m5yates

I need to replace the distributor on the ’65 C engine in my car. It currently has a Bosch 022 installed and I am have trouble finding a replacement. I’ve spent all evening searching for info (I now know the best thing to do is have Don Marks rebuild this one, the wrong thing is to use an 009). Is the Bosch 050 a suitable replacement until I can get the 022 rebuilt?

Jay Laifman

No no no. Yes, the 050 will work. Yes, the car will seem ok. But, NO, it will not be the full car it can be. I'm not talking about significant differences in hp or anything. But, the 050 was designed for a non-gasoline engine in Brazil. The 022 was designed by Porsche to match the 356 engine. The 050 has extremely stiff springs and a straight advance line. The 022 has a German designed subtle advance curve that provides more advance early on. I have experienced the difference first hand. I had a worn out 022. I pulled it off and put on a brand new 050. Then I shipped my 022 to Don Marks to have it rebuilt. It took a few months. And, I was driving my 356 daily at the time. So, I got lots of miles on it. Then I got the 022 back. WOW!!! Like I said, it's not like there were gobs of hp difference. But, there is an unmistakable liveliness that is different. Even blipping the gas on downshifts was more fun. If you want the car that Porsche designed and created the legacy we live for, then do it Porsche right. If you want a fun sports car that is less than it can be, then by all means enjoy the 050. Yes, it costs a decent amount for Don to do it. But, you will not regret a single cent of it.

m5yates

The local Porsche dealer wants to use part #616 602 201FX as a replacement (originally 616 602 2104). Any idea what they would be installing? (list price $829)

Thanks,
Bill
PS Don only wants $290 to rebuild the 022.

ked

forget the dealer - the price is ridiculous. get the Marks rebuild. ask HIS advice on a temp solution for a dist. at least Jay's experience confirms that a 050 is functional - maybe it can be modded to equivalent 022 perf, & use as a spare or for resale (again, Marks' opinion is useful or maybe Al Zim or Ab Tiedeman)?

Pedro356C

I'll have to second Ked's opinion one more time!!!Price is indecent!!!!! Get Don Marks or Ab Tiedemann to rebuild your original unit...it will be around $250 and you'll have a brand new distributor... I had one rebuilt by Ab and his work is great...I also heard very good things about Marks...just choose one and go for it...

Jay Laifman

To jump back in, please understand what you get for $250. As Pedro said, a NEW distributor. These guys take amazing care in making sure every worn post, every worn plate, every stretched spring, are rebuilt to original tolerances. These are not simply new bearings, paint and go.

I don't know about Ab's work. But, I know that Don went to great lengths to research and test 100s of springs to find just the right ones that maintain the Porsche advance curve, but also he stops the advance so it does not go quite as high as it used to - by about 3 degrees less I think. This was specifically to make them work right with today's gas. I'm pointing this out to show just how much attention these guys have put to this and again, it is a new distributor.

hoffman912

you need classic and speed parts distributor, the RSR 0012. what they did was take a brand new 009, tear it appart, rebuild it with new parts and have it recurved it to match and or or less make a 022 or 031.

http://classicandspeedparts.com/s/pr...5296c269b0e11d


'The RSR 0012 fits all 356/912 models and features full 30 degree advance with a curve specifically designed for the aircooled engine running today's fuel. Like the factory intended, static ignition timing can now be set at 2-4 degrees BTDC and maximum advance comes in at 2500 RPM. Benefits are easier starting, improved idle characteristics and a dramatic improvement in low-end throttle response. Each unit is fully bench tested for proper advance and comes complete with points, condensor, rotor, cap, seal and instructions. Add a PerTronix Ignitor or Ignitor II for the ultimate electronic ignition system!'

i highly recomend them and use them almost exclusively for my parts.. the specialize in 912 and 356 parts, and have a large selection of oem, and custom in-house designed parts and kits.

ked

Harry, how much $ for the solution set you suggest?
oh, I see now - $240 + extras...

Steve Jensen

The Maestro swore by the 050... but that was when they were cheap ($75), which ended 3 or 4 years ago.

Pedro356C

As an originality freak, I'd go 022 for a 356C...I'd have my cast iron distributor remanufactured by one of the "stars"...I'm not finding Ab's phone # but he's a 356talk regular...Don's # is (503) 835-8410...Amity - OR...better call pacific time...good luck!

Jay Laifman

I can't speak for the RSR 0012 conversion that Harry mentions. I do know that the 009 without modification is probably worse than the 050 for getting the most out of the 356 engine. It has a very very narrow advance curve, almost all or nothing.

On the Maestro's position, Harry definitely had a viewpoint about rebuilding the engines. He preferred big bores, Webers and 050s. Not everyone agreed with the manner or result.

TC/914

What about the cast iron 010? I've got one of those around and that was gonna be my fall back postion since I haven't got anything at all in the way of a distributor for my motor.

Any info?

hoffman912

010 is same as an 009.

imho id rebuild the 022/031 or get the rsr0012

m5yates

I found a 050 at Austin VeeDub for $120. It had been sitting on the self for 10-years and the box was covered with an inch of dust, so they knocked their price in half - $65 out the door! Looks like I have a tempory distributor until the 022 is rebuilt.

ked

good move.
"all things come to those who wait..."
& HNY to all 356 owners - our cars are another year older & a bit more valuable.