petronix or msd
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 276
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From: washington state
petronix or msd
i have an msd distributor and ignition that i am running right now...i have a petronix sitting in a junk pile of parts..just wondering what differences i can gain from either one...or any tuning tips with my 390..thanks, Mike
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
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From: Plankinton, SD
I run msd in all 3 of our race cars and wouldn't change. Probably not a lot of differences between the two. Just follow the instructions on how soon to bring in full advance at different times by changing the springs and get the setting you want. It will run better the sooner you get to full advance (lighter springs I think, don't remember for sure).
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 840
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I always think that if you have consistency with your spark....fires every time and of sufficient quality, you can't improve on that other than messing with timing.
In theory, a properly operating points system should provide the same Hp as any top of the line solid state ignition system. Once you change, an improvement in smoothness under hard acceleration should be noticeable. But it seems that a points system will not operate perfectly. There is a higher number of misfires (or weak fires) that you won't notice until you install a solid-state system. Even then you will have misfires, but much less.
One way to help overcome this is with multiple spark. With MSD, you have that. With Pertronix you have it with the Ignitor III for the lower part of the rpm range. With earlier versions (I and II) you don't.
So if you have an MSD unit, I'd stick with that.
Not sure about MSD, but I had some hard to troubleshoot ignition problems with my Pertronix unit until I bought their matching coil. So depending on what coil you have, your Pertronix may not work quite as well as it should.
In theory, a properly operating points system should provide the same Hp as any top of the line solid state ignition system. Once you change, an improvement in smoothness under hard acceleration should be noticeable. But it seems that a points system will not operate perfectly. There is a higher number of misfires (or weak fires) that you won't notice until you install a solid-state system. Even then you will have misfires, but much less.
One way to help overcome this is with multiple spark. With MSD, you have that. With Pertronix you have it with the Ignitor III for the lower part of the rpm range. With earlier versions (I and II) you don't.
So if you have an MSD unit, I'd stick with that.
Not sure about MSD, but I had some hard to troubleshoot ignition problems with my Pertronix unit until I bought their matching coil. So depending on what coil you have, your Pertronix may not work quite as well as it should.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 276
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From: washington state
thanks guys..the reason I ask is because so many people advise the petronix but i think that is because of its low price. I just happen to pick up my msd at a good low price and its already installed so I think Im fine there. Some also say that if your not drag racing then u dont need it. I am only streetrod/cruiser. however the only problem I see is after ive been driving and turn the truck off and go to start again it turns over REAL slow as if timing is off. i think i played with it before and it made it better when warm starting but worse for cold starting. Mike
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
The pertronix vs msd is not a direct apples to apples comparison.
The pertronix is a electronic pick up replacing the points and condensor.
MSD has that, plus a weight kit, performance vac canister, and precision tolerances.
A stock distributer with the pertronix kit, weight kit, and vac canister would pretty equal a msd system on stock and warm street motors. Beyond that they can get a little fuzzy on firing past 5500 rpm. So I would run one in a street motor without a second thought provided the distributer was in good repair to begin with. Also stock distributers are easier to get parts for then a MSD if your in the middle of no where which can be helpfull.
The pertronix is a electronic pick up replacing the points and condensor.
MSD has that, plus a weight kit, performance vac canister, and precision tolerances.
A stock distributer with the pertronix kit, weight kit, and vac canister would pretty equal a msd system on stock and warm street motors. Beyond that they can get a little fuzzy on firing past 5500 rpm. So I would run one in a street motor without a second thought provided the distributer was in good repair to begin with. Also stock distributers are easier to get parts for then a MSD if your in the middle of no where which can be helpfull.
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