I run the Pertronix distributer, coil and wires. Best system I have used so far. I run it on both 1979 VW bus and 1975 Porsch 914. I have tried other systems but this combination works best for me. The coil has to be matched to the distributer igniter to work right. The ohms have to be compatible. The plug wires have to be compatible also. Good video .
Thanks. It has been great since I got it ironed out. It’s in the Bus now, but I’d like to get the same set up for the Bug soon. I bet your 914 is fun to drive!
I owned a 79 MG-B for 21 years. I kept living with points which collaped on a regular basis. I had someone install an electronic unit called Luminition . The car always started up immediately and never failed in over 34k miles over 32+ years. I sold the car a year ago and as far as I know, it is still running well. I heard many negative comments about Pertonix failures. Cheers
That’s awesome. It seems true that when you find a good one it can go forever. My brothers is still trouble free too. The Pertronix is working good in my Bus, but the Bug never liked it. It’s gotta be something in the Bug I just haven’t found yet.
Hey Mike B., appreciate all your videos. I always learn something new. This one was particularly helpful. I’ve had a pertronix flame thrower 1 on my’65 1776 but was never that happy with how it ran. I was running Bosch blue coil and Bosch plug wires. After watching your video, I switched over to pertronix coil and plug wires. The difference is night and day and am loving my ride once again.
Wow man that means a lot! That pertronix was an Achilles heel for me LOL, but when you get one going right it’s a world of difference. Glad you got squared away on yours! Dub daily my friend.
That’s a mystery to me, how the clamp could cause a problem, but sure enough. Good on you, for sticking with it to get it figured out! Yes, it’s always a concern having high-tech parts and becoming stranded far from home. Good video, my friend! 👍Tony B
Tis a mystery for sure! Maybe the shaft has a slight wobble/bend that can’t be seen with the naked eye, but demands a stronger than average hold by the clamp? I really don’t know.
I have pointless ignition in 009 distributor. I have never had any problems. I think make things out bigger then they are because they are against changing anything that is stock and they just wanna hate on others. Mostly just rumors and hearsay. VW even used pointless ignitions in their later model Vdubs. As soon as I have the money I’m going to more advanced technology and getting rid of my points. But keeping the 009 distributor and Bosch blue coil. 😁 thanks for sharing. Love the videos as always.🙏🏾
Yeah man I think the opinions on these are gonna vary by experience. I do know that the purists can be rough on change though😂 I love them all and each person seems to have their own Aircooled journey that depends on so many variables. To each his own. Thanks for the props friend!
Hey Mike ! My friend Matt here in Corpus took his Truck to a car show at the A.B.C. and when it was time to go - it wouldn't !!! He has the same dist. and the pick up box went out . He had a hard time finding the problem because the dist was only 3 months old and a guy would think " it can't be that " so what I am getting at is put the old one in a zip-lock bag and keep it with you ! But I got to admit your motor is running sweet .
Hey Jimmy I hate to hear that about your buddy’s run…3 months is NOT a fair shake. I’ve got ol’ reliable dizzy tucked away on the Bug for just that reason. I definitely do not trust this thing yet. I was very precise with all other installation instructions and requirements, so if it fails me too soon, I’m letting EVERYONE know😂
I run compu-fire from back in the day. Installed 2005, still running. Only thing I replaced was the plug wires 5 years ago. I got a magnaspark on deck just in case compu fails. So I agree on the "con", I pray he keeps on keeping on lol
Thanks Jay, time will tell. It’d be hard to go back to points after feeling the effects of this. I went out on a limb and gave pertronix a try, but I’ll look elsewhere if it craps out for sure. Thanks for the info on the long-lasting compu-fire.
