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Elec. Ignition?
fekkinell - February 15th, 2007 at 05:14 PM

I've already asked a few peoples opinions, but I want to get electric ignition for the kombi ('77 2ltr). The kombi doesn't have one of those 009 distributors in it (whatever that is)... SO... I was thinking Compufire electronic ignition that suits my dizzy?

Any thoughts? Opinions? Advice? etc

Cheers :D :D :D


76camper - February 15th, 2007 at 05:14 PM

when u order tell them its for a vac advance dizzy.


jo_tas - February 15th, 2007 at 07:15 PM

You already know my advice.. get it! You won't regret it!


Sulla - February 17th, 2007 at 03:39 PM

PAZON.

Magnificent!

I use my 9/76 Kombi only rarely and even after sitting for two or three weeks she always starts first turn of the key!

http://www.pazon.com/ignition-system/energy-booster-ii-negative-earth.html 

Before installing the Pazon, I was using one of those crappy EMPI Accufire/Compufire type ingnitions which failed after about 3 months. Cost me $100 for a tow because I did not have tools with me to replace the original set up!

If the Pazon ever failed (7.5 year warranty) all you need do is remove the wires and go back to the original wire set up. Simple! Takes about two minutes to install.

Works for either 6 volt or 12 volt!

Great for Beetles too!
http://muchos.co.uk/members/Sulla/PAZON.jpg


I can try and do a bulk deal with the manufacturer, but need to buy ten units. Id anyone is interested U2U me. Cost including postage anywhere in Australia will be around $110.00.

[ Edited on 17/2/2007 by Sulla ]


jo_tas - February 17th, 2007 at 08:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sulla
I was using one of those crappy EMPI Accufire/Compufire type ingnitions which failed after about 3 months. [ Edited on 17/2/2007 by Sulla ]


Umm Compufire is different to the EMPI one, much better qaulity (and more expensive). I've been running my Compufire ignition for over a year and have never had to take the cap off since.


Sulla - February 17th, 2007 at 08:30 PM

Lucky you!


Special Air Service - February 18th, 2007 at 08:14 AM

Recently had my electronic module fail, started out as an intermittent misfire and got worse until it failed totally. I have had it for about 5 years without a problem, my only advice is to either carry a spare unit or points & condensor etc (as I do) so when you have a failure you are not stranded. These things are not available at your local supercheap / autobahn etc.

I purchased mine from Richard at V-Force.

Cheers
Brendan


76camper - February 18th, 2007 at 03:49 PM

Sulla, that kit is similar to a cdi system isnt it? If so your still running points i gather, its totally different to the accufire,compufire or pertronix hall effect systems. You still need to adjust ur timing etc as your points wear dont you? thats the main reason why i went for the hall effect pickup, set your timing once then never have to touch it again unless it fails.

i had an accufire fail, then got a compufire with 1yr warranty and didnt have a prob with it and as far as i know its still going (sold the car).


Jaycar sell a similar cdi system in kit form for ~$90 was going to get one but not sure the benefits would be worth it. What other benefits besides better start up did u notice with ur cdi?


Sulla - February 18th, 2007 at 04:37 PM

Yes it does retain the points.
I had the engine rebuilt before I put the Accufire system in and it ran reasonably well with that, although it was never a "first start".

However I can say that since I put the Pazon in - it runs much more smoothly and the fuel consumption is better.

What i like about it, is the first time start and the fact that if it does fail I can restore the original configuration within minutes.

I had a look at the Jaycar system but don't have the electronic skills / know how to build from a kit. (Don't even know whether it is + or - earth.)

[ Edited on 18/2/2007 by Sulla ]


76camper - February 18th, 2007 at 07:43 PM

Yep fair enough but i dont think you can put the lack of 'start first time' down to the electronic ign trigger, its only a trigger system.... could have been any number of things including coil, weak battery, ign leads bla bla bla. But definatly get a fatter and more consistant spark from the cdi kits.


The jaycar one can run off points, hall effect, optical trigger and a few others depending on how you build it. I think it also has capabilities for multiple spark setting etc which could be beneficial.

Does the kit you are running have any other cool features?


Grey 57 - February 18th, 2007 at 08:08 PM

I have Crane Hi 6 Fireball electronic unit in the Karmann.

Fully adjustable rev limiter, multiple sparks below 3000 rpm. Looked at the MSD, but went for the Hi 6 due to the inbuilt dial in rev limiter.

Currently triggered off the old points system, but will update with a pertronix hall cell sometime down the track. Compufire dont do a set for Porsche flat sixes.

I have used the genuine Compufire hall cells in VW;s before and found them really reliable. Cant speak for the empi branded ones.

