(Note: Models timed at 12.5 BTDC usually required high octane gasoline)
Distributor notes: This was a unique distributor installed on the "S" Models in 1964. At first glance it looks like a Beetle 36hp "cast-iron" distributor with a push-on (not screw-on) vacuum advance unit (and it does use the 36hp points). In addition the centrifigual advance was a dual weight model, while most other VW models using centrifigual advance used single weights. Dual weights do allow for better power through all acceleration modes and it's a shame VW didn't continue it. Having owned a 64 Notchback 1500S, I was impressed at the response of this distributor throughout the powerband even when I upgraded to a fresh 1600 engine. Even though used only one year and some parts like the cap and vacuum can are hard to find, I whole heartily recommend this distributor for any carburetted Type 3 application, whether for sport or every day driving use.