@@bomberobus now I heard that the newer model of the compu isn't worth getting, meaning it's a gamble. If I were you, go magnaspark if you buy another. Too many good things I've heard from people, plus CB is a great company with quality parts
@@Jayvans_Super ohhhhh I got ya, compu-fire from “back in the day” vs the new ones. Now that makes sense because I haven’t heard good things about the new ones. I’ve seen a couple of fail vids on even the magna spark too, but you’re right about At least it’s from CB….who I love so far. Plus the magna sparks around here (on friends dubs) are running great. So yeah, hope I don’t have to but prob lean toward them
Hey Mike, thanks for taking the time to test things that your community isnt using. It gives the rest of us a good reference point on decision making. Always look forward to your videos.
Rest your Case LOL all good Bro Glad shes Going good ,The Motor looks Great No weaping or leaking there ,Thanks for your Insights , Im still running Points Tossing up weather too go Electronic
Thanks Brian. You know how it is, nothing wrong with running ol’ reliable well kept points. I will say that my brother has been spoiled with his Ignitor II set up though.
Can't believe a distributor clamp made a difference. Must be a empi clamp issue. I think EZGZ has the same setup or something close to what you have. Good to know about the clamp. 👍
Vipergreen what’s up! I was shocked to see what a difference that clamp made. I think you’re right and it’s not a problem with ALL the old school clamps, just maybe a select few of Empi ones. I found deep in the Samba pages of another guy who had same prob as me with same fix. I also watched the EZGZ vid and if I recall he had a billet clamp. Take care man🤙🏼
@@bomberobus You did your homework. The new distributor should give you better fuel economy and power. Let us know, how it works out for you in the long run.
@@bomberobus lol yeah they probably thought you were serious. Driving someone's dub is like flirting with their girl 😂. Of course I don't mind if you drive her every now and then.
Can you explain how you wired your tachometer with the Pertronix? I'm using their flamethrower 3 SVDA and I heard (or misheard) that it won't work. I don't currently have a tachometer to try but I'm wanting to install one. Obviously yours works so I'm hoping I just heard wrong or didn't understand at the time. Thanks I wanted to mention I've been running this distributor for about 3 years with zero issues. I drive it daily but only a couple of longer trips.
Yea sir on mine it does work. The instructions even say it will….”tach wire will hook to the same location as stock.” That’s is on the coil. Congrats on three years trouble free. It seems on rare occasions there are duds, but for the most part, when installed correctly these things run great.
Cool, maybe let me know how it goes because I had heard similar things as you did on how it wouldn’t work. Something about the variable spark, but I don’t know🤷🏻♂️
@bomberobus I'm thinking the reason I thought it wouldn't work was due to not being able to static time the Pertronix ignition. The negative terminal on the coil shows constant voltage, I'm guessing it pulses once the engine is running? I'll post the results once I install the tach. I have a 2110cc in my bug and the gears are definitely lower than stock, especially 3rd and 4th. The previous owner put the transaxle in but I don't know any details. It revs pretty high on the highway so I've wanted the tachometer to actually know.
Looking forward to the outcome. Sounds like that Bug can scoot. I firmly believe that the extra power is needed when trying to drive amongst modern traffic!
Was thinking of maybe going over to this system. I am a caveman so will prob not now. Distributor to carb is a critical combination I am just now learning about. Had a leaky 30 pict 1 solex, and allowed myself to get talked into an empi 38 progressive with new and improved manifold bla bla bla. I hated it the second I saw it. Apparently it needs a vacuum advance distributor and jetting to work in my bug. Guy never told me that shit. Car has been parked for too long as Money is tight and Im pretty pissed over it. Going with my gut and going back to a solex & 009 pointless system and hope for the best. I like your channel for its honest no bull content keep it coming!!
Don’t feel too bad. Can’t blame yourself for trying something new every now and then. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes we learn a lesson 🤷🏻♂️. I don’t know what size your engine is, but you’re right about the carb combination. I mean technically I could get dual 44’s to work on my own engine but if I have to jet them way down and make a bunch of other compensatory changes then just isn’t worth it. I live a good ol 009 so good luck with that and I appreciate the kind words 🤙🏼
@Bombero Bus VW appreciate you and your channel. My engine was basic 1600dp that got some 85 AA pistons and little machine work prob 1700 cc now. First lowered bug ever owned still getting used to it.
