JBugs - Timing a 009 Distributor

Now that we have swapped out the original carburetor on this 1971 Super Beetle and got it adjusted, we can make sure the timing on the 009, centrifugal advance distributor is set correctly so that the car runs as well as possible. Our tech Sam explains how the distributor advance works and why he isn't a fan of them on street driven cars. Then he goes over the process of correctly setting the distributor timing. Follow along, enjoy and maybe learn something in the process!

Intro: 0:00
Timing prep: 0:43
Timing info: 3:08
Timing adjustments: 4:05
Test drive: 7:35
Closing thoughts: 9:59

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Parts used in this video:

Well, technically we didn't use any parts. The timing set up and how this distributor operates is going to be the same as any replacement centrifugal advance VW distributor. This goes for anything from suppliers such as Bosch, EMPI, Pertronix, Kuhltek and all the numerous China clones that are on the market today, regardless of whether they have mechanical or electrical points.

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Videos are intended for entertainment purposes. Factory specifications should be followed when performing any task on your vehicle.

[nlnl]

Ya gotta find the sweet spot. Every engine can be different

[roystonsimon]

I’m keen on your timing plate. Have you considered making a few of them and selling them to us ?
Roysters 😎

[Antarath]

I have a slick 1968 with an original super beetle 1600cc engine, an aftermarket EMPI carb (hpmx with NO CHOKE) and a horrible 009. What were they thinking when the previous owner upgraded the car? I got myself an SVDA 034 distributor, but I'm watching video after video to make sure I know what I'm doing before I install it. At least I'm sort of forced to learn how to do things myself on this car (still not confident though). On SAMBA many people claim they are bad vacuum ports. Some even claim they are manifold vacuums. I have measured and the port is slightly above the butterfly valves on the hpmx.

[jemcnair]

When I bought my 73 Super over 10 years ago I didn't know much about aircooled VWs. My 73 had a 009 on it and it was a nightmare. The more I read the further I went down some horrific rabbit hole of "try this/try that", and it was all nonsense.

I finally after some months ran into a blog where some mechanic said 009s are for aircraft and stationary engines... and the best thing to do with it is trash it and install an SVDA. I did that and 98% of my problems were gone. The other 2% of my problems were jetting the carb back to stock, and cleaning out the heat riser.

[nlnl]

Yes when different cams and when different deck hight and different compression ratios will cause timing too not be like the book standered.

[xfontix]

Hello Jbugs,

Nice Tutorial about ignition timing :D
i would like to know what type of exhaust / tail pipe are you using on your 71?

[benkanobe]

If you are having trouble seeing your timing marks, move the pick up from cylinder #1 to the coil wire and you should be able to see very clearly.

[tduncan]

In the last video you said you were going to look at the timing, I was wondering what your opinion was on the 009. I tend to agree, but I have no horse in this race. My 71 Super has been gone for decades now. So, Pertronix next upgrade?

[SanDiego_VDubLife]

Do performance engines benefit from non vacuum advance distributors? Aka mechanical advance. Aka 009? Also what did you say after you set the timing? You adjusted the carburetor but I couldn’t hear or understand what you said. Something about the idle and how it was affected by the advance timing. Lastly can I do what you did with a basic timing light or do I need to buy one of those fancy expensive ones like the one you used???

[dennisnelson]

So what are you recommending to replace the 009?...

[nlnl]

Sounds like alot of clatter... possibly valve train clatter? Valve lash.

[demotors]

I can't believe this BS. I used a 009 on my beetle 45 years ago. I set it up on a Sun distributor machine at school. If I remember correctly the advance was all in before 3000 rpm. It had great throttle response. I was eventually 8:00 running a Holley bug spray carb. Then dual port heads. Then a 1641 setup and a different cam. Always good fuel mileage. In My opinion if you don't set up any distributor correctly to give you the desired advance curve you are nothing but a parts changer.
Did the same type of mods on a 79 Chevy El Camino. Went from 16 mpg highway to 21+. Despite having a 241 rear acceleration was much improved. With the original exhaust sitting home on the garage floor it went right through state emissions inspection (they didn't look underneath for the lack of a cat converter) probably because it ran so clean. The inspector complimented me on having the cleanest running car they had tested all week. It's all about tuning the carb and distributor.