From other posts, Pertronix seems like a decent choice to upgrade from points to solid-state ignition.
=> But for '66 352, is there a noticeable benefit for Pertronix II vs Pertronix I?
=> Also, can anyone confirm if model 1281 works in 352? One site says "fits most Ford V8s 1957-1974". Another says 1281 doesn't fit 1966 F100 352.

Thanks,
Bill

 

Hi Bill. I have pertronix igniter II on my 66 352 and it made a big difference over points. Part#912810.

 

What's special or different about a '66 352 distributor?

1281 should work afaik. Unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket the Ignitor 1 should be just fine. I like to bypass the factory pink resistor wire and run full battery to one of their Flamethrower coils.

 

I have the II and a FlameThrower and I like it. It smoothed it out. Granted that's vs old used points.

 

I don't think there is any difference you will notice with a II over the I.

I had the Ignitor II and the Flamethrower II and could not tell a difference vs points for anything, idle quality, power, fuel economy, etc. My distributor was also rebuilt, so not 50+ years old and worn out.

 

I know this is an old thread, but FWIW I had an ignitor 1 in my 67 f100 352 and the coil failed and torched the ignitor. The II and III have built in prtection to keep that from happening. I'm going with a II next time.

 

Nero - that's exactly why I went with the II. I had my Scout at a tire shop and they didn't know how to turn the ignition fully off. Thankfully I have a II in it as well.

 

I think the II requires 12V and a compatible coil, whereas the I will work just fine using your original coil and the stock resistor wire. Just more tings to consider before changing.

 

I went with the Pertronix III and matching flamethrower coil on my 66 352. I wanted the thermal protection feature and was curious about the multi-spark. I can only compare it to points, which were new at the time, but there was a noticeable difference in how the truck ran. I also kept the resistor wire in place and used it as a switched input to a relay that provided a full 12v to the coil.

Regards,
Corey

 

If you read the instructions, you will see that all Ignitor modules, I, II and III require 12 volts. In the case of the Ignitor I, the resistor can remain in place but it is bypassed for the module.
Coils can be just about anything as long as they meet the minimum specs outlined in the instructions.

Instructions:
http://www.pertronix.com/docs/instru...heets/1281.pdf
http://www.pertronix.com/docs/instru...eets/91281.pdf
http://www.pertronix.com/docs/instru...eets/71281.pdf

 

Those are the newer instructions. Since I got the I when they first came out in the 90's I still have the instructions. No mention of needing 12V in it and so neither my Cougar or Mustang have 12V to them. Both have run fine for the last 20 years on the original I. My Park Lane, F100 and Polara have the II and do run 12V with the appropriate Pertronix coil.