I was wondering what you people thought about running a Pertronix electronic ignition or going with an original Mallory Dual Point Distributor on my 226 Flathead Ford, 6 Cylinder. I have a Mallory that has not been run before and am pondering putting it in my 226 this spring or going with the Pertronix?
Pertronix all the way. Have them on all my cars. Just dont leave the ignition in the on position. They tend to burn out,
I ram the stock distributor on my 226 for years and never had a single issue. Put points and condenser in it and drive it. I've never had luck with electronic ignition.
In todays world, we have trouble getting the quality from 50 years ago in points. The Pertronix is nothing more than electronic points. A Pertronix alone will not fix a poor distributor, but will make a good one last the rest of your life.
I think everyone's right on this. I mean I think ignition is waaaay oversold as far as what's better. I've run Accel and Mallory dual points, Ford HiPo dual points, single points, HEI, Pertronix and all manner of stock distributers over the years and my honest opinion is, whatever works. I mean if it makes sparks, it's probably just fine.
Pertronix is my choice, got one on the flattie and it performs flawlessly. Had the dual point Mallory and got tired of replacing points. They make the conversion kit just for you application. Had the local speed shop who has an old fashion distributor machine dial it in for me for 24 degrees max advance...Purrrrs like a kitten. Just my 2 cents worth
But that won't get you around the vacuum advance issues if you try to run anything other than the stock carb.
I went from stock distributor to a pertronix, it was like night and day. No adjusting and replacing points ever again, so that is reason enough in my book. I have since gone to an msd from the pertronix, and that comes with an improvement too. You won't be dissapointed with the pertronix.
Put a Pertronix on my flatty V-8 and had issues with it with in a 100 or so miles and got stranded. I went to an MSD and its been there a couple of years now and I also carry the old point set up for a back up. The disavantage to Pertronix is availability to me in my area. Possibly some of you are in an area of availibility or just buy 2 so you will have a spare.
All the replys are good however i would add a couple more thoughts. First of all you can Never out perform the factory set up for correct advance and function!!!! UNLESS the factory set up is terrible or some mods have been made that wont allow the factory setup to function properly. There are many examples of this but the early Fords would fall into this arena. The vacuum only distributors ONLY work correctly when factory vacuum levels and adjustments are in place!! NOW you need a fix and the fix ( maybe Mallory) is to install a fully mechanical advance distributor. The other issue we see each and every day is just pure looks, some want the look and then worry about the function. You just need to decide which you want????? You can have both with the mallory. We convert them every day to electronic and or tune the dual points as well. Think it out and lets get er done.....
I'd love to see the timing curve for the mechanical distributor. It would give a good starting place for those looking at a more modern ignition replacement, wanting to duplicate it in programming. I realize it wouldn't fit every application, but something suitable for a stock replacement at least gives a good starting point.
Pulling a spec sheet for the 1948 to 51 Ford six cylinder would look like this: 400 rpm = 0 1000 rpm = 3 degrees crankshaft 2000 rpm = 10-12 degrees 3000 rpm = 16-18 degrees 4000 rpm = 20 -22 degrees Now these specs are for a vacuum range of 1-4 inch of venturi vacuum ( not manifold vac) , a pretty low range and very hard to tune in 1/2 inch specs etc. The slightest variation of carb adjustment would effect these readings and the vacuum is adjusted with springs inside the distributor. A difficult adjustment at best.... Now lets add in a aftermarket unit ( Mallory) and this curve would be very easy to perform by changing spring tension etc ... Glad to help...
I mess around with flathead ford 226 and 254's (the rare F6-only big bore version) and I must say that I agree with GMCBubba .....the stock vacuum only advance is less than adequate when it works, and quite often does not work. This is why about every engine I have pulled the head off of has burnt exhaust valves. Once there is a vacuum leak or diaphragm failure , you have no advance, and voila....toast... ALSO if you ever intend on changing the carb, you are limited by needing to have the same type of vacuum porting to make the distributor work.....not easy... SO I would ABSOLUTELY vote for the Mallory, and maybe add the Pertonix to it if there is a kit for it......otherwise I would STILL use it with points! I use a Mopar flat six distributor that I adapted to the ford by cutting/welding the oil pump shaft. The Mopar has mechanical advance (again, the ford does not).....Then you can play with the advance curve to optimize the performance for your motor combo...Much better ! HOWEVER, if you do not use the Mallory, as long as it is for the later (49 up) 226, I will ABSOLUTELY buy it- Ive been looking for one for a long time...let me know! -James
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