I just had my FE 390 for my 1966 F250 rebuilt (it was leaking oil everywhere and I did not feel comfortable with a rebuild yet) and after I got it back I am experiencing stalling. It is pretty irregular but only after getting above 55 MPH (sorry no tac) and when it is warm. After talking to some and looking at some posts, it sounds like an ignition system issue. I purchased the Pertronix Ignitor II and Flame Thrower II Coil but after some more talk it might be good to replace the entire distributor with a Pertonix with all the new tech in it. Can anyone chime in with opinions? I thought the conversion kit might be easier since I would hopefully not have to check timing or other things I do not feel comfortable with yet, is this true? I heard from someone that I should check the timing even with the points conversion kit.

 

Here is a WAG. The Pertronix coil might be getting hot. I had issues and went thru a couple of coils. I would let it cool down and it would function again. Finally mounted it on the inner fender and switched to a Holley sniper coil and that took care of the issue.
Is your coil mounted in the intake manifold?

 

Well. I have not installed any of the Pertronix stuff yet. Sorry if I did not make that clear. I am still running on what I think is the original coil and the mechanical points. I just want to make sure I want to install the Pertonix conversion kit rather than a full on Pertronix distributor that might have the coil in it.

That said, the current coil is not on the manifold but is on top of the engine similar to this:
I am wondering though if I have to check the timing, why not just go to a new Pertronix all in one distributor.... I can still return the Pertronix ignitor II and Flame thrower. I just don't want to get too in above my head! But if it is advised to replace what I think is the original distributor and I have to check timing I think the deep end might be coming my way...

 

You need to be a little more descriptive about what it's doing. You say the engine was rebuilt. Who installed the distributor and timed it then? Did it get a new set of points?
This may be a good time to buy yourself a good digital timing light and learn how to use it. Nothing difficult involved. All the good ones have a built-in tach and dial back capabilities.
Changing out an entire distributor is the most involved of your choices and requires a good understanding of how to time an engine from scratch.
Going to the Pertronix II and coil is pretty simple but don't forget you must remove the pink resistor wire off of the ignition switch and replace it with a solid wire. Going to the Pertronix has only one advantage over the points you have now, "no Maintenace" it won't run any better or start easier than it will with a well-maintained points system.

 

I purchased the Pertronix billet distributor with the Pertronix system and coil and I am very satisfied with it. My 390 was rebuilt and, of course the distributor was quite old. I waned the best performing ignition system that I could achieve because shortcomings in the ignition system can cause all sorts of performance issues. I don't know exactly what might be causing your problem, it could even be a fuel pump that is underperforming and running low on fuel after running for a while or the floats in your carb. But, what I do want to do, is encourage you to learn how to check and set the timing on your truck. If you're going to tinker you would be wise to become enabled enough to set the timing, even if you go with Pertronix. This will free you of points and condenser, but not timing adjustment. That's something you want to be able to modify and check from time to time....no pun intended. Buy a dial-back advance timing light....digital. They're not expensive and you could learn to use it very easily whether by on-line tutorials or, if you have a friend that can help you. When you do so, you'll be surprised how uncomplicated it is. Owning an old vehicle is certainly enhanced by learning how it works. It makes you more independent and capable.....

 

I had a Pertronix coil go out in less than a year

 

Providing a bit more information would be helpful. I am personally not a fan of replacing parts "randomly". Is it stalling while driving? At idle? At acceleration? What is the status of the spark plug wires and the spark plugs?
And yes, check the timing even after just installing the module. The timing might be off a few deg, can be enough to cause pinging. As @Crop Duster mentioned, not too difficult to do and we can walk you through. And yes, you want 12V for the Pertronix.

 

After not getting spark at the plugs I tested the primary winding , it tested open..