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Ignition System for 383

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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 01:21 PM
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Default Ignition System for 383

I am getting ready to put a 383 in my '65 vert - basically similar to a ZZ383 only with 10.3:1 compression. I'm trying to decide on an ignition system and I can't see spending a bunch of money for a CD setup because I don't really think I need it for a 6500 rpm engine.

Rather than go with a new distributor, I was thinking of going with the Pertronix Ignitor III setup including their coil in my original 327 distro. I figured this would get me up to a higher voltage and should be adequate.
Anyone running this setup or have any thoughts on how to go?

Sorry, forgot to mention that I'm trying to keep it all under the original shielding....
TIA
Greg
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 01:36 PM
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I'm sure it will be 'adequate' with an Ignitor III. Mine fits under my C1 shielding with no problem and this version includes a rev limiter - I just bought the whole Pertronix SBC 'drop-in' billet distributor with vacuum advance. They are like $220 from Jegs.
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 01:45 PM
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I have a 383 with 450hp/450tq, with the Petronix ignition and stock coil. No problems at all.
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 01:51 PM
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I've got the Pertronix Ignitor III in my car, but I have had issues with their Ignitor III oil filled coils (2 have had open secondary windings and leaked oil). I'm running a stock coil at the moment. Several have suggested the Pertronix Epoxy Filled coil.
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 07:09 PM
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Ken and SUBFIXER, are you running the stock coil at 12V or with the ballast resistor still in the circuit to the coil +? I know that the + side of the pertronix unit in the dist bypasses the ballast resistor, but how are you running your coil?
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by ssgnco
Ken and SUBFIXER, are you running the stock coil at 12V or with the ballast resistor still in the circuit to the coil +? I know that the + side of the pertronix unit in the dist bypasses the ballast resistor, but how are you running your coil?
If you run the stock coil without the ballast resistor in the (+) feed circuit, the coil will eventually fry.
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 08:05 PM
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I run full 12V everywhere with the ballast bypassed - that means you need a low ohm coil - like 0.6 or 0.3 ohm like the FlameThrower series. Unlike the Pertronix I and II, the III requires a full 12V for proper operation...
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnZ
If you run the stock coil without the ballast resistor in the (+) feed circuit, the coil will eventually fry.
Thanks John. That's what I was thinking. Seems like I will need an upgraded low R coil to get the best from the pertronix 3
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Old Jan 23, 2011 | 12:52 PM
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Originally Posted by ssgnco
Ken and SUBFIXER, are you running the stock coil at 12V or with the ballast resistor still in the circuit to the coil +? I know that the + side of the pertronix unit in the dist bypasses the ballast resistor, but how are you running your coil?
I am running the Petronix II. No changes to the stock coil.
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Old Jan 23, 2011 | 01:29 PM
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I'm using the MSD 6AL with 7000 limit and it works great! Gives me full power to 6800 rpm
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Old Jan 23, 2011 | 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by ssgnco
Ken and SUBFIXER, are you running the stock coil at 12V or with the ballast resistor still in the circuit to the coil +? I know that the + side of the pertronix unit in the dist bypasses the ballast resistor, but how are you running your coil?
I have the ballast bypassed. Full 12v to the coil. No problems yet. Been running it like that for a year now.
You out of KB? 728 or 729? I'm on my way there today.

Last edited by Subfixer; Jan 23, 2011 at 03:12 PM.
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Old Jan 23, 2011 | 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnZ
If you run the stock coil without the ballast resistor in the (+) feed circuit, the coil will eventually fry.
It's my understanding that one of the major changes to the III version is adaptive dwell (ala 1975 HEI). Retaining the ballast resistor defeats the performance enhancement of adaptive dwell.

I've been running my stock '69 coil without a ballast resistance for the past 27 years with no problems or concerns. The reason: Adaptive dwell in the HEI module I wired into the circuit.

Last edited by 69427; Jan 23, 2011 at 09:22 PM. Reason: Spelling correction.
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Old Jan 24, 2011 | 07:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Subfixer
I have the ballast bypassed. Full 12v to the coil. No problems yet. Been running it like that for a year now.
You out of KB? 728 or 729? I'm on my way there today.
728 in KBAY
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Old Jan 24, 2011 | 10:57 AM
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I have a MSD distributor and 6a box. Very good products. Well made and easily adjustable. It always works and never needs maintenance.
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Old Jan 24, 2011 | 11:16 AM
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I would suggest that you optimize the ignition map of your distributor, adjust the drive gear end play and chose an appropriate VAC for your new engine. Its more important that the fire is lit at the precise time than the strength of the spark.
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Old Jan 24, 2011 | 12:16 PM
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I like HEI's and if you add a msd it really makes them run smooth at lower rpm's
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