Hey Randall that’s good to hear. Only problem he had was with his oil filled coil that burned up, because it was mounted in a VERY bumpy spot at the time. He replaced with the “off-road” epoxy coil and relocated it with no problem since. The dizzy itself has been a dream since install. The one I installed is overkill for my 1800 but I’m in love with fine tuning my power curve now.
@@randall1959 very interesting. I heard the oil cooled run a little cooler but the epoxy handles the rougher vibes for off-road. Maybe my next one I’ll get epoxy and compare temps….heck where I live I have to Baja just to get from my house to the paved street😂
@@bomberobus I've run them in 100 degree weather but of course all my stuff hangs out in the breeze. You can get finned aluminum covers for them if heat is a concern.
Hey Mike thats a good question. Answer is…to experiment. Both MSD and Magna have decent reputations in my community. However, the BILLET pertronix is an unknown. Hopefully in time this can provide us better info about the Pertronix BILLET dizzy.
The advanced isn’t locked on mine, but it is an option. It also comes with advance “limiters” so you can hop up the initial timing, but still control the total timing….good for launching. It’s fun to play with, but I’d ALWAYS keep the ol reliable 009 in the bug for a backup to get home when the electronic one goes kaput.
I own a 1985 VW Vanagon, water cooled, for 13 years. Was constantly setting the points. Decided to go with the Pertronix, wasn't aware I needed the coil also. As soon as I turned the key on the odometer pegged. Turned the key off and the coil was hot...replaced the coil and now I cannot get any voltage to the coil. It's wired correctly...need help please.
Is that electronic fuel injection? I’ve heard that Pertronix does not work right with the “computer” but don’t have any experience with that. It sounds like you’re aware of the ohm specific coils for each distributor version. If it was me then I’d put a voltmeter on the wire that feeds the coil. If it’s getting proper voltage then you have downstream problems. If it’s not getting voltage then I’d use a diagram and trace that wire upstream with the voltmeter until if found voltage. Hopefully your incident didn’t fry anything. I’d also get a completely separate wire and then jump it from the ignition to the coil. If that works then the wire currently in use is bad. An ohm meter can theoretically tell you if that wire is bad, but I’ve always used jump wires on these old VW’s. You may know all of this basic stuff already but that’s where I’d start…basic. Also, Pertronix is SUPER hit and miss. One unit might run fine for years, or you might get to bogus units in a row. It’s really that bad, but if and when you get the right one working, is awesome. Good luck and I’d be interested to hear how things go. Pertronix has been my nemesis on VW’s
@bomberobus thank you for your input, I will be checking to see if I am getting power to the coil as you stated. Will keep you updated on the progress...thanks again
Just curious if aluminum can act as a ground because that new clamp is aluminum isn’t it? Maybe it wasn’t the chrome but the thin clamp that couldn’t clamp that beefy dist.
For sure the problem was the inability of the cheap clamp to hold the dizzy secure enough. I could actually see a small wobble as the dizzy turned, no matter how tight I got it. Aluminum is a ok ground, but I don’t think was the bigger issue for me.
I run the Pertronix distributer, coil and wires. Best system I have used so far. I run it on both 1979 VW bus and 1975 Porsch 914. I have tried other systems but this combination works best for me. The coil has to be matched to the distributer igniter to work right. The ohms have to be compatible. The plug wires have to be compatible also. Good video .
Thanks. It has been great since I got it ironed out. It’s in the Bus now, but I’d like to get the same set up for the Bug soon. I bet your 914 is fun to drive!
I owned a 79 MG-B for 21 years. I kept living with points which collaped on a regular basis. I had someone install an electronic unit called Luminition . The car always started up immediately and never failed in over 34k miles over 32+ years. I sold the car a year ago and as far as I know, it is still running well. I heard many negative comments about Pertonix failures.
Cheers
That’s awesome. It seems true that when you find a good one it can go forever. My brothers is still trouble free too. The Pertronix is working good in my Bus, but the Bug never liked it. It’s gotta be something in the Bug I just haven’t found yet.
