Thinking about using a Pertronix Igniter to replace the points in my stock 68 Mailbu (327/275). Any advice about coil, wires plugs or gap setting?
Hi Greg, First, before you get flamed, you need to do a proper introduction, and read the rules. We don't really deal with much after 1965 or so around here. This is an earlier Hot Rod website. If you call or email Petronix, they can give you all the information you need to set your rig up. Most Petronix kits come with a correct coil for the application, and will recommend a good set of plugs (AC Delcos in your Chevy, don't bother with anything fancy or overly expensive. In my opinion) and everything else you need. Good luck.
the most important thing is the amount of resistance in the coil too much and youll burn up the pick up coil been there done that
Yup, sure are a ton of people that just think a coil is a coil is a coil. I figured it out pretty quick after buying a couple at $30 a pop as a kid. Didn't even notice that. Oh well, I've seen many people that have been around a long time doing stuff all wrong.
ive honestly had poor luck with them had 2 pertronics and a crane unit in my bucket never did fail but eventually they would start misfiring at high rpm changed coils wires etc . The crane worked the longest but also failed it started misfiring all over the firing cycle.finally went to a Hei and havent toutched it since. just my 2 Cents Al
I did the same back a few years. Put the pertronix in a '69 Chevy. Ya, I know, it is an o.t. car. I ran the stock coil, did not know any better. Worked fine. The pertronix needs a full 12 volts so remove any ballast resistor. Neal
Used one for 10 years plus no problem in a mild SBC, stock coil and later a Petronix coil. Set gap per instructions, no problems.
make sure you get the petronix coil, and get the igniterII, it has an auto shutoff so you dont fry it if you leave the key on.
I've been running one for a couple years now on my 223. Opted to try to avoid coil mismatches by also installing the Petronix coil. Nothing exotic. Had no problems and the engine has been running well. The instructions for my unit stated to leave the ballast resistor installed.
Here is a Thread with alot of input on Pertronix, I have one in my 29 "A" with 302 Ford=Starts faster and performs Flawlessly so far, seems having the right coil is Important to keep from Frying the Ignitor ll and you can't leave the key ON while working on wiring issues unless you disconnect the Power + to the Coil while doing so http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=751510
I've used them in at least 25 cars, trucks and boats over the past 40 years. The only time I've had issues (twice) was when I failed to follow the installation instructions and when I used the incorrect coil. Currently run Petronix units in a '60 Thunderbird, '85 El Camino, '31 banger and a '32 banger with a CRAGAR head without any issues. Just remember; the advice you get here is worth exactly what you pay for it!
Hmmm....A shop installed Pertronix on the 283 in my '55 Chevy truck. Runs great but they left the stock (or whatever was already in there) old coil in it. Old cause it was so crappy looking on the exterior I gave it a light sand and painted it. Sounds like I should go looking for a FLame Thrower coil, huh? How do I know which of these I want? I'm not even certain if I have the Ignitor or the Ignitor II setup? http://pertronix.shptron.com/
Sure, you can run a Pertronix, with correct coil and resistor. But question: Why??????? For a stock, or nearly so, sbc in a non trad, OT car I'd use OEM GM HEI. Then you got something durable with replacement parts readily available everywhere if ever needed.
I have run them on many different cars over the years. Never a problem. Use their coil for sure. Throw the points in the glove box just in case. Though I think you won't need them.
It seems like we've installed a hundred or more Pertronix units in customer's cars over the years with no issues. As others have pointed out , be sure that your coil has the right ohms of resistance (1.5 for a v-8) . I just ordered a Pertronix Ignitor & Pertronix coil for my Shoebox a few days ago - that's the way I'd go if I were you . Easy Beasy !
I have Petronix in the 53 Stude..but in others more OT..I use GM HEI.. Haven't had a problem with either. The HEI runs for years in millions of newer GM cars.. Why not yours..?
U Hall used them back before OEM electronic ignition. Out of 21 iv used only one has failed and it was a 15 + year old used one from a U Hall The best part of using them is you can put the points back in a pinch you cant do that with a POS HEI . your walkin
Not all GM cars run for years. I had a module fail in a nearly new GM truck. Parts fail regardless of manufacturer or whether it's OEM or not. My Pertronix II has been working flawlessly since '08 and I have no reason to think it won't for years to come.
I've been using them since '94, have them in six car/trucks including my Uni that I race. Never had a problem. I've never put one in a chebbie and I think they are a bit different than the set up for the Ford or my Lucas dizzys. Regardles I still keep the points and condensor in a bag in the glove box, though never had to use them.
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