Hi all,

I have a 75 with stock FI and am having trouble keeping the points
gapped properly. I've been told by a mechanic (not a 914 specialist, but a good mechanic)that I need a new one because the plate that the points mount on has too
much play in it.

Friends have told me that changing to electronic ignition would solve this
problem.

Is this true? Would it be a good thing to do and what would the overall effect on performance?

Also, If true, what brand would you guys suggest?

thanks,
john

also, how many posts must I do to graduate from newbie?

10 IIRC ...

Hi John,

Welcome to the Board!!

Points are cheap, typically available at your local FLAPS, and easy to install. Try that first. There are a lot of people who are much smarter than I am, that swear by pointless ignitions. MSD is popular. Pertronix is controversial - both fans and folks that think they sell crap.

Me? I have points in my /6, and very happy with them.

-Rusty

Try the Crane (Allison) optical system. It will make up for small problems with your distributor and set it once and forget the timing. I have used it on my car for 15 years with no problems at all. Summit Racing is one good source for this. http://www.summitracing.com/
Van

Welcome to the board. You're almost there. 4 more posts.

I run a Pertronix in 5 different Type IV motors and have had very good luck with them. While I acknowledge that there are others that feel differently, I'm pleased with mine and would buy one again.

For folks who like the Pertronix, one of the applealing things about it is that it does not use a separate box outside the distributor. The only way you can tell that it is there is because there is no condensor on the outside of the distro & you have 2 wires running from the distro to the coil.

Pertronix is a magnetic unit. Once school of thought is that magnetic is preferred over optical because optical can be affected by dirt/grease that coats the lens.

As for whether any of these will solve your problem... you'll have to try one to find out. If the base of the distributor is moving around then the points replacement is going to move around to. I don't know about the MSD & similar units, but with Pertronix there is a piece that screws to the same plate where the points are currently mounted. If this plate is moving in a way that it shouldn't, then the odds are that the electronic ignition piece will also have problems (eventually if not immediately).

The good news is that if you really need to switch distributors or get this one fixed, you'll still be able to use the electronic ignition in the new distro and you will be quite happy with never having to gap points again!

thanks for the info, it gives me a place to start

john