In Search of an Electronic Ignition

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  • January 6, 2013 at 4:35 pm #234461
    MGLondonRoadste
    Participant

    @mglondonroadste

    As my newly rebuilt motor is installed and just waiting on a new carburetor, we think we’d like to upgrade to an electronic ignition. At first glace, the mechanic thinks he can get one in the $30-$40 price range.  I called our local BAP store and was quoted $93 plus tax (about $10) for a Pertonix Ignitor.

    I’ve seen the Pertonix name in other postings, but it that the only or best brand for our VW engines?  I’m now running with a 1970 vintage engine that has been rebuild and bored out.

    January 6, 2013 at 5:54 pm #253765
    edward ericson
    Participant

    @edsnova

    $80 to like $110 for the Pertronix kit is right. Or you can go another $75-100 for a complete electronic distributer setup.

    If it were me I would install the engine with the existing points and condenser, start it and tune the carb(s?), then go to the electronic later.

    And keep the mechanical ignition stuff for a spare.

    January 6, 2013 at 5:59 pm #253766
    Paul Mossberg
    Keymaster

    @pmossberg

    I went with Pertonix route and am very happy.
    I installed the distributor module and the Pertonix coil.

    What does the mechanic think he can get for $40?

    Paul Mossberg
    Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
    2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

    If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

    January 6, 2013 at 7:27 pm #253767
    MGLondonRoadste
    Participant

    @mglondonroadste

    I’m not sure what the mechanic neighbor thinks he can get for $40.  I was a bit skeptical at that price, so the price at $93 seems in the ball park.  That is without condenser and wires, I’m assuming, but I’ll try to stop by the store tomorrow.

    January 6, 2013 at 7:28 pm #253768
    MGLondonRoadste
    Participant

    @mglondonroadste

    Are there other brands that I should consider?

    January 6, 2013 at 8:34 pm #253769
    Douglas Willis
    Participant

    @stg-inc

    If you switch your points out for electronic and keep your existing dizzy, make very sure you purchase the correct kit for the type of dizzy you have.

     

    They make both vacuum and centrifugal style electronic ingnition components…
    January 9, 2013 at 7:40 pm #253770
    MGLondonRoadste
    Participant

    @mglondonroadste

    By Dizzy, do you mean distributor?

    The $40 units were cheap made-in-China stuff.  I said no to that.
    January 9, 2013 at 8:26 pm #253771
    Douglas Willis
    Participant

    @stg-inc

    Dizzy = Distributor Sorry… Slang from the VDub world. 😉

    January 9, 2013 at 9:54 pm #253772
    newkitman
    Participant

    @newkitman

    Mark. The most popular electronic ignition appears to be the Petronix brand. I have heard of some folks having problems but the majority of folks seem to do well by them. I have used the  Petronix system in my VWs but have always carried an extra set opf new points and condenser just in case; although I’ve never had the need to use them. Like someone said earlier, make certain you Petronix unit matches your type of dizzy.

    Allen Caron
    VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
    "If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

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