Electronic Ignition - 1966 230SL

[Harry]

I have Ben reading threads on the Pertronics electronic ignition for this car but not saw one instance where the specific unit was named - 1864LA.  Can someone confirm that model number for me please?  Thanks!  Harry

[Harry]

Wow - sorry for that cryptic job of typing.  I was on the iPad rather than on the desktop.  So, I am wanting to convert from points to the Pertronics electronic ignition but I have been able to find only one thread where the model number was cited on the Pertronics - 1864LA.  I am hoping others with these units can confirm that model number.

Thanks,
Harry

[Jkalplus1]

Hi,
I have a 1964 230SL. Pertronix 1864LA.  I know another 230SL owner (a 1966) who also purchased 1864LA. 
Check the technical manual and the archives for more clarity.
Installation was easy, but mine required the filing of a small tab (dremel job) in the distributor (Pertronix instruction sheet tells you how to do this).
Highly recommended. Flawless performance after 3 years and 4k miles.
J

[Harry]

Thanks very much!

[vande17941]

I put the Pertronix in mine with the Pertronix coil and wow...I can gap the plugs larger, nobody can see the modification, and the car has far better response.

[Paul99]

I was looking on the Pertronix website and it lists the bosch distributers, but mine is a 116 047, which seems to be the only one not listed?   Is the 116 047 not the standard on a 230 1966? 

it has a 046 and a 048 049 not a 047.?

[mnahon]

The technical manual lists the 047 as correct for the 230SL; as well as 046. But not 048 and 049.
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Distributor#SL230

[rogerh113]

It was some years ago that I put mine in (it performs flawlessly, and one of the two highest impact changes I've made to my '66).  At the time I phoned Pertronix and found them to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful.  I would not hesitate to call them with your specific information and ask them which unit would be appropriate.  If it is the unit referenced already - great!!  If not, then at least you can do some focused research on the unit they recommend.

Regards -- Roger

[Naj ✝︎]

All our distributors are very similar in design.
The differences between the numbers are the advance curves.
So, you have to determine if yours is a vacuum advance or vacuum retard distributor.

If vac advance, go with the kit for  the 046
If vac retard, go with the one for 051

naj

p.s: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=21659.msg154261#msg154261

[mnahon]

The centrifugal and vacuum curves in the Technical Manual look nearly identical for the 047 and 051 (slight difference in the centrifugal advance). So best choice would be the 1864LA.