It's time for Pertronix
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Western NC
It's time for Pertronix
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!
I've decided to take the leap to Pertronix. I got a little money for Christmas, and I'm needing a tune-up, so now is as good a time as any. I am not sure of what year my 351W engine is. The carb has a '69 number on the tag, as best I recall. I am unsure about what kind of distributor I have. Exactly what information am I going to need to make sure I get the right one? My intentions are to compare O'Reilly's price with anything I can find online, and then choose the best one. Any commentary on what kind of plugs to use (hotter? more gap?), plug wires, and coil will be greatly appreciated!!
I've decided to take the leap to Pertronix. I got a little money for Christmas, and I'm needing a tune-up, so now is as good a time as any. I am not sure of what year my 351W engine is. The carb has a '69 number on the tag, as best I recall. I am unsure about what kind of distributor I have. Exactly what information am I going to need to make sure I get the right one? My intentions are to compare O'Reilly's price with anything I can find online, and then choose the best one. Any commentary on what kind of plugs to use (hotter? more gap?), plug wires, and coil will be greatly appreciated!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The distributor is what matters as far as that goes. The Ford stock # is embossed on the body. But, basically all Ford single point distributors use the same Ignitor - 1281 iirc.
Figure out what distributor you have just to be sure, and give them a call if you need to. I guess they have a real good tech support and know their stuff. For all that though, if the distributor itself has some miles on it you really want to replace that first. Bushings wear out, advance plate wears, sticks, etc. The Pertronix compensates for mechanical wear that the points cannot, but not all of it. If I had to make a choice, buy a new distributor first. Get one that is already curved for performance, lighter springs and limited advance slot.
Another good upgrade along with the Ignitor is to remove the ballast wire resistor and use a hotter coil, with full time 12+ volts. Just make sure your cap and wires and plugs are in good shape and use plenty of dielectric grease. There's no need to open the gap really, though some recommend up to .040 or .045 You'll notice easier starts and smoother idle and better power and driveability.
Figure out what distributor you have just to be sure, and give them a call if you need to. I guess they have a real good tech support and know their stuff. For all that though, if the distributor itself has some miles on it you really want to replace that first. Bushings wear out, advance plate wears, sticks, etc. The Pertronix compensates for mechanical wear that the points cannot, but not all of it. If I had to make a choice, buy a new distributor first. Get one that is already curved for performance, lighter springs and limited advance slot.
Another good upgrade along with the Ignitor is to remove the ballast wire resistor and use a hotter coil, with full time 12+ volts. Just make sure your cap and wires and plugs are in good shape and use plenty of dielectric grease. There's no need to open the gap really, though some recommend up to .040 or .045 You'll notice easier starts and smoother idle and better power and driveability.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
Having tried all 3 Pertronix the Ignitor II with it's coil & price range is about the best bang for the buck. But if you got the extra bucks, I did notice a very small improvement with Pertronix III ignitor unit which is about the same as the HEI dizzy.
The HEI dizzy unit as clearance issues with air-filter, carb/tranny linkage with an the auto trans all needs modified before drivable..
Orich
The HEI dizzy unit as clearance issues with air-filter, carb/tranny linkage with an the auto trans all needs modified before drivable..
Orich
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I like the idea of Pertronix with OEM type distributor because it can be easily switched back to points and condenser if necessary. Unlikely, but the option is there on the road or wherever.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
It's always good to be able to fix a road side break down.
I'm using the HEI dizzy with after market accel modulator & coil and keep the oem GM modulator in my glove box and coil in the bed side tool box.
One never knows when things will happen and best to be prepared for them the best to can with the basic stuff to get you back on the road & home.
This is why, I am still running a Carb an not efi setup. As I'd be needing a tow trucks help to get my dead not running truck home. All While if needing to wait on parts to be shipped to me. No thanks, I'll stay with old skool carb.
Orich
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
2X Ted. All Ford OHV single point V8 Dizzys took the same points so therefore the same Pertronix. The tag number on the Dizzy was just that,a metal tag mounted on the outboard vacuum advance screw. As stated above you ought to make sure your Dizzy isn't worn out before putting a Pertronix in it. Before taking the points out I suggest putting a dwell meter on it. Fire up the engine noting where the dwell meter is at. Then rev it up to somewhere around 1500 RPM. The dwell should stay steady and be no more than 2-3 degrees different than when it was idling. Also with the cap off put a piece of hose on the vacuum advance's nipple. Suck on the hose to make sure the vac advance is good and watch the point's breaker plate to pivot nice and smooth and not tipping. If it fails either one of these tests get yourself a new Dizzy.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Western NC
orich, is this the type HEI unit you mentioned as having the clearance issues? I might consider this kind of option if I had a good reason to!
Ford 351W 351 Windsor Blue Small Cap Hei Distributor and 8mm Spark Plug Wires | eBay
Ford 351W 351 Windsor Blue Small Cap Hei Distributor and 8mm Spark Plug Wires | eBay
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Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 4
From: Western NC
The Pertonix website lists umpteen different part numbers for Ford, not to mention the ones for Autolite. I just wanted to make sure I get the right thing!!
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
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1957-74 8 All models Motorcraft 8, 79, 88, 102 1281 91281 71281
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The HEI looks good, but still a few parts to buy.
Just search that auction site for Pertronix 1281 - Looks to be about 68 dollars w/shipping or so. Should fit any dizzy from 57-74; Other offerings include the Flamethrower too, for more money, naturally.
Just search that auction site for Pertronix 1281 - Looks to be about 68 dollars w/shipping or so. Should fit any dizzy from 57-74; Other offerings include the Flamethrower too, for more money, naturally.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,678
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
I've had all three. Points, HEI, and Pertronix.
Points run, but condensers are failing left and right. I had 2 go out on me.
HEI was nice, but it takes different wires and stuff like that. The large GM style units can be a pain to fit on some applications. HEI Runs very well though.
Pertronix is the best of both worlds, and my favorite of the three. It all fits under the stock cap, uses the same wires, and performs just as well as the HEI. Failure is almost unheard of. Not so with some aftermarket HEI dizzys
I put in a strong vote for pertronix. But if you have a real hot rod, aftermarket HEI might perform better for you.
Points run, but condensers are failing left and right. I had 2 go out on me.
HEI was nice, but it takes different wires and stuff like that. The large GM style units can be a pain to fit on some applications. HEI Runs very well though.
Pertronix is the best of both worlds, and my favorite of the three. It all fits under the stock cap, uses the same wires, and performs just as well as the HEI. Failure is almost unheard of. Not so with some aftermarket HEI dizzys
I put in a strong vote for pertronix. But if you have a real hot rod, aftermarket HEI might perform better for you.
