Ignitor Electronic Ignition, fits Vacuum Advance 009 Distrib

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your vintage Volkswagen''s reliability and performance with the Pertronix Ignitor Electronic Ignition system, specifically designed for vacuum advance and 009 style distributors. For decades, air-cooled enthusiasts have struggled with the inherent inconsistencies of traditional points and condensers, which are prone to pitting, floating at high RPMs, and requiring constant adjustment to maintain proper dwell. The Pertronix Ignitor eliminates these headaches by replacing your mechanical points with a solid-state electronic module. This system utilizes a high-tech Hall Effect sensor and a magnetic sleeve that fits over your distributor shaft, providing a rock-solid timing signal that never drifts. Whether you are cruising the coastline in a classic Beetle or navigating off-road trails in a rugged woods buggy, this upgrade ensures your engine starts faster, idles smoother, and maintains peak timing accuracy throughout the entire power band.

Beyond simple reliability, the Pertronix Ignitor significantly enhances the combustion process by delivering a more powerful spark than a standard points setup. By allowing for a more efficient burn of the air-fuel mixture, you will notice improved throttle response and potentially better fuel economy. Because there are no moving parts to wear out, the dwell remains constant for the life of the unit, meaning you will never have to pull the distributor cap for routine maintenance again. The 1847V model is a favorite among VW builders because it fits seamlessly inside the distributor housing, maintaining a completely stock appearance while hiding modern, high-performance technology underneath. It is the single most cost-effective performance upgrade you can perform on a stock or mildly modified air-cooled engine, providing the "set it and forget it" peace of mind that every driver deserves.

FITMENT

The Pertronix Ignitor 1847V is designed to fit 4-cylinder Volkswagen engines equipped with Bosch vacuum advance or 009 centrifugal advance distributors. Detailed fitment includes:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1979 (All models with compatible Bosch distributors).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1954 through 1979 (Including Split Window and Bay Window models).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Applications: Fits most aftermarket 009 and 050 distributors used in Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes.
• Note: Not for use with early "large diameter" vacuum advance distributors or certain 1970s California emissions-equipped distributors without verification.

SPECS

• Product Brand: Pertronix Performance Products.
• Part Number: 1847V.
• Ignition Type: Solid-state Hall Effect electronic ignition.
• Operating Voltage: 8V to 16V DC (Negative Ground only).
• Temperature Range: -40 to +300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Dwell Control: Factory set, remains constant regardless of RPM.
• RPM Range: Rated for stable performance up to 15,000 RPM.
• Housing Material: High-temp epoxy molded module for vibration and moisture resistance.
• Installation: Bolt-in replacement for points; no drilling or distributor removal required in most cases.
• Required Coil Resistance: Minimum 3.0 Ohms primary resistance for 4-cylinder engines.

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Coil Resistance Before Installation

The most common cause of premature Ignitor failure is using a coil with too little primary resistance. While the meta-data might occasionally list 0.3 Ohms, that is a typo for this specific Ignitor I model. For a 4-cylinder air-cooled VW engine, the Pertronix Ignitor 1847V requires a coil with at least 3.0 Ohms of primary resistance, such as the Flame-Thrower 40511. Using a high-output racing coil with low resistance (like 0.6 or 1.5 Ohms) will cause the module to overheat and fail. Always use a multimeter to check the resistance between the positive and negative terminals of your coil before connecting the red wire.

2. Master the Wiring Polarity

Wiring the Ignitor is simple, but mistakes are costly. The Red wire must go to a "switched" 12-volt power source, typically the positive (+) side of the ignition coil. The Black wire connects to the negative (-) side of the coil, which acts as the trigger. Never bridge these wires or connect them directly to the battery without a switch, as you could burn out the module. Additionally, ensure your engine is properly grounded to the chassis; a poor ground path through the transmounts can cause erratic spark signals or prevent the module from firing entirely.

3. Check Your Air Gap and Magnet Sleeve Seating

When installing the magnetic sleeve over the distributor cam lobes, ensure it is pressed down firmly and sits level. If the sleeve is tilted or not fully seated, it can wobble at high RPMs, leading to erratic timing or physical contact with the module. Use the plastic feeler gauge provided in the kit to check the air gap between the module and the magnet sleeve. If the gap is too wide, the sensor won''t trigger; if it is too tight, they might touch. A perfect gap ensures a crisp, clean signal for the best possible performance at high speeds.