Dumb question: what does the ignition module on an SC do?
 

I've been reading about ignition module failure on 911SCs and can't entirely understand what the module does.

On an older car, for instance my Alfa GTV, there is a distributor and coil.
On a newer car, for instance a 911 3.2 DME there is a distributor, coil and ECU.

What is the ignition module on the SC controlling and is the latest offering from Permatune considered to be a good replacement for a failed factory module? For a stock car what is the most reliable "get you home" setup considered to be?

also called a CDI, the bosch unit is very reliable, some don't like the permatune. A MSD AL6 unit is also a CDI type but much cheaper and is not plug and play. Look up CDI (capacitive discharge ignition) on wikipedia compared to standard ignition systems. a big difference is the CDI delivers around 300 ish volts to the coil, so don't lean on the coil wires!!

The SC's have a Bosch CDI=Capacitive Discharge Ignition. High energy spark controller.

MSD 6AL and Blaster II coil is supposed to be better than others as a replacement.

Here's more than you want to know:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/203100-6-pin-sc-turbo-cdi-unit-repair-documentation.html

Thanks I got it now.
The car I'm looking at has received a permatune to replace a stock module. I gather the opinion on this board is that MSD would have been a safer replacement.

Does the 82 SC have points in the dizzy?

There is guys on here that will rebuild the Bosch units for reasonable money and give excellent warranty. SC do not have points and uses a 6 prong CD.
Bruce