Points OK?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 164
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The ONLY gain will be you will not need to change or adjust points .
This would be like running a higher octane gasoline , or a mega coil , no performance gain on a stock , low rpm , low compression motor , NONE .
Don't get me wrong , I would perfer an electronic ignition system any day .
With a petronix set up you need to be careful of electrical spikes , a low battery charged with a high amp charger or jump starting a dead vehicle can fry your system . The duraspark systems are not as sensitive as the petronix .
Check on the system . One advantage with a petronix system is you can usually convert without damaging any components of the original system , thus you can slap the points back in on the side of the road and be back on your way . Most duraspark owners carry a spare brain box behind the seat .
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
This is not true; anyone who has done the swap (including myself) will tell you that the engine starts much more easily and runs smoother.
What is missing in the design of the Pertronix setup that makes it more sensitive than anything else? The concepts between the two units are very similar.
What is missing in the design of the Pertronix setup that makes it more sensitive than anything else? The concepts between the two units are very similar.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
Instant start & excellent idling, with DS anyway - I haven't had experience with Petronix
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
The main issue with points is that it starts degrading the instant they are installed. It's an optical trigger with no moving parts. Look at points--rub block, pitting contacts, and points bounce.
All my formerly points-equipped vehicles have it installed and they have been bombproof.
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Senior User
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This is not true; anyone who has done the swap (including myself) will tell you that the engine starts much more easily and runs smoother.
What is missing in the design of the Pertronix setup that makes it more sensitive than anything else? The concepts between the two units are very similar.
What is missing in the design of the Pertronix setup that makes it more sensitive than anything else? The concepts between the two units are very similar.
The Duraspark system is better than points or the petronix system because it has the ability to advance and retard the timing to make the stock engine perform better plus maybe other features that I don't know about ????
I ASSUME the duraspark system has better components that make it less sensitive to voltage spikes . The petronix system is nothing to be scared of , you just need to keep from extreme electrical conditions . Jump starting is not a good idea , it took me a few times to figure this out , he he .
So I must retract my statement about the advantages , which the EI systems do have an advantage , I should have said the EI will not increase the power performance ( horsepower ) of a stock motor , just like higher octane gas or 1000* spark plug wires .
Points vs EI and 12 volt conversions are always fun topics on the flathead Ford tractor sites .
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
The switch (or transistor) starts and stops current through the primary winding of the coil. The collapsing of the magnetic field inside the coil is a secondary effect of abruptly cutting off the primary current.
I have not taken apart a Pertonix unit and have no data to claim either way. The phrase "better components" is not easily quantified. What's more important is how close components are operated close to their limits or operating range, which is a design statement.
I agree that any gains in horsepower, if any, are minimal. However, electronic ignition systems can more accurately control the dwell time, which leads to a higher secondary voltage and a better burn. This is why engines with electronic ignition typically call for a wider plug gap than engines with points. So there is some improvement, even if it's not noticeable. I would imagine gas mileage improves as well to some degree.
I agree that any gains in horsepower, if any, are minimal. However, electronic ignition systems can more accurately control the dwell time, which leads to a higher secondary voltage and a better burn. This is why engines with electronic ignition typically call for a wider plug gap than engines with points. So there is some improvement, even if it's not noticeable. I would imagine gas mileage improves as well to some degree.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
... I think I was mislead by the term "shutter wheel".
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
... but I know what a U-joint is and how it functions! (That's a reference to a thread about a week ago where the so-called "expert" didn't want to admit he was dead wrong).
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