running the MSD6-AL effective tomorrow.

Was this due to a faulty Pertronix Ignitor, or due to wrong installation?
By completely mechanical, do you mean you have converted back to points?

I have been wondering about the compu-tronix DIS6 system as well. This system is clearly better at high rpms, producing a strong spark all the way to redline, and without the problems associated with a normal distributor cap and rotor in conjunction with a very strong coil. But, is it as good as the 6AL units when it comes to ease of starting, idling and power in the lower rpms? As the 6AL units fire multiple sparks to ensure complete combustion, whereas I guess the DIS6 does not?

http://www.compu-tronix.com/DIS6911.htm

Use the Ignitor II as it won't burn up if the key is left for too long.

I've always been disappointed with Mallory products so I use the MSD's,... :)

by completey mechanical, I mean no vaccum advance