Electronic ignition upgrade

[andya]

I have a 1974 Beetle 1500, 100% standard, one owner since new.
Will an upgrade to electronic ignition improve the vehicle in terms of fuel etc.

Thanks

[Tony Z]

no.

The cheap upgrades are actually downgrades and totally unreliable

[evan.fraser.274]

My experience has been that the electronic ignition doesn't improve overall fuel consumption any more than would good old fashioned points/timing/carb maintenance, but the following have been my positive findings:

1. Less backfiring/rumble on deceleration
2. Smoother acceleration
3. Better plug life
4. NEVER having to set the points or timing again (periodic checking is good to keep tabs on the distributor condition)

Number 4 above is worth fitting the units in my opinion If you want to get a unit try Bruce Williams from Offshore Marine International in CT (he ships via Post Office Speed Services). His prices are okish...and I have bought a number of Petronix units from him without problems in the past. (021) 7861007 or omiintl@mweb.co.za.

[evan.fraser.274]

PS: Be sure you have the distributor part number (VW or Bosch) on hand as he will need this to give you the right unit...

[andya]

Thanks for the advice

[vdubs]

+1 on Evan's reply

Just to clarify what often is confused, these aren't true electronic ignitions, merely just a electronic module that replaces the points & condensor. There are mixed opinions on these modules as to their reliabilty but as Tony states, you get what you pay for.
Pertronix from Bruce, R1600, Accuspark from FFR R1050, similar thing as Pertronix, just different sticker & R500 cheaper. Either option, you will have to have at least a 3 ohm coil on the primary circut. Bosch Blue coil will work, another R600, best is to just first test the coil you have with a multimeter to be sure as some no name brands can also work.
I've just fitted the Accuspark so can't really comment at this stage.

The full electronic system as adapted from the Golf, which includes a electronic distributor, coil & wiring harness might see some Improvement on fuel consumption. Haven't tested this myself but the theory is that with improved ingnition you get better/more spark to the plugs thus making them burn more effcient. Added to that, depending on which setup you go for (high end setups like Mallory or MSD), you could even increase the plug gap which in term can increase HP.

I had a '68 1500 & with regular maintenance it was more effcient than a 1300 TP.

Also consider with an initial outlay of at least R2k, will the saving in fuel really pay for itself.

[IMPI]

I have been using the g-tech module made locally by gareth smith as a replacement for points and condenser. It is very well made sealed properly and easy to fit car starts easier and for around R900 is an absolute bargain. And so far totally reliable
armand

[vdubs]

The biggest killer of any of these modules is heat, put some computer thermal paste on the base, check this as part of routine maintenance and it should last for years.

[retrovan]

I have been using the g-tech module made locally by gareth smith as a replacement for points and condenser. It is very well made sealed properly and easy to fit car starts easier and for around R900 is an absolute bargain. And so far totally reliable
armand

Thanks for that Armand, can you please e-mail me his details, or just PM me

Thanks

Herman

[slak]

I got a complete electronic setup fitted to my bus by Vdubtech
they actually take your distributor and make it electronic cost was around R2500 in january this year
that is distributor modified new coil and module and fittment
and i am not sorry i did it my bus is running like a dream
they also fit the G-Tech units and i have not heard any negative things about it either it is just much cheaper

[vdubs]

Sounds like they are using the Golf conversion I was refering to.

What improvements did you experiance to justify the R2.5k spend. If its worth it, I might do the same & do a vacuum mod on the Kads.
I'm currrently running the Accuspark due a 009 dizzy but its too earl to say if there is any real benefit yet.

[GERHARD73]

I have been using the g-tech module made locally by gareth smith as a replacement for points and condenser. It is very well made sealed properly and easy to fit car starts easier and for around R900 is an absolute bargain. And so far totally reliable
armand

Thanks for that Armand, can you please e-mail me his details, or just PM me

Thanks

Herman

Please, me as well?!?!?!

[slak]

No it is not a golf distributor conversion it uses no golf parts at all
those things are unreliable as hell had one before from Volkspares
and i gave it away had endless trouble with it

now the bus starts up easily in the coldest weather runs smooth no hesitation
and cruises very nice on the highway i don't check fuel consumption as the
fuel gauge is not working

after the 9th brand new condensor blew in a month i was just fed up with the points system

Johan and Pierre said there are 2 options the cheaper being the g-tech
but the points would still be present so i opted for the full electronic
i am glad i chose to go this route

[sean]

I have only ever added the genuine VW electronic ignition to my vehicles. The 2.0 type 4 were available with its own one in the early 80's and you use the 1.9 wbx setup on the 1600 beetle motors. Parts are still available at the agents too, but most of the time must be ordered from Germany.

These are quality, maintenance free units.

If I don't have these, then a good old set of points and condenser is next best.

They don't improve fuel consumption, only maintenance free at services.

[GERHARD73]

So what options do I have. Could you please post part numbers, as my local VW agent do not even list the older Beetles.