Electronic ignition for an original 914/6, Electronic ignition query Options

[stuartgto]

I would like to know if anyone has tried to install an electronic ignition for a 1970 914/6? Such as Pertronix? I or II? Or what else is out there? I want to keep it looking original, but have heard the reliability of the Pertronix can be an issue. Is it worth getting a new coil as well? Any thoughts and/or experiences are appreciated.

Also I am looking for a "readable" 1970 914/6 electrical schematic. Any hints?

Thanks

[Dave_Darling]

The Six already has a CDI, which is the same as an MSD except for the multiple-spark thing. Unfortunately, the points do wear mechanically--just not nearly as quickly as ones that carry lots of current.

Even more unfortunately, most or all of the original Sixes used the Marelli distributor. There is no points-conversion available for that unit that I know of. Crane did make a prototype for it, but they concluded that there wasn't enough market and never produced them. Someone around here did get ahold of the prototype, and said that it worked well. But I don't know what the differences are from a more standard Crane unit.

You might be able to talk someone into making bits to adapt a Pertronix II or Compufire or Crane optical gizmo into your distributor. If they do, they'll probably be able to sell a few of them. But it'll be pretty much custom work, so it won't be cheap. If you're willing to hand your distributor over to someone for a while, it might be worthwhile.

Marelli points were NLA new for a good while; not sure if they are now or not. If they are still NLA, then the market for a points-replacement gets a bit bigger...

--DD

[johnhora]

The Six already has a CDI, which is the same as an MSD except for the multiple-spark thing. Unfortunately, the points do wear mechanically--just not nearly as quickly as ones that carry lots of current.

Even more unfortunately, most or all of the original Sixes used the Marelli distributor. There is no points-conversion available for that unit that I know of. Crane did make a prototype for it, but they concluded that there wasn't enough market and never produced them. Someone around here did get ahold of the prototype, and said that it worked well. But I don't know what the differences are from a more standard Crane unit.

You might be able to talk someone into making bits to adapt a Pertronix II or Compufire or Crane optical gizmo into your distributor. If they do, they'll probably be able to sell a few of them. But it'll be pretty much custom work, so it won't be cheap. If you're willing to hand your distributor over to someone for a while, it might be worthwhile.

Marelli points were NLA new for a good while; not sure if they are now or not. If they are still NLA, then the market for a points-replacement gets a bit bigger...

--DD

As Dave mentioned the 914-6 has a very good Bosch CDI
unit. The points are used just as a switching signal for the CDI firing spark so they use very low voltage and thus don't wear out like Type 4 , 356 or Early 911 stock systems from arcing but just wear from the mechanical rubbing of the tab against the dizy shaft. There is really no reason for a stock 914-6 to go to another system.
The MSD uses a multiple spark which is great for a high compression idling engine but they even go to just one spark after a certain rpm. And they are great for an engine that never had CDI.
The Marelli parts are available again check here:
http://www.sierramadrecollection.com/914-9...lectrical-c469/
If you don't like the Marelli there are Bosch 911 distributors that fit the application.