Hey Mike B., appreciate all your videos. I always learn something new. This one was particularly helpful. I’ve had a pertronix flame thrower 1 on my’65 1776 but was never that happy with how it ran. I was running Bosch blue coil and Bosch plug wires. After watching your video, I switched over to pertronix coil and plug wires. The difference is night and day and am loving my ride once again.
Wow man that means a lot! That pertronix was an Achilles heel for me LOL, but when you get one going right it’s a world of difference. Glad you got squared away on yours! Dub daily my friend.
Thanks for sharing. I run the FT1 SVDA with regular wires/blue coil. So far it's been reliable.
Thanks for the info. It’s nice to hear what’s working out there!
That’s a mystery to me, how the clamp could cause a problem, but sure enough. Good on you, for sticking with it to get it figured out! Yes, it’s always a concern having high-tech parts and becoming stranded far from home. Good video, my friend! 👍Tony B
Tis a mystery for sure! Maybe the shaft has a slight wobble/bend that can’t be seen with the naked eye, but demands a stronger than average hold by the clamp? I really don’t know.
I have pointless ignition in 009 distributor. I have never had any problems. I think make things out bigger then they are because they are against changing anything that is stock and they just wanna hate on others. Mostly just rumors and hearsay. VW even used pointless ignitions in their later model Vdubs. As soon as I have the money I’m going to more advanced technology and getting rid of my points. But keeping the 009 distributor and Bosch blue coil. 😁 thanks for sharing. Love the videos as always.🙏🏾
Yeah man I think the opinions on these are gonna vary by experience. I do know that the purists can be rough on change though😂
I love them all and each person seems to have their own Aircooled journey that depends on so many variables. To each his own. Thanks for the props friend!
Hey Mike ! My friend Matt here in Corpus took his Truck to a car show at the A.B.C. and when it was time to go - it wouldn't !!! He has the same dist. and the pick up box went out . He had a hard time finding the problem because the dist was only 3 months old and a guy would think " it can't be that " so what I am getting at is put the old one in a zip-lock bag and keep it with you ! But I got to admit your motor is running sweet .
Hey Jimmy I hate to hear that about your buddy’s run…3 months is NOT a fair shake. I’ve got ol’ reliable dizzy tucked away on the Bug for just that reason. I definitely do not trust this thing yet. I was very precise with all other installation instructions and requirements, so if it fails me too soon, I’m letting EVERYONE know😂
I run compu-fire from back in the day. Installed 2005, still running. Only thing I replaced was the plug wires 5 years ago. I got a magnaspark on deck just in case compu fails. So I agree on the "con", I pray he keeps on keeping on lol
Thanks Jay, time will tell. It’d be hard to go back to points after feeling the effects of this. I went out on a limb and gave pertronix a try, but I’ll look elsewhere if it craps out for sure. Thanks for the info on the long-lasting compu-fire.
@@bomberobus now I heard that the newer model of the compu isn't worth getting, meaning it's a gamble. If I were you, go magnaspark if you buy another. Too many good things I've heard from people, plus CB is a great company with quality parts
@@Jayvans_Super ohhhhh I got ya, compu-fire from “back in the day” vs the new ones. Now that makes sense because I haven’t heard good things about the new ones. I’ve seen a couple of fail vids on even the magna spark too, but you’re right about At least it’s from CB….who I love so far. Plus the magna sparks around here (on friends dubs) are running great. So yeah, hope I don’t have to but prob lean toward them
Hey Mike, thanks for taking the time to test things that your community isnt using. It gives the rest of us a good reference point on decision making. Always look forward to your videos.
My pleasure and thanks for checkin ‘em out.
Rest your Case LOL all good Bro Glad shes Going good ,The Motor looks Great No weaping or leaking there ,Thanks for your Insights , Im still running Points Tossing up weather too go Electronic
Thanks Brian. You know how it is, nothing wrong with running ol’ reliable well kept points. I will say that my brother has been spoiled with his Ignitor II set up though.
