Points to electronic ?'s
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
I installed the Pertronix Ignitor in my stock 390 last weekend. Wired it to the + side of the coil leaving resistor wire as is. Can't believe the difference it made. Didn't have to adjust timing either. Starts, Idles, Runs great. Best 74 dollars I ever spent.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 463
Likes: 12
From: Arkansas
What are the part numbers you used? Did you replace the coil as well?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 1
From: central oregon
i had Pertronix Ignitor on my 390 it worked great for many years until the unit failed . the cost of a new one wasnt in the budget so for about $40 i converted to a duraspark setup an it works just as good as the Pertronix Ignitor
New User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bay City, TX
Pertronix Install
Thanks everyone! I guess I will just install the ignitor and flame thrower and see what happens. The truck is stock and has only 19,000 original miles. Not going to change to much on this one. So nobody messed with their spark plug gaps after installation?
Last edited by ptalbert33; Jul 21, 2010 at 12:21 PM. Reason: One more Question
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
I'll look for the part number later when I get home and post it. It is the original Pertronix Ignitor I. I did not change out the coil - it's working well with the stock coil.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 2
From: Wingo, Ky
1281 should be Igniter. 91281 should be the Igniter II.
Igniter II supposedly adjusts dwell through the entire rpm range and sences start up and supplys more energy for a quicker start. It also sences that the key has been left on after a certain amount of time and shuts itself off so it doesn't burn up.
Igniter II supposedly adjusts dwell through the entire rpm range and sences start up and supplys more energy for a quicker start. It also sences that the key has been left on after a certain amount of time and shuts itself off so it doesn't burn up.
New User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bay City, TX
Ok, I installed the petronix ignitor into the my truck last week and drove it home from Colorado to Bay City, TX. I had the timing checked after installation at a midas and they told me it was a little off. Had the timing set and was off on the trip to Texas. I noticed that when I got up around 60 mph that it ran a little rough and wanted to cut out. It did die a few times and I would shake the wire that goes from the coil to the distributor and it would start right back up and then go dead again a little later. Eventually a put to old coil on and made it home fine. The truck still runs a little rough though. I did unhook the resistor when installing the petronix. Could that be the problem? Maybe I need to check the spark plug gap? Might need more of a gap after switching from points. Please let me know what you think.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
I left my resistor wire in place. Since I'm running the 1281 Ignitor with OEM style coil I left the spark plugs gapped at .035. If I ever go to a hotter coil I'll consider better plugs and a wider gap.
Make sure your ground strap inside the distributor is properly seated. When I did mine I removed the strap completely and cleaned up the end terminals. Then I took some acetone and a rag and carefully cleaned up the inside of the distributor as well. You want to make sure the inside of the distributor is as grease and dirt free as possible.
Let us know how it goes.
Make sure your ground strap inside the distributor is properly seated. When I did mine I removed the strap completely and cleaned up the end terminals. Then I took some acetone and a rag and carefully cleaned up the inside of the distributor as well. You want to make sure the inside of the distributor is as grease and dirt free as possible.
Let us know how it goes.
New User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bay City, TX
There is no ignition control module is there? I think that my distributor has to much play in it and that is why I am running so rough. Replacing the distributor tomorrow morning and will see what happens. I found a rebuilt distributor with an electronic conversion kit already built in it for $48! After core return. Sounds to good to be true.
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
There is no ignition control module is there? I think that my distributor has to much play in it and that is why I am running so rough. Replacing the distributor tomorrow morning and will see what happens. I found a rebuilt distributor with an electronic conversion kit already built in it for $48! After core return. Sounds to good to be true.
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