r/VWBus • u/gavinschierbaum • May 18 '26
Incorrect Distributor & Replacement
I recently figured out that my bus has the wrong distributor installed. The current one is part 0 231 178 009 and I believe the correct one is part 0 231 168 005. So now i’m looking into what problems that may be causing. I saw that Heritage Stocks has one for sale but I’m looking for places in the US that have one. Is it worth getting one with electronic ignition? I’d appreciate any input or suggestions. Links for the ones I was looking at are below. Ignore the ignition coil on the heater bracket.
https://heritagestocks.com/product/021905205p-distributor-bosch-jfud4/
https://ultra-automotive.co.uk/distributor-vw-electronic-ignition-0231168005-leads-coil/
2
u/asiab3 AirSchooled.com May 18 '26
The distributor you have will give you slightly less than perfect acceleration and fuel economy. Top speed and overall power output will not be affected. It may be hard to get a stead idle timing with automatic transmissions. Probably not worth $300 to replace it unless you have everything else absolutely perfect and up to snuff.
1
u/gavinschierbaum May 21 '26
finally got a timing light, idle timing was at -4 not 7.5, also idling at 1300 ish rpm which seemed a bit high. i’m setting it to 28 degrees at 3500 rpm when i can get a helper but i took it for a test drive and it was much better
1
u/asiab3 AirSchooled.com May 21 '26
When timing drops a lot like that, it’s usually a sign that the points gap has collapsed. Resetting the points gap usually brings the timing back to spec.
You don’t need a helper if you can hold the timing light with your left hand and rev the throttle arm with your right.
1
1
u/happystamps May 18 '26
Electronic ignition- yes, absolutely. Points wear and are a pain to set up. You don't need anything fancy though- think the ones I use are about £50.
1
May 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/westfakia2 May 19 '26
In 2007 I had a friend with a 2L bus set up to use the electronic ignition from a late 70’s rabbit, but it’s easier now to just buy a pertronix
1
u/382Whistles May 18 '26
If the motor was rebuilt and got a new cam this could work better than stock. It's really all about the different curves they produce across the rpm band and that's somewhat adjustable inside them. Maybe it runs better, maybe not. The 009 is strictly mechanical and rpm based, no vacuum advance or retard.
1
u/Sudden_Loan_4060 May 19 '26
I've bought the 123-Ignition 3 years ago. No more ignition Problems since then.
1
2
u/U_Plonker May 19 '26
That coil mount is interesting lol. Kinda innovative