Pertronix ignition
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
They've sold millions so they have something going for them. Points work OK, but are a mechanical system and so prone to wear. A tune up would consist of replacing and gapping them, checking dwell and timing, or checking the tension with a scale, making sure they aren't misaligned, burnt etc. They seem to have a bit fatter spark or longer duration and more consistent over RPM range. Pertronix is a "set it and forget it" one time deal.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Not familiar w/ the Pertronix Ignition, understand it's a relatively easy upgrade. I swapped the points for Duraspark ll EI on both 65's and no longer experienced a problem getting the 390ci started on a cold and wet winter morning.
New User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Replaced the old points on my '65 Mustang I-6 200 and saw immediate and noticeable increase in horsepower! The Pertronix system came with easy-to-follow instructions (it was my first time to do something like that) and was worth the dollars.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Distributors wear too, excessive end play, and wobble in the shaft makes point adjustment difficult if not impossible. The Pertronix compensates for this to a degree I suspect. I'm thinking a serviceable distributor and points should be acceptable, but they are a PITA to service on Y blocks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 113
From: Chico, Ca.
The Pertronix is a great unit. I noticed better power and easier startups. You can widen the plug gap and advance the timing, due to the hotter spark. I replaced the old dizzy with a reman, and no problems. I highly recommend it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,389
Likes: 58
I noticed a lighter wallet, and that's it, when I tried the Ignitor II with flamethrower II coil. I wouldn't waste my money on another.
I also believe that the Pertronix (or any electronic pickup, for that matter) is more forgiving when the distributor is worn out. My distributor was a relatively fresh rebuild when I tried it. Couldn't tell a difference between the points.
I also believe that the Pertronix (or any electronic pickup, for that matter) is more forgiving when the distributor is worn out. My distributor was a relatively fresh rebuild when I tried it. Couldn't tell a difference between the points.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 103
I have it on my 65 289 Mustang. Starts easy and idles well, even in cold weather.
Im planning on doing it to my 292 when the points wear out.
Im planning on doing it to my 292 when the points wear out.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Just installed Pertroinix this past weekend :)
I just installed the unit this past weekend 2/21/15 works great my 66 F-250 Camper Special 352 CI 2bbl/ 4 on the floor / 410 dana runs great. I highly recommend it no more breaker points, easy start ups , RPMs are smooth though all gears.
Mark SW Ga.
Mark SW Ga.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
If you can put a set of points in, then you can put a Pertronix ignition in. It replaces the points and condensor, and with the stock distributor cap covering it up, no one is none the wiser.
I put a Pertronix ignition and proper high-output coil in my F-600. Barely turn the ignition key and BAMMM! - it's up and running! My engine runs smooth all throughout the rpm range. Set it and forget it, it's the K.I.S.S. principle at it's very finest. I'm sold.
Paul.
I put a Pertronix ignition and proper high-output coil in my F-600. Barely turn the ignition key and BAMMM! - it's up and running! My engine runs smooth all throughout the rpm range. Set it and forget it, it's the K.I.S.S. principle at it's very finest. I'm sold.
Paul.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
pertronix
Hello. I have 66 f100 with 352. What can you advance the timing to? I just did the conversion yesterday.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
pertronix
Hello. I did the Igniter ll with their 11 coil. Just looking for advice on what I can set the timing at. Already gapped the plugs at .45 and new cap rotor and 8.8 mm wires. This all made a huge difference on start up and very smooth revs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Dialing in the distributor advance curve is kind of a pain tho rewarding. As a practical matter you could try just advancing the initial crank timing until just short of pinging.
This won't usually get you where you want to be though. A stock distributor generally already has way too much total centrifugal mechanical advance to allow for much leeway in crank timing, and worse, it comes in only at a high RPM.
You can tailor the "when" and "how much" total advance by adjusting the advance slot and installing lighter springs, inside the distributor. Finally, the vacuum advance is adjusted for maximum advance at low load highway cruise, or steady RPM conditions. It's worth taking the time to do this for best engine performance and, fuel economy (such as it is), smooth idle, better driveability, etc.