which ignition system
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 1
From: central oregon
I first got a Mallory Unilite It lasted for three years .The infra red had quit and I had hooked it according to the Mallory instructions The replacement was $160 and I had paid $200 for the whole distributor . Then I got the Pertronix unit it worked great for seven years then it would start moving around in the distributor I would adjust it so it would run perfect then take off down the road then she would start misfiring and the gap between the unit and the distributor was wider . I didn't have $135 to replace it and since I work in a wrecking yard I got everything for the duraspark conversion then bought a reman distributor . I was on a very tight budget that's why the duraspark was perfect for me.I was using the right coil for the Pertronix.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I first got a Mallory Unilite It lasted for three years .The infra red had quit and I had hooked it according to the Mallory instructions The replacement was $160 and I had paid $200 for the whole distributor . Then I got the Pertronix unit it worked great for seven years then it would start moving around in the distributor I would adjust it so it would run perfect then take off down the road then she would start misfiring and the gap between the unit and the distributor was wider . I didn't have $135 to replace it and since I work in a wrecking yard I got everything for the duraspark conversion then bought a reman distributor . I was on a very tight budget that's why the duraspark was perfect for me.I was using the right coil for the Pertronix.
John
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
I, too, had the original Pertronix on my Cougar and Mustang when they first came out. Never a problem with them. Over the last year the Mustang along with the Park Lane, F100 and Polara all have a Pertronix 2 while the Cougar has the Pertronix 3. All have the appropriate coil and I couldn't be happier. Engines start instantly and run great. Have a couple of Durasparks in a box but never used as I just didn't care for the bigger dizzy cap.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 4
From: Mddl A MexCans
I, too, had the original Pertronix on my Cougar and Mustang when they first came out. Never a problem with them. Over the last year the Mustang along with the Park Lane, F100 and Polara all have a Pertronix 2 while the Cougar has the Pertronix 3. All have the appropriate coil and I couldn't be happier. Engines start instantly and run great. Have a couple of Durasparks in a box but never used as I just didn't care for the bigger dizzy cap.
65 Merc FE 390 :: VID_20110123_140828.mp4 video by GrumpyBobby - Photobucket
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 1
From: central oregon
me too .got the dizzy from a 76 390. Turned out the little centering pin on the Pertronix had worn down which was allowing it to move around . but the duraspark is working great so no need to go back to a Pertronix system .
Last edited by akforceten; Jan 25, 2011 at 10:58 PM. Reason: spelling
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
Redmanbob, Thanks for the link to the Duraspark/HEI hybrid. I was thinking one of the "unitized" distributors but there very expensive. I seem to remember seeing them for cheap but not anymore. The main "issues" you hear with a duraspark setup is the module. I'd never had a duraspark dizzy fail but have had module "issues" over the years, solved them with a second module bolted next to the main module. I like that the hei module can compensate for any coil and I don't need a resistor. Seems like the best of each system with cheap easy to source components, cause if I'm gonna have a problem it'll be on a Sunday in hickville and not in Summits or pertronix parking lot between the hours of 9 to 5. Plus I get to keep my small cap duraspark dizzy. Its all the helpful tips that save money and keep our trucks going that really keep me motivated on this project. hoping to give this setup a try.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 1
From: central oregon
I do have a spare module ,but the one I,m running has been going strong for years I love the duraspark setup for cost reasons kinda best bang for the buck!
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I started with the Duraspark,then I added the MSD 6-AL and coil .Then I had my Duraspark distributor recurved .The distributor was in good shape with no play on the shaft and good teeth .
I now have the MSD distributor where the ignition modual is optional .I kept the 6-AL hooked up .
I can tell the difference ,it runs better ,but it cost me money to get there .
I now have the MSD distributor where the ignition modual is optional .I kept the 6-AL hooked up .
I can tell the difference ,it runs better ,but it cost me money to get there .
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