Date:         Sat, 14 Oct 2000 09:57:46 -0400
Reply-To:     Jeff klender <JaKlende@SCJ.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff klender <JaKlende@SCJ.COM>
Subject:      Re: Pertronix installation report

Malcom;
 I bought one from JC Whitney for my 1970 Westy. I used it in the stock
1600, I used it in the replacement 1641, And when I put in a 1979 2000, I
used it in that one. It was still in the westy when I sold it this year. It
worked non stop for 10+ years and is still going strong!I always carried
the points for back up, but never had to use them.
                           Jeff Klender

 Plus 1. No more setting points
      2. Very dependable
      3. Motor(s) ran better due to stable timming
      4. Most points were junk and had to be replaced/adjusted twice a year
 Minus
      1. none


On Thu, 12 Oct 2000 14:02:58 +0200, Stebbins <stebbins@AUCEGYPT.EDU> wrote:

>I took this morning to install the Pertronix (
>http://www.pertronix.com/home.htm )  points replacement kit
>that I purchased about 3 months ago.  The idea behind the
>unit is to eliminate the points so that points don't wear
>(which changes the timing) and don't have to be changed.
>
>I have a 91 syncro with carburetors and a Bosh 009
>distributor WITHOUT  a vacuum advance.  Pertronix sells
>various kits, so be sure to order the correct kit for your
>distributor.
>
>The instructions for installing the kit were not  great but
>were good enough for me (university professor) to follow.
>
>The only modification I had to make was to extend the wires
>(to and from the coil) to the kit, but other than that the
>kit installed easily, just remove the points, and condenser
>and fit kit in and screw it down.
>
>Upon installation, I gapped the unit as recommended, and
>then started up the van with just a touch of the starter, it
>idled very smoothly (I have not yet driven  the van).  I
>then checked the dwell, it was EXACTLY 50 degrees, nice.
>
>I  checked the timing via the static method a la "The Idiots
>Guide to VWs" and it was a bit farther advanced than it
>should be so I changed the timing  to where it should be
>(about 7.5 degrees BTDC as I understand it).
>
>It took me 2 hours from start to finish, but I figure that a
>mechanic should be able to do it in less than 30 minutes,
>including re timing the van).
>
>This is ONLY a report on installing the unit, this is not a
>plug for the unit, as I have not driven the van yet, so the
>unit has not yet proved itself to me.
>
>Anyone close to Canada might consider buying the kid from
>Canada as it is about USD100 in the US and about CDN$140.
>Good luck.  Malcolm