Pertronix or HEI Conversion???
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Greenville SC
Pertronix or HEI Conversion???
I have a 71 SB car with Automatic and was wondering if the Pertronix point conversion is best bang for the buck or spend a little more and do a HEI tach drive conversion.
I have found the Pertronix kit for around $65 and the HEI tach drive for around $125. What say you???
Thanks,
Tim
I have found the Pertronix kit for around $65 and the HEI tach drive for around $125. What say you???
Thanks,
Tim
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I've heard of the conversion kits failing in various vehicles. HEIs are danged-near bulletproof...and since they're common factory parts, if something does go blooey, you can easily fix it with a trip to O'Reilly's.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,696
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I would go with the Crane points conversion over the Petronix. had both and the crane is far better. Its what I'm running now. Very inexpensive and easy to install. Extremely reliable so far (after 3 years). Just my opinion.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,831
Likes: 36
From: Cedar,BC
After a failed condenser,the rivets falling out of the arm and not wanting to run above 3500 rpm with the last 3 sets of brand new points,I said the hell with the points and went with the pertronix unit.I don't know how long it will last,but it works fine so far for my stock L48 which is done above 4500 rpm anyways.If I had a real engine in this car,I would go with the MSD setup,don't know how well this unit would work at 7500 rpm...
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Greenville SC
It is a driver and want it to be reliable. I had a dual point conversion in my 66' Mustang and it ran flawlessly so I will probably go with the Pertronix or Crane unit. Thanks for the input.
Tim
Tim
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 146
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From: Roanoke Rapids NC
i put the pertronix in my 74. Its a rather mild cruiser but has been very reliable with the pertronix. However, i didn't see any performance increase. If you want some extra ponies the HEI would be your best bet but as far as reliability the pertronix is fine.
Brad
Brad
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
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From: Lincoln CA
I've had an Pertronix Ignitor on my 69 Mustang vert for about nine years. Also have one on my son's 69 Mustang fastback since 1995. No problems so far. Stay away from the Ignitor II. Lots of reported failures with those. I'm seriously considering replacing the points in my 69 427 with a Pertronix Ignitor.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
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From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
wondering if the Pertronix point conversion is best bang for the buck or spend a little more and do a HEI tach drive conversion.
I have switched old cars to both you can't go wrong dumping the old points. for a non performance classic I would use the pertronix but for the vette or hot rod I would go w/the HEI
I have switched old cars to both you can't go wrong dumping the old points. for a non performance classic I would use the pertronix but for the vette or hot rod I would go w/the HEI
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
I like points. They're reliable, not mysterious, easy to adjust, especially with the GM window in the distributor cap. just stick an allen wrench in there and hook up a dwell meter, and bingo. Old school, still cool 
but wanted to add they have an adjustable built in rev limiter which is nice little bonus 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
I have an 71 as well and have been running Pertronix for 6 years without a problem. I also got the coil and the high energy plug wire set.
I think the HEI is a far superior ignition system but I couldnt get it to fit under my ingition shielding. I'm trying to keep a stock-looking-appearance under the hood. Remember if you get the HEI you also need the plug wire set. You also need to run a full 12 volts. While I dont think the Pertronix needs a full 12 volts I ran it anyway.
You wont go wrong with either and in my opinion far its less maintenance than points.
I think the HEI is a far superior ignition system but I couldnt get it to fit under my ingition shielding. I'm trying to keep a stock-looking-appearance under the hood. Remember if you get the HEI you also need the plug wire set. You also need to run a full 12 volts. While I dont think the Pertronix needs a full 12 volts I ran it anyway.
You wont go wrong with either and in my opinion far its less maintenance than points.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 1
From: Mounds View Minnesota
It's silly to run points these days..
Pertronix are fine for a cuiser, a slow ride.
HEI is good for a weekend warior.
MSD et al are good for a racer who wants rev limiting, two steps, boost controllers...
Pertronix are fine for a cuiser, a slow ride.
HEI is good for a weekend warior.
MSD et al are good for a racer who wants rev limiting, two steps, boost controllers...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
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From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
I like points. They're reliable, not mysterious, easy to adjust, especially with the GM window in the distributor cap. just stick an allen wrench in there and hook up a dwell meter, and bingo. Old school, still cool
I run the accel HD points with nary a issue.
I run the accel HD points with nary a issue.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
If you go with Pertronix the PERTRONIX IGNITOR II is the better one to get. They sell for a little over $100 then you will need the FLAME THROWER II (45000 VOLT/.6OHM) coil too for about $ 30 to $ 40 so you would be looking at around $ 140 or more for the better Pertronix system. If you get one of these you will need to run a non resistor wire to the coil. These units will not work for very long if you use the stock resistor wire.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,696
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
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From: belle plaine ks
I had a pertronix fail. I have an HEI and I love it now.
