Ignitor II Electronic Ignition, Fits Mechanical 009 & 050

Revolutionize Your VW Ignition Performance with the Pertronix Ignitor II

When it comes to the heart of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the ignition system is often the difference between a sluggish cruiser and a high-performance machine. The Pertronix Ignitor II electronic ignition conversion kit is the ultimate upgrade for owners running the legendary Bosch 009 or 050 mechanical advance distributors. Unlike traditional breaker points that are prone to wear, pitting, and "point float" at high RPMs, the Ignitor II utilizes a sophisticated microprocessor that senses the coil current level and uses adaptive dwell control to optimize the spark energy throughout the entire power band. This means you aren''t just replacing a wear item; you are fundamentally improving the combustion efficiency of your engine. Whether you are daily driving a restored Beetle or pushing a dual-carbureted stroker engine in a sand rail, the Ignitor II delivers the rock-solid timing and intense spark needed to ensure every drop of fuel is utilized for maximum horsepower and torque.

What sets the Ignitor II apart from the standard Ignitor and other pointless ignition systems is its ability to handle high-output, low-resistance coils. By monitoring the time between firing pulses, the Ignitor II adjusts the dwell to maintain peak energy at high RPMs while reducing energy at lower speeds to prevent coil overheating. This "smart" technology allows you to run a 0.6-ohm Flame-Thrower II coil, resulting in a spark that is significantly hotter than a stock points setup. This increased energy is crucial for firing wider spark plug gaps, which leads to better cold starts, a smoother idle, and a noticeable reduction in engine misfires. At Appletree Auto, we know that reliability is just as important as speed, and the Ignitor II provides a maintenance-free solution that eliminates the need for feeler gauges and timing adjustments every few thousand miles. It is a true "set it and forget it" upgrade that brings your vintage VW into the modern era of automotive performance.

Vehicle and Distributor Fitment

This Pertronix Ignitor II (Part Number 91847A) is specifically designed for 12-volt, negative ground systems utilizing mechanical advance distributors. It is the perfect fit for the following applications:

• Distributor Compatibility: Fits Bosch 009 and 050 mechanical advance distributors, as well as many aftermarket 009 clones.
• Volkswagen Beetle: All years equipped with a 009 or 050 distributor.
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: Type 2 models from 1950-1979 running mechanical advance.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years and engine displacements with 009/050 setups.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback models.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All civilian and military variants.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any air-cooled VW-based kit car or off-road vehicle using a 009-style distributor.

Technical Specifications and Features

The Ignitor II is engineered to withstand the harsh environment of an air-cooled engine bay while providing precision timing control. Here are the technical highlights:

• Operating Voltage: Optimized for 12V DC systems (8V to 16V range).
• Microprocessor Control: Features an integrated circuit that senses current levels and adjusts dwell dynamically.
• RPM Range: Rated for high-performance use, stable from 0 to 15,000 RPM.
• Coil Compatibility: Designed to work best with coils having 0.6 ohms to 1.5 ohms of primary resistance (Flame-Thrower II recommended).
• Temperature Range: Operates efficiently from -40 to +300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Construction: Fully encapsulated in high-temp epoxy to resist moisture, dirt, oil, and vibration.
• Installation: Bolt-in design that fits entirely inside the distributor cap for a "stealth" factory look.
• Spark Energy: Delivers up to 4 times the energy of a standard points system between 3,000 and 5,000 RPM.

Expert Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

Pro Tip 1: Pair with the Correct Coil for Maximum Gains

To truly unlock the potential of the Ignitor II, you must use a low-resistance coil. While it will function with a standard 3.0-ohm coil, you are leaving performance on the table. We strongly recommend the Pertronix Flame-Thrower II 0.6-ohm coil. This combination allows for a much larger spark plug gap (often up to .040" or .045"), which creates a larger flame front in the combustion chamber. This is particularly beneficial for engines running slightly lean or those with high-compression ratios where a standard spark might struggle to jump the gap.

Pro Tip 2: Check Your Air Gap and Magnet Sleeve Seating

During installation, ensure the black magnet sleeve is seated fully down on the distributor shaft. If the sleeve is not level or not pressed down completely, the sensor may not pick up the signal correctly, leading to an intermittent misfire. Once seated, use a non-magnetic feeler gauge (usually provided in the kit) to verify the air gap between the module and the magnet sleeve. A precise gap ensures that the microprocessor receives a clean, sharp signal for perfect timing across the entire RPM range.

Pro Tip 3: Never Leave the Ignition On with the Engine Off

While the Ignitor II features advanced circuitry, it is still a best practice to never leave your ignition key in the "ON" position when the engine is not running. Leaving the power on can cause the coil to saturate and overheat, which can eventually damage the electronic module or the coil itself. If you are performing electrical tests on your VW, simply disconnect the red power lead from the coil to protect your investment. Also, always double-check your ground straps; a solid engine-to-chassis ground is vital for any electronic ignition system to function correctly.