distributor
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
distributor
I would like to convert my old distributor on 1971 350 270hp just looking for some advice on what you guys think of the petronix 3 as it looks like to be a great upgrade currently i have a, mild cam , edlbrock, performer manifold, 650 holley double pumper , long tube headers , would just like it to run a littler smother and respond better watched a few videos on the Petronix 3 and really like what i see will it work as far the tack drive is mechanical thank you in advance
Racer
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 264
Likes: 200
From: Sicklerville NJ
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I installed a Pertronix ignitor set up in my 69 L46 ( 350/350 ) back in 2003 . Have not had any problems with it and it works fine with cable drive tach.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 188
From: Wabasha Mn
I would like to convert my old distributor on 1971 350 270hp just looking for some advice on what you guys think of the petronix 3 as it looks like to be a great upgrade currently i have a, mild cam , edlbrock, performer manifold, 650 holley double pumper , long tube headers , would just like it to run a littler smother and respond better watched a few videos on the Petronix 3 and really like what i see will it work as far the tack drive is mechanical thank you in advance
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
yes thanks this sound good just to say you installed the petronix 3 module cause i would like to try this but was worried about the mechanical tack drive , i should just leave the set up just the way it is and open my distributor and swap out the part points only the bottom plate were the points sit on did you remove that also i will get the matching coil some say you should run it from the coil to fuse box power wire correct thank you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,223
Likes: 2,017
From: Loveland
I have the Pertronix. It is comforting to take one thing out of question when tuning the engine. I have researched the HEI, engine tuners say, they don't really add anything to performance.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 574
From: Pittsburgh PA
i have installed the "breakerless SE" ignition in 2 vettes. i know everyone will say no performance gain, but for me in my L79 it helped smooth out my idle. running a petronix in a chevelle without any issues for 5 years.
my dad installed a petronix back in the late 90s in a BBC and its still going strong.
one thing i prefer about the breakerless SE vs the others is it uses the exact same wiring as points, doesnt need a full 12v. so if for some reason it would fail, its incredibly simple to swap points back in. another thing for me is actually finding quality ignition parts in the parts stores anymore.
my dad installed a petronix back in the late 90s in a BBC and its still going strong.
one thing i prefer about the breakerless SE vs the others is it uses the exact same wiring as points, doesnt need a full 12v. so if for some reason it would fail, its incredibly simple to swap points back in. another thing for me is actually finding quality ignition parts in the parts stores anymore.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
Yea Tiger thanks this info is great just what i wanted to do over the winter do this over the winter ... I must say that i ran across the Progression Ignition wireless Distributor and i very impressed with it Just the cost is very high at $500 us I live in Canada and that about $700 Cdn little to pricey the Pertonix III and the matching coil is about $300 all in
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,090
Likes: 4,013
From: New Braunfels Texas
You will find zero improvement in the way the car runs by installing an electronic trigger assembly like a Pertronics. What you will find is that you can leave the key in the "run" position without burning points......and I have found that they start a bit quicker in cold weather......
If you want to do something with real benefit, something you can feel....E-Mail our member Lars and ask him for his distributor and timing papers. If you follow them to a tee and set point dwell proper.....it will run to its full potential and you will see a large performance increase.
Lars' E-Mail is V8fastcars@msn.com.....
Jebby
Pro
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 719
Likes: 156
Yea Tiger thanks this info is great just what i wanted to do over the winter do this over the winter ... I must say that i ran across the Progression Ignition wireless Distributor and i very impressed with it Just the cost is very high at $500 us I live in Canada and that about $700 Cdn little to pricey the Pertonix III and the matching coil is about $300 all in
BTW, 1971 is first year of low compression smog era. Base 1971 L48 OE dist has poor curve. It Needs a recurve and probably all-over freshening; do that first.
Last edited by ebbnflow; Nov 24, 2021 at 05:50 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
thank you once again for the great advise , I will start with opening my distributor make an inspection of the all the parts check the rotor that's its not wobbling tight before decide to refurbish it or just get a whole new one
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 53,719
Likes: 9,227
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
The condition of the condenser is almost as important as the points. They age and get weak; spark 'miss' begins. Make sure you install a fresh condenser whenever you need to get into the distributor. I had the Pertronix in the car when I bought it. Ran great....until it didn't. When the electronic ignitions fail, you can't "limp" home; the ignition just quits. Then it's "flatbed" time, unless you carry a spare module and tools to make the swap out. Points is definitely more reliable.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,113
Likes: 921
From: Wauconda IL
Here's a good read from our C1 - C2 friends regarding Pertronix.
Done with pertronix!: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...pertronix.html
Done with pertronix!: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...pertronix.html
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
yes very interesting mine running very rough and just going to check some things out feedback on this site is great I'm learning a lot from you guys had the vette for about 10 years and she always ran good till now , nice vette by the way mine is a 71 sunflower
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 53,719
Likes: 9,227
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
a new set of points is 20 bucks or so. Set them up with a dwell meter and your get anther 15-20k miles out of them A widget is well over 100 bucks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,113
Likes: 921
From: Wauconda IL
Last edited by sunflower 1972; Nov 27, 2021 at 10:28 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
This is the biggest reason to convert TBH. This is the reason we converted all of our old gas tractors on the farm from points and condenser in the dizzy to a Petronix style breakless ignition. Points and condensors along with 6 volt batteries haven't been used in over 50+ years in cars/trucks. The aftermarket parts people have a huge quality control issue with modern stuff high volume stuff. The issues with the niche components are 1000x worse.