Always look forward to your videos!
Thanks for sharing what you experienced.
Thanks John. I hope that dizzy can stand the test of time. Either way I’ll let it be known 😎
Miss watching your videos. So I'm going back and watch your older videos.
Thanks for the props. I’ve always appreciated your insight! Glad you’ve been sharing knowledge on your channel too….good stuff!
@@bomberobus 👍Thanks
Can't believe a distributor clamp made a difference. Must be a empi clamp issue. I think EZGZ has the same setup or something close to what you have. Good to know about the clamp. 👍
Vipergreen what’s up! I was shocked to see what a difference that clamp made. I think you’re right and it’s not a problem with ALL the old school clamps, just maybe a select few of Empi ones. I found deep in the Samba pages of another guy who had same prob as me with same fix. I also watched the EZGZ vid and if I recall he had a billet clamp. Take care man🤙🏼
@@bomberobus
You did your homework. The new distributor should give you better fuel economy and power. Let us know, how it works out for you in the long run.
Nice video on the pertronics. It's dialed in pretty good now. 😂 driving my bug everyday.
No one noticed that and probably though i was serious😂
@@bomberobus lol yeah they probably thought you were serious. Driving someone's dub is like flirting with their girl 😂. Of course I don't mind if you drive her every now and then.
@@ratsrevengevdubs1606 yeah some people probably thought “man what a jerk he is.” Guess that’s the risk I take with a sick sense of humor😂
@@bomberobus 😂
Can you explain how you wired your tachometer with the Pertronix?
I'm using their flamethrower 3 SVDA and I heard (or misheard) that it won't work.
I don't currently have a tachometer to try but I'm wanting to install one.
Obviously yours works so I'm hoping I just heard wrong or didn't understand at the time.
Thanks
I wanted to mention I've been running this distributor for about 3 years with zero issues. I drive it daily but only a couple of longer trips.
Yea sir on mine it does work. The instructions even say it will….”tach wire will hook to the same location as stock.” That’s is on the coil. Congrats on three years trouble free. It seems on rare occasions there are duds, but for the most part, when installed correctly these things run great.
@@bomberobus thanks, I'll be looking for a tachometer now.
Cool, maybe let me know how it goes because I had heard similar things as you did on how it wouldn’t work. Something about the variable spark, but I don’t know🤷🏻♂️
@bomberobus I'm thinking the reason I thought it wouldn't work was due to not being able to static time the Pertronix ignition.
The negative terminal on the coil shows constant voltage, I'm guessing it pulses once the engine is running?
I'll post the results once I install the tach.
I have a 2110cc in my bug and the gears are definitely lower than stock, especially 3rd and 4th.
The previous owner put the transaxle in but I don't know any details.
It revs pretty high on the highway so I've wanted the tachometer to actually know.
Looking forward to the outcome. Sounds like that Bug can scoot. I firmly believe that the extra power is needed when trying to drive amongst modern traffic!
Did I tell you or did I tell you👍😁
Thanks for the mention
You told me…and were spot on🤙🏼
Was thinking of maybe going over to this system. I am a caveman so will prob not now. Distributor to carb is a critical combination I am just now learning about. Had a leaky 30 pict 1 solex, and allowed myself to get talked into an empi 38 progressive with new and improved manifold bla bla bla. I hated it the second I saw it. Apparently it needs a vacuum advance distributor and jetting to work in my bug. Guy never told me that shit. Car has been parked for too long as Money is tight and Im pretty pissed over it. Going with my gut and going back to a solex & 009 pointless system and hope for the best. I like your channel for its honest no bull content keep it coming!!
Don’t feel too bad. Can’t blame yourself for trying something new every now and then. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes we learn a lesson 🤷🏻♂️. I don’t know what size your engine is, but you’re right about the carb combination. I mean technically I could get dual 44’s to work on my own engine but if I have to jet them way down and make a bunch of other compensatory changes then just isn’t worth it. I live a good ol 009 so good luck with that and I appreciate the kind words 🤙🏼
@Bombero Bus VW appreciate you and your channel. My engine was basic 1600dp that got some 85 AA pistons and little machine work prob 1700 cc now. First lowered bug ever owned still getting used to it.