[ Edited on 18-2-2007 by Grey 57 ]


Sulla - February 18th, 2007 at 08:16 PM

A very pretty green LED and very nice red LED.

:bounce


I suppose what i really like about it is the ease of installation and that I can easily restore original set up just by removing the wires if it fails. I just wacked it in without trimming any of the wires = must get around to prettying the wires up.

Also comes with a 7.5 year guarantee!

See the link in my first post in this thread for more info.


dangerous - February 18th, 2007 at 09:11 PM

I used the complete FACTORY electronic ignition form a WBX Vanagon.
All genuine VW.
Mine was about a 86 model 1900cc I think.(takes 009 cap and rotor)
You can buy the replacement modules and pick-ups from Bosch,
or just carry a spare dizzy(with sensor inside), and module,
IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT RELIABILITY.

May need to be re-curved for different engine, but try it and see.


Matt Ryan - February 19th, 2007 at 07:58 AM

I've been using a compufire with no problems after an empi hall effect that only lasted a couple of weeks.

It's on a stock 1600 twinport and it starts so easy that you really have to be careful how long you hold the key in the start position.

I'm also using an 034 distributor which uses same cap, rotor and advance curve as an 009 but has the advantage of vac advance as well. It's EXACTLY the same as 009 except for the can on the side.


Matt.

[ Edited on 18-2-2007 by Matt Ryan ]


76camper - February 19th, 2007 at 01:46 PM

grey 57 how much is the Crane Hi 6 Fireball electronic unit worth? sounds very similar 2 the jaycar kit...


Joel - February 19th, 2007 at 02:49 PM

theres a model of volvo from the 80s cant remember which one but its got a bosch dizzy identical to a twinport beetle but has factory electronic igintion fitted
most of those have lasted 300,000+ kms so they are obviusoly good quality if u can find one

-Joel


bus914 - February 19th, 2007 at 02:56 PM

Sulla, is that unit CDI or just Transistor Amplified? the website doesn't offer much info. Also did you need to modify your rotor button by taking the resistor out?


BTW i too have been using a Compufire for several years now, without ever opening the cap or resetting the timing (used to check it often).
Using a low primary resistance (performance) coil or leaving the ignition on while the motor is not turning, are 2 fast ways to kill them.


1900 WBX setup sounds like the delux way to fly IMO, and i think the same thing comes standard on late model (Injected) Mex Beetles. VVDS in Campsie sell one of these, not sure which or what they're worth though.



[ Edited on 19-2-2007 by bus914 ]


Grey 57 - February 19th, 2007 at 03:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 76camper
grey 57 how much is the Crane Hi 6 Fireball electronic unit worth? sounds very similar 2 the jaycar kit...


I got mine on ebay 2nd hand. A racer guy was updating to the next better unit. Was about $300 from memory.

Give these guys a try if you are in Vic
Victorian Speed Pro Distributors
(State Distributor / Wholesale only)
14 Airlie Avenue
Dandenong Vic 3175
Phone 03 9794 5177

The thing I like best about it is the soft rev limiter. Way smoother and less damaging than the rev limiting rotor that the early 911 motors come with.

[ Edited on 19-2-2007 by Grey 57 ]


Sulla - February 19th, 2007 at 05:07 PM

No modifications to the distributor are required. I do recall having to shave the rotor for the Accufire when I installed it.

Just need to reconnect a few wires. No need to remove the distributor cap! (i.e. open the distributor).


woz_mnskmobi - February 20th, 2007 at 12:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 76camper
grey 57 how much is the Crane Hi 6 Fireball electronic unit worth? sounds very similar 2 the jaycar kit...


Dick Smith have the Silicon Chip CDI kit on special for $49 at the moment. (Probably getting rid of them).

I bought one (before they were on special!) but haven't had a chance to assemble it. The Silicon Chip article with the kit makes interesting reading. Their description of the limitations of 20yo (now 30yo) CDI designs sounds remarkably like a description of many of the overpriced CDI units on the market! For example Silicon Chip's unit does multi-spark to well over 3000 revs - which was the limit in the 1970s...


Learner - February 20th, 2007 at 02:07 PM

what about msd unit any good?


Grey 57 - February 20th, 2007 at 04:27 PM

Yep MSD 6AL units are fine. I went with the Crane unit over MSD for a couple of reasons. With the MSD6AL unit you need to plug in rev limiting modules to get the rev limiting feature. These modules are set at defined rev limits. If you want to change the rev limit point you have to plug in a nother module. PITA.. The Crane unit can be changed with a simple dail on the side. Adjustable down to 200rpm increments.

The other reason was the totally epoxy filled body on the Crane unit. No vibration probs.
have alook at the crane web site for all the comparitive info all good marketing whaaa ==>> http://www.cranecams.com.au/igsys.htm