914/6 points replacement...

[porschesix]

I purchased a set of Marelli points today for the '6' hoping it is the cause of my lost idle (tach was wandering too which I understand may be an indication of bad points). Anyway, I assume from the 'backward' position of the engine from the 911 setup, it is difficult - if not impossible - to install and adjust them without pulling the distributor. I'd appreciate some advise from someone who has done this. Thanks! Stephen

[mskala]

On the 914-6 what you do is unhitch the cap, turn engine so
rotor is pointing at number 1. Find the 13mm nut in the case
that holds the dist clamp down (not the 10mm long thing that
adjusts the position), disconnect the one wire to the dist, and
pull it out.

Do the points install on the bench. Set the gap. Put it back in
so that the rotor is pointing the same way. There are very
few teeth on the gear so it will be somewhat noticeable if you
got it off by one. Dwell is not an issue since the ignition is a
CD box, so check static timing of near 0 degrees with engine
not running, then do the 6000RPM 35degree check/adjust.

Oh yeah, while it's out, check that the rotor and weights move
freely, because if not you will be wanting some Bosch dist
grease in there. I've heard from the 911 board that it is
important for the shaft vertical play to be small, like a few
thousandths, so if you have more, buy some more fiber
washers to install.

Mark S.
'70 914-6

[porschesix]

Mark - thanks for the tips and everything worked perfectly. Mostl importantly, my miserable running '6' is now fuel injection smooth. I thought it was running well before this problem set in last week on the way to work, but with the new points, it is simply unbelievable. The contacts on the old set - particularly the contact opposite the arm contact - were pretty much non-existent! Thanks to all who responded!

[jjemg]

Mark S
I am preparing all the imformation I need to put a 2.2 S engine in my 6
Going to go with a msd set up, do you know which Ignition is best for this set up also is there a pointless dist set up with the msd s?

Jimmy

[John Rogers]

I use the following in my 914-6 race car which is based on an "S" engine. MSD box, Bosch distributor (slightly recurved) with Pertronix points eliminator, MSD Blaster Hi-Vibration coil and 8.5mm wires with custom made boots and seals so the fit on the Porsche engine well. Good luck.

[jjemg]

Thanks John,sounds great. I will get with MSD real soon.
Jimmy

[red-beard]

You can buy the S distributor from some parts warehouses (I found a rebuilt one from a regular import parrts place for around $400 in San Diego). The only difference on the early distributors was the rotor.