I have what your brother does and mine works great. It has since it was installed.
Hey Randall that’s good to hear. Only problem he had was with his oil filled coil that burned up, because it was mounted in a VERY bumpy spot at the time. He replaced with the “off-road” epoxy coil and relocated it with no problem since. The dizzy itself has been a dream since install. The one I installed is overkill for my 1800 but I’m in love with fine tuning my power curve now.
@@bomberobus I don't use oil filled coils. All mine are epoxy
@@randall1959 very interesting. I heard the oil cooled run a little cooler but the epoxy handles the rougher vibes for off-road. Maybe my next one I’ll get epoxy and compare temps….heck where I live I have to Baja just to get from my house to the paved street😂
@@bomberobus I've run them in 100 degree weather but of course all my stuff hangs out in the breeze. You can get finned aluminum covers for them if heat is a concern.
Is the billet clamp ok to use on a stock distributor?
It’s not something you see a lot, but there was a short period that I used it on a stock distributor with no problem.
Hey Mikey, nice pvc breather set up. What size are u runnin in the bug? Cheers from B.C. Canada.
Engine? It’s 1800 88x74. Thanks, the breather set up works great. No main seal leaks or messiness around the crank pulley! Cheers back to ya Canada!
Mike, ?, just wondering why did you go with the Protronix distributor as appose to the CB Performance Magna Spark 11 ?
Hey Mike thats a good question. Answer is…to experiment. Both MSD and Magna have decent reputations in my community. However, the BILLET pertronix is an unknown. Hopefully in time this can provide us better info about the Pertronix BILLET dizzy.
I have a empi distributor,points style without a vacuumed advance, never seen a distributor like this before, is the advance locked on this style?
The advanced isn’t locked on mine, but it is an option. It also comes with advance “limiters” so you can hop up the initial timing, but still control the total timing….good for launching. It’s fun to play with, but I’d ALWAYS keep the ol reliable 009 in the bug for a backup to get home when the electronic one goes kaput.
I own a 1985 VW Vanagon, water cooled, for 13 years. Was constantly setting the points. Decided to go with the Pertronix, wasn't aware I needed the coil also. As soon as I turned the key on the odometer pegged. Turned the key off and the coil was hot...replaced the coil and now I cannot get any voltage to the coil. It's wired correctly...need help please.
Is that electronic fuel injection? I’ve heard that Pertronix does not work right with the “computer” but don’t have any experience with that. It sounds like you’re aware of the ohm specific coils for each distributor version. If it was me then I’d put a voltmeter on the wire that feeds the coil. If it’s getting proper voltage then you have downstream problems. If it’s not getting voltage then I’d use a diagram and trace that wire upstream with the voltmeter until if found voltage. Hopefully your incident didn’t fry anything. I’d also get a completely separate wire and then jump it from the ignition to the coil. If that works then the wire currently in use is bad. An ohm meter can theoretically tell you if that wire is bad, but I’ve always used jump wires on these old VW’s. You may know all of this basic stuff already but that’s where I’d start…basic. Also, Pertronix is SUPER hit and miss. One unit might run fine for years, or you might get to bogus units in a row. It’s really that bad, but if and when you get the right one working, is awesome. Good luck and I’d be interested to hear how things go. Pertronix has been my nemesis on VW’s
@bomberobus thank you for your input, I will be checking to see if I am getting power to the coil as you stated. Will keep you updated on the progress...thanks again
Just curious if aluminum can act as a ground because that new clamp is aluminum isn’t it? Maybe it wasn’t the chrome but the thin clamp that couldn’t clamp that beefy dist.
For sure the problem was the inability of the cheap clamp to hold the dizzy secure enough. I could actually see a small wobble as the dizzy turned, no matter how tight I got it. Aluminum is a ok ground, but I don’t think was the bigger issue for me.
@@bomberobus makes total sense.