I think I've read enough about electronic ignitions in the last couple of days that my head is going to explode. I'm sorry that I am adding yet another post about this subject but I do have a question. I've read and read yet I don't think I've come across anyone who has said a definate gas mileage increase.

What is a "potential" increase in gas milage that I can expect with the Pertronix system (Flamethrower coil and Ignitor ignition, probably going with this for the cost savings over the MSD). I have a '74 F100 302 3spd. Mainly used for city driving but bought it to pull a 16" boat.

What is the difference between the Pertronix Ignitor and the Ignitor II??? Which is better?

Where can I get it for the best price. Carshopinc.com has it for the Ignitor for $58 and the FLamethrower for $26. Anywhere else I can get it cheaper???

Thanks,
Joel

 

Hi Joel, Welcome to the board
The problem with this question is that it's hard to answer. If someone had points in excellent condition and compared to Pertronix, the difference would be little or none. The REAL advantage to Pertronix is that they don't wear like points do, no pitting, no cam wear, etc...

As soon as you install a new set of points, they start going bad. This doesn't happen with the Pertronix. The switch sits inside the stock dist and makes NO contact with the cam, it's done with magnets. They can last a very long time. It's like having fresh points ALL the time! but without the hassle. You NEVER have to worry about getting the point gap correct again.

MPG is really a relative thing, if you have more power, you might drive different. Driving style is a big factor.

I'd say forget about the MPG advantage and think about the ease of future tuneups. From this point forward, a tuneup is simply new plugs and as needed cap rotor and wires.

The price you posted is an excellent price, sounds like what I paid a few years back.

As far as the old pertronix vs pertronix II, I think they are more like the captive discharge setups where they offer multi spark below about 3000 rpm, but you should check the web site about that.

The price on the old one is just right and I don't know if you'd see an advantge to the newer one.

Hope this helps some.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-Jun-02 AT 08:22 AM (EST)]Not sure what kind of gas numbers you are looking for hauling that box around the city, but I installed the regular pertonix in my 74 F250 390 auto about 2 months after I got her, its been a year and a half now and about 15,000 miles and timing is still dead on, not sure if that would be the same case with points. I think the real advantage is the morning starts, that was the most improved. Since then I went with the flamethrower coil, 8mm wire and large cap and recently added the MSD 6A, not all sure the 6A if worth the money but I was looking for the best plug fire I could get, all in all milage improved a little, I get 13-14 on the highway (355 rear) if I keep the speed down, not sure around town, dont want to know.

So all that said get the regular Pertronix, you wont be disapointed

Bob L