I'm new to the site, but a former VW line mechanic back in the 60s and 70s. And a VW high performance enthusiast...Most VW distributors that I know of, had the lobe for #3 cylinder retarded because of the fact its cooling air passed through the oil cooler before cooling the cylinder...retarding the cylinder timing sorta/kinda/was supposed to help keep the cylinder within reasonable cooling specs...Well, in practical applications (meaning every air cooled VW I know of) it didn't work, #3 cylinder was famous for dropping its exhaust valve.
There was only one distributor I know (outside of an MSD 8485) that did not retard #3, it was marketed by CB Performance in Farmersville, CA, and is referred to by the last three digits of its part number (050) It is no longer available, unless you can find one on the Samba or Ebay.
Most distributors used in "performance" applications are also referred to by the last three digits of their part number. There is the 009, original German models are great quality, later 009s, for the most are junk, and should be avoided...How do you tell the German from the rest you ask...take off the distributor cap, remove the rotor and the felt piece...if there is a screw head showing...avoid the distributor, it isn't German. German models did not have a screw under the felt piece.
There is the 010 distributor, it's good, use of it vs the 009 depends on what advance curve you want.
Then there is the 019 distributor, it's good, use of it vs the 009 depends on what advance curve you want.
And don't listen to today's "experts" who say you need a SVDA distributor...Just another half baked solution for later model junk 009 distributors. The VW industry is famous for "fixes/solutions" for junk parts.
I'm building a 68 Bug for the Utah Salt Flats Racing Associations 130 MPH Club. using a 2052 cc engine with a combo of induction systems...First I'm trying a pair of Weber 44 IDF carbs in a draw thru turbo setup, I'm also going to try a FAST EX-EFI throttle body induction system.
I'll be happy to help anyone...If I don't have an answer, I'll tell you...I won't blow smoke!