[tirwin]

Yes, for whatever reason this subject tends to draw out emotion. I'm going to let that sleeping dog lie but there is someone (who has yet to comment on this thread edit: never mind) that appears to have an ulterior (read: financial) motive. Let's just leave it at that.

Here's my view.

1) I would not replace with a PermaTune. There are too many other good options.

2) I don't think you could go wrong with a rebuild with Ingo or the CDI+ from Jonny. Both, I believe, are solid guys. There may be other solid people (and I'm sure there are), I'm just speaking from my interactions with them. Disclaimer: I have never done business with either.

3) I did the MSD StreetFire in my '83 when the replacement PermaTune of the original Bosch unit failed. Requires changing plug wires to braided (Clewett, Magnecor or similar), a little DIY know-how to make up a connector with the right pin outs (two are reverse of normal) and to add a dedicated line to the starter, installing resistor-less rotor and resistor-less plugs. It is an economical solution but doubtful it is the 'best'. I definitely feel it was an improvement over the PermaTune. If you care about originality 'look', this is not the path for you.

4) I like Jonny's CDI+ for the programmability and the ability to lock the dizzy and control the advance. Had this been available at the time my CDI failed I would have given this serious consideration. A buddy of mine just installed one in his rebuilt '76 and loves it.

5) There are other good options. There are a couple of people who have used other CDI units and seem to be having good experiences. The point is, I think there are a range of very good options other than PermaTune so I disagree with what your mechanic told you -- what you decide is going to depend on what is important to you and that's all that matters. If you just want plug and play and originality at the lowest cost, go with a rebuild. If you want to 'upgrade' or you like to DIY, there are very good alternatives.