PerTronix Ignitor
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,016
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From: Maine
PerTronix Ignitor
The 64/327/365HP I just got has PerTronix Ignitor II in it. I am not familiar with this Would my timing and dwell still be the same as if i had points? Can i use my dwell meter the same way and should i have 30% on the meter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Mustang OK
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Yep, points and condenser are eliminated with the PerTronix conversion (or any of the other aftermarket electronic conversions). Thus, ANYTHING related to points/condenser is not required. As already mentioned, all you have to do now is set timing. That's it. These conversions ARE NOT a super hot fire breathing ignition, they are simply an electronic conversion. That's it. Usually, it is recommended to add a heavy duty oil filled coil (PerTronix claims 40,000volts with their conversion and their coil), and for the most part, I agree. But, simply by the nature of the electronic design, voltage to the plugs is somewhat increased, but not like a super duper racing igniton. I have them on all of my older engines that originally had points, and I'm extremely satisfied with them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 10
From: Fairfield County CT
Excuse the off thread question, but while Pertronix experts are on line--I'm considering the Pertronix and appropriate coil as a replacement for a erratically behaving twin point system in a Mallory distributor on a Ford 427 side oiler.
Good idea or should I continue to optimize the twin points system?
Good idea or should I continue to optimize the twin points system?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 990
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From: DAVIE/FORT LAUDERDALE FL
Originally Posted by piper
The 64/327/365HP I just got has PerTronix Ignitor II in it. I am not familiar with this Would my timing and dwell still be the same as if i had points? Can i use my dwell meter the same way and should i have 30% on the meter
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,224
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From: Ventura Calif
I have an odd phenomena with my Pertronix ignition. It is the side magnet rotor that is used in 56-59 applications that have the counter weights below the point mounting plate. The runout (gap variation) is .010-.025 which is no problem and fires the Hall Affect electronics nicely.
What I find is that when I set my advance using the #1 plug wire at 8 deg. and then switch to the #6 plug wire (360 deg crankshaft rotation) the timing is 6 deg? I have never looked at a point type ignition but wondered if anyone else had noticed this???
What I find is that when I set my advance using the #1 plug wire at 8 deg. and then switch to the #6 plug wire (360 deg crankshaft rotation) the timing is 6 deg? I have never looked at a point type ignition but wondered if anyone else had noticed this???
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
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From: Moon Township PA
While I don't have an aftermarket ignition, I can tell you that these units come up in discussion often here and other forums. The one thing I remember reading is that the Pertronix units either seem to work really well or they go into failure mode quickly. I would suggest that keeping a set of points and a condensor in your emergency kit is a cheap insurance policy. You can do an emergency roadside swap back to points in a matter of minutes.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Originally Posted by kenEDMUNDS
THere are 2 Pertronix units. Use part number 1181. The other part number (don't know what it is) has a 3 second delay built into it. You will crank the motor for 3 seconds before it fires up-it will drive you crazy.
The original 1181 unit includes a magnet wheel (with 8 tiny magnets) that installs below the rotor.
The 1181LSC (lobe sensing center) senses the high point of each lobe of the point cam.
Both units utilize a Hall cell (for you pointy heads who understand the function of a Hall cell). Us mechanical types just bolt it on, it either works or it doesn't!
The first PerTronix unit (1181) that I installed was 14yrs ago on my 56
and it still lights a fire.
