Well I'm thinking about making the jump to Pertronix so let's hear some testimonies or horror stories. Also, are you running the version I or II? Need some feedback. Thanks to all!
Been using a Pertronix unit in my '63 Dodge for several years and have no complaints whatsoever. Great unit, modestly priced and does what they advertise. What more could you ask for?
Do a search here on the HAMB. I was considering it a while back, and found lotsa good info on it in the archives here.
The warehouse I work at has sold 447 Pertronix units so far this year... the I can't remember more than a couple of times that one came back defective. They are rock solid in my book!
I got sick of adjusting points on my Flathead and installed Pertronix. No problems at all. Would highly recommend it. If your drag racin' or sumthin' like that, I'd go MSD or similiar.
Thanks for the quick info! Looks like I'll go for it. The only decision now is whether to spend a couple extra bucks on the new version (Ignitor II).
If you're interested, call your local parts store or Pertronix direct, get the part number you need and then check out Summit and/or JEGS... their prices were 30-40 bucks less than what I paid for mine at the local shop.... "can't return electrical components"
Worked on Cl***ic Volvos for a few years Amazons/P1800s must have fitted at least 30, never had one pack up in 4 years.
i have a pertronix conversion in a couple cars......when you do it....make sure you do a full tune up at the same time....as in plugs , wires etc....i also used their coil as well .....made a pretty big difference in the 2 cars i have now.....worth the money ...brandon
a pertronix I on my 273 mopar for 2 years without problems. Still works, but I spent some bucks in a complete electronic ignition some months ago.
Yeah, waste the guys time at the part store (who will probably look up the wrong part anyways) and call up the *****s... If you need a part number, PM me and I'll do it, and can probably find someone local for you to pick it up through...
I think they work great, had one in a 302 in a Ranger, it outlasted the body on the truck, never had a problem in the 5 years I had it and darn simple to hook up.
When you run a Pertronix set up do you still have to use a voltage drop like a normal Dist in a sbc......
A friend of mine had electronic ignition on a flathead and it always ran bad, turns out it was the generator, went to one of those alternator-in-a-generator deals and it runs great now, they need constant voltage from what I was told.
Boones, Are you refering to the white porcelin ballast resistor that's mounted on the firewall of a lot of Chevy's? If so you don't need to use if when going to a Pertronics unit. I've had one in my '32 (350/T400) for about 5 years. No problems and it starts a lot better than without it. I'd put one in everything with out hesitation. Oh yea, the extra cost of the II unit is well worth it. Frank
Boones, i still have both of my pertronix eqiupt dizzy's run with a ballast just like a points set up.. As far as my experience with them.. I've had one in my coupe since i built it in 98..It's the first generation, and i'm using a "flame thrower" coil too. Never a problem, it's in a blown 283.. I have another kit in my 33 pick up too. Again, the first gen. Thats in a junkyard 305 with a ton of miles on it. I installed that one shortly after i got the truck, about 5 years ago now. Thats been through rain, snow and a LOT of mile's with no hood so it's even been wet a number of time's.. Again, NO problems at all. I highly recommend them, especialy if you want the look of stock. You won't have to take off the cap again unless it's to replace the cap itself 'cause you wore it out . Thats my experience with 'em. Tony
One more thing. Don't try to skip the step about removing the distributer and shimming the main shaft to the specs they give in the directions. Your distributer MIGHT be within spec but the 4/5 units I've set up all needed to be shimmed . Frank
If your using the first gen style kit, the ring has to be with a certain distance away from the magnetic pick up. I don't know if the petronics II kit needs this. I've only used the first one's. Anyway, They give you a tollerence to be within, and most of the time you have to remove the roll pin holding the gear on, and place a br*** shim between the gear and the body so it limit's the amount of upward movement of the shaft keeping the unit within it's recomended range. The shim's are provided in the kit. Tony
I WAS going to go Pertronix over here in Oz, but it worked out cheaper to buy a whole new electronic distributor.....which brings up the point that it's no good really putting one of these Pertronix jiggers in if your dizzy is ****ged. That being said, I'd like to put a Pertronix unit in my '38 LaSalle motor.....I've seen them for '41 up, so I'm trying to work out if the distributors of these motors were all the same (except the military dizzy, of course).
I opted for the Crane xr7 electronic unit for my sbcpoints dist.,same money but has a built in rev limiter.works great good investment.
I read a couple years ago that using a generator with the pertronix would burn out the pertronix. Voltage spikes. Is that not the case? Guess I read that on a flathead site. I have a pertronix in a sbc and it works great but the engine also has an alternator. Starts easier. It does need the full 12 volts. Neal
Badfella, whats goin on?i've used them in a few of my rides.last was a 65 polara,worked great on that 318.got mine from performance specialties in santee. -jimmy-
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