pertronix

jurhip · 07-12-2002, 10:46 AM

Has anybody replaced their distributor points and insides with a pertronix unit. If so how good is it.

Rouser · Rouser's Garage

I've had an Ignitor for going on 3 years and nary a hiccup. Also went with their plug wires and Flame-Thrower coil.

There has been discussion on this forum about earlier quality-control issues, but I haven't experienced any problems, nor has anyone I've recommended the unit to.

If installed properly (correct air gap and plate freedom of movement), you should experience many point-less miles (pun intended).

maf 914 · 07-12-2002, 11:28 AM

I use an Allison/Crane X-700 system. It has worked fine since installed which was at least six years ago.

Mike

Kenny Powell · 07-12-2002, 12:08 PM

I've use a Pertronix Ignitor for 7 years, I'm very happy with it!

Brad Roberts · 07-12-2002, 12:49 PM

I highly recommend the Pertronix.

The install is very straight forward and will reward you with many many good miles of fun.

I install at least one a week in customer cars.

(Oh BTW, dont over tighten the two little nuts that hold down the sensor plate) If you break them.. you are SOL.

B

sammyg2 · 07-12-2002, 01:13 PM

I used the pertronix system with s bosch blue coil on the turbo and it worked great.
I do have one word of caution:
The wires go through a rubber grommet where they enter the distributor. The wires are not very tight in the grommet, so they will pull out a little if accidentally yanked on. That could cause them to rub on the rotating parts in the dizzy and damage te wires.
I put a littel dab of black RTV on the wires where they go through the grommet. That will keep them from moving later on and causing problems.

anthony · 07-12-2002, 01:15 PM

I struggled with the Pertronix install. I thought it would take 15 minutes but it took a couple hours. I didn't think the fit and finish in my stock distributor was very good. It was hard to get the magnetic ring all the way down seated in to place. I also had to carve the rubber gromit that fits in the dizzy body because it was too big. I've read lots of "I've been using it for years with no problem" comments and lots of "it failed on my after a few years" comments. Really, I thought I heard too many of the later comments. Lots of people say to carry a spare set of points and condenser. The 30 month warranty is also not very encouraging. A solid state device should have a much better warranty and track record.

People on the rennlist email list liked the Compu Fire unit. They though it was more reliable. It seems be available at places that specialize in aircooled VW stuff.

flynlow · 07-13-2002, 06:48 PM

Skip the Petronix, spend a little more and get the Crane ignition and coil. I had the Petronix installed, it does elimate adjusting the point, but that is about it. It does NOTHING more to enhance the poor factory ignition system on the 914. By installing the Crane (in this case, the XR3000 and PS91 coil), with a set of Magnecor 8.5mm wires, I not only eliminated the point, the idle is consistenly at 900 rpm after warm up, the air/fuel ratio reading is also more consistent, and the smell of unburned fuel is gone. Not only that, you will feel better throttle reponse and maybe even better gas mileage.

Best overall performance improvement for the buck.

Kenny Powell · 07-13-2002, 08:05 PM

If you really want to get technical, Allison/Crane is the way to go
expensive/semi permanant

75' 914 2.0 w L Jet