For some time I have had an intermittent "skip, or hiccup" from my 292 V-8, std w/overdrive. Sometimes it will go dead without any warning. A new fuel pump to replace the one with a leaking topworks did not solve the problem. As it has been some time since the points were changed, I decided to try the Pertronix ignition. I also installed their coil.

Man, what a difference. The engine starts easier, runs smoother, has better acceleration than it ever had. The instruction suggests that the spark plugs can be opened up a bit to take advantage of the hotter spark, but does not tell how much to open them up. What has been the experience of some of you that have done it?

I am a bit hesitant to think of the engine running any better - but an improvement in gas mileage (14mpg) will be appreciated.
In another post I will share the steps in getting the Mustang Master Cylinder working in the 64F100.

Thanks for all the help you folks have provided. You may not know it, but your posts are a wealth of information, tips, help, and encouragement. It helps to know there are a lot of folks out there that care for these old trucks.

Norwood Shelton
Monroe, LA

 

I had them on a 300 six and I am getting ready to drop them in a 390. Good experience for me too. On the 300, I gapped the plugs at 45 and had a good performance.

 

Thanks, I'll regap the plugs to .045 as soon as the weather warms up a bit and I get over the flu.

Norwood

 

Hey Norwood, what part of monroe do you live in. I stayed with an Aunt who lived on Bonnair Drive when in college up there. I live in Jena now. Was it hard to set up the Pertronix. Thinking about the swap if I ever get to start working on my 65'.

Good Luck
Bobby

Good Looking truck, be proud!!

 

Setting up the Pertronix is very easy. It is a 20 minute upgrade that will reap benefits for the bucks.

 

JUSTOLDBOBO, I live just north & east of Monroe, in the Swartz area. Been there for over 30 years. I like your slogan. I, too hate being poor. I will hardly eat a po-boy sandwich because of the idea of "cannibalism", "one pore boy eating another".

To all: I got the plugs regapped to .045 a few days ago, and in the past few days have really put it to a test. I hauled 5.4 tons of SB2 granite stone/shaving dust on my 16' tandem wheel trailer, and while it didn't run circles around the other vehicles on the road, it did pull it. Pulled other loads of 4.1 & 2.9 tons. About a year ago, before "Petronixing" the truck, I had more difficulty getting moving, going accross overpasses, starting from stop on an uphill grade, etc. with 3.5 tons.

I would like to know what brand/part # of plugs, plain, platinum, double platinum, have been used most successfully by F-100 owners. The ones I have now are MotorCraft BSF42C, and really should be replaced. I'm seriously considering new distributor cap, rotor and plug wires, too.

Norwood Shelton

 

Be sure your pertronix has 12 volts from the ignition run position. I was gapping my plugs at .060 with no problem BUT, PUTT talked me into trying .050. Much better! I also like platinum plugs because they stay cleaner, but don't spend huge bucks for marketing. What ever autolite or motorcraft platinum will work in your truck gapped at .045 to .050. Don't forget the all Ford up grade to the flat cap, long nose rotor and 8mm wires.

 

Are you all using the ignitor or ignitor II? I'll try my next set of plugs at .045". Mine are at .035" now. Pertronix says that a gap of .005" larger than stock will provide performance gains in most cases - about .040".

 

I use the Ignitor (over 35000 miles). Don't know how much better the II is but I'll use that on future trucks.

 

William, what do you mean by the all Ford up grade to the flat cap, long nose rotor? What are the part # & source? Also, what about double platinum plugs? Have you considered them?

 

Will the Pertronix set-up swap into any Ford point-type distributor? What I'm asking is, right now I've got a 390 in my truck and I'm sick of the points but I am building a 429 to put in later. Will I be able to put the Pertronix set-up from the 390 dist. into the 429 dist.?

 

According to page 4 of the catalog at http://www.pertronix.com/2003%20PerTronix%20Catalog.pdf
the model 1281 fits all Ford V-8s from '57 to '74. This probably includes your 390 & 429.

To be sure, contact information is at
http://www.pertronix.com/contact.htm

They should be able to give you an answer.

"G'Luck".

 

Go to this site

http://www.mm-inet.com/521768.shtml

and select the first Pertronix shown to make your way to a site that lists:

POINT-TYPE TO ELECTRONIC IGNITION CONVERSION KIT
Extends plug life and improves gas mileage
Installs as easily as changing points
Epoxy coating protects against moisture, dirt, dust and oil. Entire ignition system fits beneath distributor cap to maintain original look. No alteration to distributor required. Use on vehicles with points-type ignition. CARB EO #D-57-1.

1960 - 1978 Ford F-Series Pickup F100, F250 & F350 with 8-cylinders (without Electronic Ignition)

Point-type to Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit Kit 07ZX7015U $76.95

Man!! some URLs work and some don't. It took 3 tries before I could get one to work.

 

8r63, yes the Pertronix will swap from the 390 to the 429 as long as they are both single point dizzys.

MyDads64-double platinum plugs gain nothing over single platinum plugs unless you have a distributor-less ignition. The wear always occurs on the center electrode on regular electronic and point type ignitions and that is the platinum part of single plat plugs. So don't waste the extra money! The large cap system was stock on about 75 and newer V8's, it consists of three parts the cap, rotor and a cap adapter to mate to the dizzy. You will also need plug wires with a spark plug type end at the dizzy cap end. It is only really needed if running a hi-output ignition, ie. a Duraspark, MSD, Holley Annihilator, Crane, etc.

Thanks for the update William!! Glad to know I helped!!!



Putt

 

Thanks Putt. You've helped both William and me.

I'll go with William's suggestion and stay with Autolite or Motorcraft platinums.

I don't want to buy more than I need, as I have just retired & signed up for Social Security. I'll have to live to be 110 to draw all the $$ I've put into the system - not to mention all the income taxes I've paid over the last 55 years.

Again, Thanks to you and William.