Pertronix Question
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,691
Likes: 6
Pertronix Question
I've installed a pertronix ignitor with the power lead coming straight from the ignition switch (12V). My truck doesn't seem to run any differently or start any more reliably than it did with points. A lot of you guys have said that you get better starting and a little more power but I don't feel it. I still have the stock coil. Could this be the culprit? Should I get a Flamethrower or does it even matter?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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Someone said not to run the 12V sire to the + side of the coil if using the stock coil, which is what I'm doing right now. My coil is still getting the same 10.7V it was getting before due to the resistance wire.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 387
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From: Calgary
No, you won't see any difference in starting and running by just replacing the points with the Pertronix. However, now that you have the Pertronix you can switch a higher voltage coil such as a Flamethrower. Then with the higher voltage you can open up the gap on all your spark plugs to .05". That is when you will notice an improvement in running and starting.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2005
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yes it's just like FORDXXX said...now that you have an electronic trigger you can get a hot coil (more voltage) but if you were to run a hot coil with contact points you would be replacing them often. Also, you are shootin yourself in the foot if you open your spark plug gap up to .05 without running a hot enough coil (flamethrower) to bridge the gap. The spark won't make the gap and you'll start fouling plugs and have a poorly running engine. Also, these ignition upgrades will go unrealized if you don't run quality spark plug wires. Get some quality 8mm or 8.5 mm wires (you may have them already, you haven't stated that).
You do have the benefit now of not having to replace points but if you want easier starting you have to follow the plan. 1. replace points with elec. ign. trigger 2. replace plug wires with good ones that will carry the higher voltage of a hotter coil(and not arc out of the cheap wire to any number of available grounds) 3. hotter coil (flamethrower or similiar) 4. open the spark plug gap.
If you get this out of order you may be disappointed IMHO.
Achtung
You do have the benefit now of not having to replace points but if you want easier starting you have to follow the plan. 1. replace points with elec. ign. trigger 2. replace plug wires with good ones that will carry the higher voltage of a hotter coil(and not arc out of the cheap wire to any number of available grounds) 3. hotter coil (flamethrower or similiar) 4. open the spark plug gap.
If you get this out of order you may be disappointed IMHO.
Achtung
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,691
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Thanks for the info. I have the Ignitor installed. I'm ordering a Flamethrower. Will 8mm plug wires work in my stock distributor cap? I had already opened the gap on the plugs thinking it was time. The plugs are actually cleaner than before and not fouled. But I'm gonna get it right.
Can I get any ole set of 8mm plug wires or do I have to get the Pertronix set?
Can I get any ole set of 8mm plug wires or do I have to get the Pertronix set?
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2005
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8.5mm wires would be even better for a few bucks more... I bought some Accel's superstock 8mm, they look great and seem to be decent quality but I couldn't 8.5's at the store...
Maybe someone will chime in on some really good quality plug wires.
Achtung
Maybe someone will chime in on some really good quality plug wires.
Achtung
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Buckeye, AZ
qman,
Did you order that Flamethrower yet? If not, I have one in the shed I'll let go for a song plus postage. I might even have a set of fairly new 8mm wires you could use, I'll need to check on those
let me know..
Keith
Did you order that Flamethrower yet? If not, I have one in the shed I'll let go for a song plus postage. I might even have a set of fairly new 8mm wires you could use, I'll need to check on those
let me know..
Keith
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
One thing I switched that made a big difference was using the adapter and going to a 351W large cap and 8 mm wires (had already replaced the wires with normal 7 mm wires when I bought the truck). It got rid of a stumble/shake at 45 mph I was never able to solve. I am still running points too.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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kwanderi, I ended up winning the Flamethrower I bid on in eBay. I paid $17.49. I didn't figure I'd win. I'd still be interested in the wires. Let me know what you've got and how much. My zip code is 80903.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 157
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From: Buckeye, AZ
I'll check on those 8mm wires when I get home today, forgot to last night.
Reason I have them is I went to the large cap on my old 65 352 and it required different wires than the regular cap. I think they were made by Bosch, good wires tho.
These would be for the small cap, right?
Keith
Reason I have them is I went to the large cap on my old 65 352 and it required different wires than the regular cap. I think they were made by Bosch, good wires tho.
These would be for the small cap, right?
Keith
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
The larger cap is a great improvement, even with the points. Larger spread between the contact points allowed for less likelyhood of spark jump inside the cap, itself. You will have to change the wires, as previously stated.