Ignition Upgrade
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 184
Likes: 34
From: U.P. of Michigan
Ignition Upgrade
Spring is threatening to arrive, and I'll be getting my '72 390 (currently on Engine Stand) ready to be dropped into my '72 F350.
NEXT Winter - I'm going to have the time and $ to do a complete rebuild on it, including an RV cam, 4 Barrel w/Performer Intake, and Pertronix Upgrade.
It's a good running 390 now (approx. 65K miles), and I'm just wanting to get it in, and get my Truck going.
So, I'm just doing an Oil/Filter Change (VR-1 & Wix), New Holley 500 CFM 2 Barrel, Headers, and Plugs, Wires, Distributor Cap & Rotor.
Regarding that, I was wanting input on the choices I've made (below).
Thanks for any Input.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-888901
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-5506
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-5506
NEXT Winter - I'm going to have the time and $ to do a complete rebuild on it, including an RV cam, 4 Barrel w/Performer Intake, and Pertronix Upgrade.
It's a good running 390 now (approx. 65K miles), and I'm just wanting to get it in, and get my Truck going.
So, I'm just doing an Oil/Filter Change (VR-1 & Wix), New Holley 500 CFM 2 Barrel, Headers, and Plugs, Wires, Distributor Cap & Rotor.
Regarding that, I was wanting input on the choices I've made (below).
Thanks for any Input.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-888901
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-5506
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-5506
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,519
Likes: 2,654
From: Near Salt Lake City
Opinions are like A holes, everybody has one
But
I'd rather see you use a factory Duraspark II distributor from a 75-76 truck with a 360
What you have planned for the 72 390 motor sounds good
Consider forged pistons for longevity and I'd go 10 to 1 flat top
That motor will handle 12.5 to 1 if you want to find fuel for it
I have access to Sunoco 130 leaded around here
But
I'd rather see you use a factory Duraspark II distributor from a 75-76 truck with a 360
What you have planned for the 72 390 motor sounds good
Consider forged pistons for longevity and I'd go 10 to 1 flat top
That motor will handle 12.5 to 1 if you want to find fuel for it
I have access to Sunoco 130 leaded around here
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
Do you have your old carb and/or exhaust manifolds? I only ask, because if it were me, I'd rather save the money from having to buy 2 carbs and manifolds/headers (one now and another later) and instead use that money for the Petronix upgrade.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 184
Likes: 34
From: U.P. of Michigan
I already have an Edelbrock Performer Manifold, and a set of Headers.
There's a reason (complicated) why I'm doing some things NOW and some things later.
But, if there were ONE thing that I may do up front (NOW) it's possibly the Pertronix up grade.
I'm (right now) in the process of watching videos, etc., of the Pertronix install, and getting educated on it.
I also need to decide whether I want the Ignitor 1, 2, or 3.
Thanks,
There's a reason (complicated) why I'm doing some things NOW and some things later.
But, if there were ONE thing that I may do up front (NOW) it's possibly the Pertronix up grade.
I'm (right now) in the process of watching videos, etc., of the Pertronix install, and getting educated on it.
I also need to decide whether I want the Ignitor 1, 2, or 3.
Thanks,
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 184
Likes: 34
From: U.P. of Michigan
Thanks. I'm looking at all of them currently.
Did you have to change your Coil when you upgraded your Distributor?
I've seen numerous videos of Installations - some change the Coil, and say it's necessary. Others don't.
I don't get it.
Did you have to change your Coil when you upgraded your Distributor?
I've seen numerous videos of Installations - some change the Coil, and say it's necessary. Others don't.
I don't get it.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
I didn't. It depends on whether or not your rig has a ballast resistor. The ignition system had been chopped up on mine, so I didn't have to worry about it. Just make sure your coil is putting out 12v to the Ignitor.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 184
Likes: 34
From: U.P. of Michigan
Thanks.
Yeah - 12 VDC to the Coil.
So.......I may not need to purchase a new Coil.......Winning!
My other question was about Plug Wires - I'm getting some good ones from Summit.
They should be okay, right?.......
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-888901
Yeah - 12 VDC to the Coil.
So.......I may not need to purchase a new Coil.......Winning!
My other question was about Plug Wires - I'm getting some good ones from Summit.
They should be okay, right?.......
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-888901
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 184
Likes: 34
From: U.P. of Michigan
These are the "Special" Pertronix Flame Thrower Plug Wires - 500 Ohms:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-708104/make/ford
These are the "Standard" Plug Wires - 50 Ohms:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-888901
I'm wondering......If I don't do the Pertronix upgrade right away (I'm leaning towards), can I go ahead and get the Pertronix wires - will they work fine?
Or.......should I get the Standard wires, and then use them with the Pertronix if I choose to convert?
(If I was a Millionaire this would not be an issue).
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-708104/make/ford
These are the "Standard" Plug Wires - 50 Ohms:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-888901
I'm wondering......If I don't do the Pertronix upgrade right away (I'm leaning towards), can I go ahead and get the Pertronix wires - will they work fine?
Or.......should I get the Standard wires, and then use them with the Pertronix if I choose to convert?
(If I was a Millionaire this would not be an issue).
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 904
Likes: 115
From: Laurel, MS
Recently my Pertronix died (it served me well for 20 years) and I put my points and condenser back in my distributor. I installed my old coil in place of the Pertronix coil.
However, I didn't change my Pertronix spark plug wires (I didn't realize they were different) and everything seems to be running and performing fine with the Pertronix wires and the points and condenser.
However, I didn't change my Pertronix spark plug wires (I didn't realize they were different) and everything seems to be running and performing fine with the Pertronix wires and the points and condenser.
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