Points, for 009 & EMPI Distributors

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the heartbeat of your vintage air-cooled engine, nothing is more critical than the precision of your ignition timing. These high-quality replacement points are specifically designed for the legendary Bosch 009 centrifugal advance distributor and its modern EMPI counterparts. Over time, the constant electrical arcing and mechanical friction against the distributor cam will inevitably wear down the contact surfaces and the rubbing block of your points. This wear leads to a closed gap, retarded timing, and a weak spark, which results in hard starting, poor fuel economy, and a noticeable loss of top-end power. By installing a fresh set of EMPI points, you are ensuring that your ignition system has the crisp, clean electrical break required to fire the coil at peak efficiency, keeping your Beetle, Bus, or Dune Buggy running smoother than ever.

The EMPI 16-9433-0 points are engineered to meet or exceed original equipment standards, providing a reliable solution for enthusiasts who prefer the simplicity and field-repairability of a traditional points-and-condenser ignition system. While many have migrated to electronic ignitions, a properly adjusted set of points remains a robust and period-correct choice for many high-performance and daily-driven air-cooled Volkswagens. These points feature a high-strength spring to prevent "point bounce" at higher RPMs and a durable rubbing block that resists premature wear. Whether you are performing a seasonal tune-up or troubleshooting a mysterious misfire, these points are an essential component in your glovebox or tool kit. Don''t let a pitted set of contacts leave you stranded on the side of the road; upgrade to these precision-ground points and feel the difference in throttle response and idle stability.

FITMENT

These points are designed specifically for the Bosch 009 (0231 178 009) and EMPI 009-style centrifugal advance distributors. While these distributors are commonly found on the following models, please verify that your vehicle is equipped with a 009-style distributor, as many vintage VWs have been upgraded from their original vacuum-advance units over the decades:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All years equipped with 009 or EMPI distributors.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950-1971 (and later models converted to 009).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): All years.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes: Using 1600cc based air-cooled engines.

SPECS

• Part Number: 16-9433-0 (EMPI)
• Compatible Distributor Styles: Bosch 009, EMPI 009, and various 009 clones.
• Contact Material: High-conductivity tungsten for reduced pitting.
• Spring Tension: Heavy-duty tension to ensure contact at high engine speeds.
• Weight: 0.1 lbs (Shipping weight).
• GTIN: 707924353372
• Recommended Gap Setting: 0.016 inches (0.4mm).

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Clean Before You Install. It is a common manufacturing practice to coat new ignition points with a thin film of anti-corrosion oil to prevent rusting while they sit on the shelf. If you install them straight out of the box, this oil can burn and "arc" the moment you start the engine, significantly shortening the life of the points. Always pull a clean piece of white cardstock or a business card through the closed contacts until it comes out clean before you finish your installation and set your gap.

Pro Tip 2: Don''t Forget the Cam Lube. One of the most frequent causes of "mysterious" timing changes is a dry distributor cam. When you replace your points, apply a very small, pea-sized amount of high-temperature distributor cam grease to the lobe of the distributor. Without this lubrication, the plastic rubbing block on your new points will wear down rapidly against the metal cam, closing your point gap and retarding your timing within just a few hundred miles of driving.

Pro Tip 3: Gap vs. Dwell. While setting your points to a 0.016-inch gap with a feeler gauge will get your engine running, using a dwell meter is the professional way to ensure maximum accuracy. The "dwell" is the amount of time (measured in degrees of distributor rotation) that the points remain closed to charge the coil. For a standard 4-cylinder VW engine, aim for a dwell of 44 to 50 degrees. Always remember that changing your point gap directly changes your ignition timing; therefore, you must always re-time your engine with a strobe light after every point adjustment.