Pertronix advice-experiences

[Bulldog9]

I'm at the point of my build where I need to decide on my ignition system. Have narrowed things down to 3 choices.

1. Stock distributor with Ignitor 1 or 2 module and Flamethrower coil
2. Pertronix D186810 Mechanical Distributor with Ignitor 1 or 2 and Flamethrower coil
3. Stock Dist with points & upgraded Coil

I am 99% going with #2, but dont have a personal reference point or experience to base this on.

- What is the difference between the Billet and Cast distributor other than look?
- Ignitor 1 or 2? I know 2 has the autoshutoff and better dwell, but which is more reliable/proven?
- Any benifits of mechanical VS vaccum advance?

* EDIT: Engine Build is Weber 40's, 96MM pistons, solid lifter cam with .423 lift, 270 duration & 911 swivel adjusters, stock crank & connecting rods, bursche thermoreactor replacement tubes.

Appreciate the sage advice & experience.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I assume the use is for the 912E is your sig. If it isn't, and you are going to run D-jetronic FI, the aftermarket distributors will not work. They do not have provisions for the trigger points that the D-jet uses.

I don't know what the difference is between the two construction methods. You might ask the people who make it.

I would pick Ignitor 2 just for the auto-shutoff.

Mechanical advance allows the ignition timing to react to RPM. Vacuum advance allows the timing to react to engine load. I think having both is better than having just one.

Vacuum + mechanical is more complex to set up, and you have to find good vacuum sources, but the results are potentially better. The complexity also means there is more stuff to go wrong, as well as more stuff to change and fiddle with, and simplicity is also a good thing.

--DD

[blowsupgoats]

I ran a stock dist with Pertronix and Bosch Blue on my hotrod tIV, IDF 40s and it worked great.

[Rods914]

Steve,
I replaced the points in my stock 1974 914 1.8 12 years ago. I drive about 2000 miles per year and it has never given me any problems. Thanks Rods914