Pertronix or MSD
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Bozeman, MT
Pertronix or MSD
Im in the process of junking my old faithful point system for a new shiny electronic ignition system. You guys have a preference between MSD and pertronix?
1970 F250 Sport Custom
390 w/flattops
Comp 268H
Holley 670 SA
stupid stock iron extra super heavy intake (soon to be an Edel RPM)
C8AE-H heads
1970 F250 Sport Custom
390 w/flattops
Comp 268H
Holley 670 SA
stupid stock iron extra super heavy intake (soon to be an Edel RPM)
C8AE-H heads
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 835
Likes: 0
From: Fort Rucker, AL
There are guys in here that race with the old point system. It all depends on how much you want to spend for an electronic ignition. MSD if you've got a few hundred laying around but you'd get just as good a system with a less expensive Pertronix Ignitor and supercoil. My .02.
Somebody else will chime in their .02
Somebody else will chime in their .02
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
No more points
I've been running the Allison optical trigger system, now called the XR700 series by Crane. Running it for 14 years without any trouble. Crane purchased Allison. I have a XR3000 (FireBall) trigger with LX-91 performance coil thats hotter but haven't installed yet. The coil thru Summit was $49, XR3000 was $127 (?). If you use a Pertronics trigger you may be limited on the amount of current the trigger can handle, no high current hot coil. I had a MSD system that failed twice in three years, hence back to the old Allison. Carl...o&o>......
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
On a limited budget go with the Pertronix/stock system.
At the next level I consider there to be 2 choices. The MSD and the DUI. There are other brands comparable to the MSD that you hear about every so often.
If I had it to do again, I'd probably try the DUI for my build. If I was building a straight race motor for the most HP, then I might stick with the MSD.
I've had many parts fail in the MSD system, but it appears to be working now. And it's easy to adjust for hotter engines.
At the next level I consider there to be 2 choices. The MSD and the DUI. There are other brands comparable to the MSD that you hear about every so often.
If I had it to do again, I'd probably try the DUI for my build. If I was building a straight race motor for the most HP, then I might stick with the MSD.
I've had many parts fail in the MSD system, but it appears to be working now. And it's easy to adjust for hotter engines.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
Had a MSD system on my Mustang and had the pick-up fail twice on it. Easy and cheap to replace but pain to figure out.
Have a Mallory system that has never given any problems.
Only 2 aftermarket systems I have any experience with.
Have a Mallory system that has never given any problems.
Only 2 aftermarket systems I have any experience with.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
I have been using a Pertronix system for about 30,000 miles now. The plugs are gaped to about .040 and starts like a champ. I also run the the flame thrower coil at 40,000 volts. For around $100 and 30 min. time works great.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 111
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From: Bozeman, MT
Originally Posted by tbirdrief
I have been using a Pertronix system for about 30,000 miles now. The plugs are gaped to about .040 and starts like a champ. I also run the the flame thrower coil at 40,000 volts. For around $100 and 30 min. time works great.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 375
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From: East TN.
ive got a pertronix on my 390 now with the stock dizzy and big cap. has worked great and an easy install. ive got an MSD billet dizzy and 6AL on my falcon. pickup failed once but other than it works good. depends on how much you want to spend. my 2 pennies worth. 
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Talladega, AL.
Ran several of the old Pertronix, Perlux as they were called then, on my 361 & 391 school buses. They always preformed well. They would compensate for a worn distributor. Instead of adjusting the dwell every other day, you could install the Perlux and forget about the distributor.
Bigles
Bigles
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
From: nevada
cheap stuff
I had gotten tired of messing with points on my 390, so I went with a rebuilt diz ($45) from Pep Boys, and Pertronix $69) from local outlet. No probs for 8 yrs. I suppose its time to change cap. Also thru in Accel coil and fat plug wires. Plugs gapped at .045
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