HEI vs Pertronix
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HEI vs Pertronix
Hey all,
Just wondering if anyone has experience with those cheap HEI distributors you can find on eBay? (EG. ebay.com/itm/like/331197289228) Any thoughts on their performance / reliability vs a pertronix set up?
The HEI set up is kind of intriguing because it replaces the whole dizzy, but do the stock distributors actually need replacing? I mean, other than the points and rotor, do distributors typically wear out and require replacing after 100k? Or would I be better off just swapping the points for a pertronix ignitor?
Thanks!
Just wondering if anyone has experience with those cheap HEI distributors you can find on eBay? (EG. ebay.com/itm/like/331197289228) Any thoughts on their performance / reliability vs a pertronix set up?
The HEI set up is kind of intriguing because it replaces the whole dizzy, but do the stock distributors actually need replacing? I mean, other than the points and rotor, do distributors typically wear out and require replacing after 100k? Or would I be better off just swapping the points for a pertronix ignitor?
Thanks!
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Oh and this is for a 390 in my 72 F250. I'm swapping the points because its been missing lately and idling weird, and they've never been replaced so I figure I might as well.
Also I know this subject has been beaten to death on these forums already, so thanks for bearing with me!
Also I know this subject has been beaten to death on these forums already, so thanks for bearing with me!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
An HEI is generally unnecessary for low RPM FE-series engines unless ya upgrade the cam, compression, or tickle it with NOS.
A dizzy can wear out... it depends on a multitude of factors. I say leave it be unless you're going for eye candy or know in fact that ya have a bad dizzy.
A dizzy can wear out... it depends on a multitude of factors. I say leave it be unless you're going for eye candy or know in fact that ya have a bad dizzy.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
I have had both. I can tell you that the cheap HEI that I bought basically self destructed after a few months. Although it did run well.
I replaced it with a new reman stock unit and installed a pertronix. It runs just as well as the HEI, and uses all stock parts and wires.
My suggestion is for the pertronix.
I replaced it with a new reman stock unit and installed a pertronix. It runs just as well as the HEI, and uses all stock parts and wires.
My suggestion is for the pertronix.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
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From: **** hole San Jose ca.
I used all of the petronixs ignitor dizzy units l & ll were about the same, the third generation of petronixs lll & coil seen some what better.
I switched to the HEI and it seem like a small step up from the petronix lll but did notice fast quicker startups so that's an A+ for me to keep using it.
Plus any auto parts store can get you the GM parts replacement fast or find a gm dealer.
I've been running mind over a yr with no problem yet..
GM ran the style for many yrs. so it could have been all that bad.
Orich
I switched to the HEI and it seem like a small step up from the petronix lll but did notice fast quicker startups so that's an A+ for me to keep using it.
Plus any auto parts store can get you the GM parts replacement fast or find a gm dealer.
I've been running mind over a yr with no problem yet..
GM ran the style for many yrs. so it could have been all that bad.
Orich
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Over 100k? Yeah, I bet the stock dizzy is worn out. I looked at a lot of aftermarket stuff, there are options. But a lot of 'em are like 400 bucks. I'm not poor, tho WTF, right? So I opted for a stock remanufactured Motorcraft for $80, it ran a lot better. Before it wouldn't idle real smooth as it should and not at 500 hardly at all. Now it's like a sewing machine. Plus I can still drop points and condensor back in if the Pertronix fails. Basically Since I already had the Ignitor none of the other options made as much sense. I would recommend a new distributor after 100k though, stock or otherwise. Be glad you did.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Phoenix, Az.
2X Tedster. 100,000 miles would make me swap Dizzys also. Housing bushings prolly worn. Points breaker plate prolly worn. Lawd only knows the condition of the advance weights and springs.
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Awesome, thanks for all the advice guys. I found a new pertronix ignitor and coil on Craigslist for pretty cheap so I just went with that, we'll see how it goes. I might see about a new distributor though if the pertronix doesn't solve anything.
Either way though, after reading a lot of reviews and testimonial, I plan on staying away from the cheap HEI setup. I've definitely heard good things about them and easy access to replacement parts is definitely a bonus, but overall they seem pretty hit or miss, and I'd rather not take my chances. But on the flip side I'm not ready to dole out $500 for a proven brand at this point. So we'll see.
Just out of curiosity, for those dentsiders out there, what's your experience been with the duraspark ignitions? Ever install one in a bump?
Either way though, after reading a lot of reviews and testimonial, I plan on staying away from the cheap HEI setup. I've definitely heard good things about them and easy access to replacement parts is definitely a bonus, but overall they seem pretty hit or miss, and I'd rather not take my chances. But on the flip side I'm not ready to dole out $500 for a proven brand at this point. So we'll see.
Just out of curiosity, for those dentsiders out there, what's your experience been with the duraspark ignitions? Ever install one in a bump?
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