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

[r-mm]

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?

[James Brown]

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!!

[timmy2]

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:
6-pin SC/Turbo CDI unit repair documentation

[r-mm]

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?

[Flat6pac]

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