Be prepared
One of the things I remember from my time in the Scouts as a kid was their classic motto, ‘Be prepared’. Simple, yet profound. I guess it’s something that in later life I’ve taken to heart and learnt to appreciate more and more. So since having the engine top-end rebuilt by the guys at Resto Classics, there was one little thing that still needed to be sorted. Although it sounds and runs like a sewing machine, they suggested it was maybe worth fitting an electronic ignition system at some point.
a new set of NGK (4210 B5HS) spark plugsPlugs and leads
Coincidently, Peter at VW Aircooled Works suggested much the same thing when he was fitting the fire suppression system and adding the leisure battery set-up. He recommended looking at the bundle deals offered by Powerspark Ignition Ltd. They were offering a great price for a brand new vacuum advance dizzy with an electronic ignition module fitted (no more condenser and points!), a Bosch Blue coil, a set of NGK spark plugs (4210 B5HS) plus a new set of 8mm silicon Powerspark performance HT leads. So whilst at Resto Classics having the windscreen washers and washer bottle fitted, it made sense to have the ignition system refreshed and set up at the same time.
8mm silicon Powerspark performance HT leadsA new set of colour coordinated (oh, look at me getting all fancy!) 8mm double silicone HT leads were fitted for maximum suppression and minimal interference.
a new Bosch blue 12v coilOut with the old coil, and in with the classic 12v upgraded ‘Bosch Blue Coil’…
a new Powerspark vacuum advance Bosch Type 034 distributor with electronic ignitionElectronic Ignition
…then the original 12v Bosch 009 dizzy gets replaced with a new Bosch 034 SVDA vacuum advance distributor with a magnetic pickup module and a replacement powermax rotor arm fitted for even more performance & durability. No more points and condenser to worry about!
Powerspark vacuum advance Bosch Type 034 distributor with electronic ignitionThe Powerspark electronic distributor Bosch Type 034, is supposed to be the best refresh your tired old ignition can get. The 034 SVDA distributor has the following advantages
- Better acceleration – helps eliminate the 009’s infamous ‘flat spot’ on take-off
- Cooler engine temps
- More power, throughout the advance curve
- No need to run a rich fuel/air mixture to compensate for the 009’s poor acceleration, which results in unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust and reduced engine life
By replacing the points and condenser with the electronic ignition kit, apparently, you should get…
- Improved performance
- Improved durability
- Improved fuel economy
- Improved reliability in all weather
‘Save My Bug’ hot oil sensor fittedOil temp sensor
Not having any fancy dials and gauges upfront, I decided to have the simpler Save My Bug ‘Hot Oil Sensor’ fitted…
It’s strange, after all the time and effort that’s gone into the bus over the last few months updating or renewing the mechanicals, it still pretty much looks just like it was when I first got it! Except maybe the addition of the original 15″ steel wheels and the cool looking white band tyres! But those that know, know that beauty is way more than skin deep! 😉
under the skin, mechanically upgraded but still retaining its vintage beautyYes, it’s cool
I still laugh to myself by the number of people who tentatively, and very politely, ask (not wishing to offend!), when the bus will be on the road or will be roadworthy!
Yes, it’s cool. No, I’m not going to paint itThe faded original paint look really throws them! I really should be wearing this T-shirt 24/7! Patina perfection rocks!
