Hot Rods What's the point? Pertronix ignition...

definitely one of the reasons i dont like a low car, i dont trust bumper jacks, so i'll run a bottle jack or scissor jack in my car

 

My avatar went on a 600 mile trip with a bunch of other As. Every problem they had was points and condensers. I have had the Pertronix in my car for 25 years with no problem. I carry another distributer set up with points but have never needed it in all these years.

 

I converted my Y-Block to a Pertronix II 9 years ago their recommended coil and kept the factory resistor. I has performed perfectly ever since. I carried the points and a condenser for a few years but quit doing it. I’m now going to purchase an extra kit because I’m driving farther away from home. Changing from one to another does need a timing adjustment and rear distributors are a pain with any engine.
The key to using any manufactures parts is to FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS PERIOD. If it says do not use solid core wire….DONT USE THEM. Same with grounding and wire crimping, coil use, etc.
I know we sometimes think we know better but over the many years of working on cars I read the instructions on anything I purchase.

 

Could be. I dont knkw zip about generators.

 

They're for absorbing voltage spikes and switching noise as the brushes make-and-break on the commutator segments. Generators don't produce any AC.

 

i’m still on the original point and coil plug system that’s in the cad 429 in my 41 Cadillac…
Definitely not saying that is the best…
but it still runs smooth…

 

While I hate shopping at Harbor Freight anymore, I do reccomend the small aluminum floor jacks that they sell. I have one in each of my vehicles.........just in case. If I have to change a tire, I want to make it as easy as possible.

 

How'd we end up going from ignition systems to floor jacks? Ah, the H.A.M.B...

 

As a point of reference, my '51 Ford was very original when I bought it in 1987. It did not have a radio from the factory (I have the original sales order and invoice). It does an original capacitor on the generator.

 

No jacks pre 65 please! Lol

 

I've got some that'll do! (will add pictures later, they're awesome)

 

Soooo, your thread has been hi "jacked"?

 

Well, this one time at band camp…

 

You guys crack me up! I remember band camp too...

 

I never went, just watched the movie

 

I am still enjoying a functioning Pertronix unit...so far so good...it's been near 5 untouched years now...I had a mechanic do the install...he left the regulator and ballast resistor connected and I am careful of the key position when not running...

 

Here they are, no idea what brand they are (if they even have a brand) nor what era they are from, but they use a pin to keep the car up and seem very solid.

 

About 10 years ago I bought a Pertronix and coil for my sbc powered 33 Tudor. Procrastination crept in and I didn't install it for about 6 or 7 months. Just before we were going to a run I thought I should and did. Absolutely no spark, so I took it out and reinstalled it thinking I might have screwed up. Same thing. So I called my electrical guru buddy for help. He came over with his ohm meter, checked everything out, the module was dead. My local NAPA had a ACCEL unit in stock, installed that, and off to the races. Pertronix wouldn't warranty the unit because they said I waited too long to install it. I've since used 2 more ACCEL units in different Chevy motors with no problems, but I don think you can get them anymore.

 

And i just read through all this? What a waste of time!

 

What? You didn't find discussion about floor jacks and cheap, rusty old jack stands germane to my feeling good about getting my Hemi running like a watch? I'm sorry, I'll try to keep further comments more focused on you.

 

!

Ben

 

I like reading about Pertronix ignitions.

POS or 10 years trouble free. Stock coil or blaster, Ballast or no Ballast. Solid wire or resistance, Same thing every single time.

For me the best points eliminator I’ve ever seen and used that can not be detected. But then again I can read the directions.

 

The damn Germans got nothing to do with it!

 

Back to the beginning, congrats Brian, now take it out and drive the crap out of it, cuz sooner or later something is going to quit working and you'll have to fix it.

 

T

The Mallory Unilite module never failed for 20 years in my old '55 with a '70 LT1 motor...

 

Of course I did! Very inspiring! I, alas, seek for more content like all mentioned! Please don't focus on myself, as it takes away from the mainstream..... My admiration for the Hemi, and poking dead things with a stick.

 

Points need lube on cam as well. I have an Accel conversion ready to use, then I've used 2x unilights, they work. Picked up a 4dr 1964 chevelle with a ....as told to me..broken engine. Nice battery, fuel in tank, cranked... adj points, drove it on trailer. Lady wanted to give me $50 back, I said its now more, I fixed it.

As for them failing, carry a spare distributor.

My favorite distributor...1962 dual point..tach drive runs so good.

 

My only complaint after having the Ignitor III in my FE, is that my aftermarket VDO tach doesn't like the multiple discharges at low RPM.

But it starts, runs, and idles very well. Noticeably hotter spark by my eyes.

 

Only problem I had with a customers car was on his 59 wagon with a 283 in it. Car had a miss in it. Couple of the magnets fell off the ring below the cap. It was gapped wrong from before. Replaced unit and everything is fine.

 

Honest Billy, they led me astray............

Sorry guys, back to the Pertronix.............