Question about Pertronix Ignitor
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Question about Pertronix Ignitor
I've recently (about six wees ago) installed a Pertronix Ignitor I in my 1971, 350. It's a weekend driver and ran well until this weekend. I think that the coil is at issue as I have intermittent missing in mid range. I just want to be sure that I connected the Pertronix correctly and it's not the cause of my problem. I simply attached the black wire to the negative post on the coil, and the red one to the positive post on the coil. Is this correct or should the red wire have gone directly to a switched 12 volt positive lead. The directions appear a bit ambiguous with reference to a ballast resistor, etc. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
According to the instructions you can go either way. You can use the coil terminal which will give you the reduced voltage caused by the resistor wire going to it or you can go with a straight 12 volt lead that is hot when in the ignition position. With that having been said, what problems are you experiencing? I installed a Pertronix ignitor 1 on my 74 and it ran great for about 2 years. Then the car started backfiring through the carb and cutting out at cruising speed. I checked everything I could and could not find a thing wrong with anything on the engine. So I changed the Pertronix to a Crane XR1. All the problems went away and never reoccurred in the 3 years I've had the crane installed. Also, the Crane is much easier to install and has a built in rev limiter. I'm quite happy with the change and if you are set on installing an electronic conversion I would recommend the Crane over the Pertronix. Of course there will be posters who tell you to go back to the original points and they will have a valid point (no pun intended) too. The original point system is simple, easily maintained, performs well and cheap to replace. I decided to go with the no maintenance electronics on my car but your choice may differ. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
If I remember right the Pertronix I is the unit that "does not" have the magnet ring that attaches to the bottom of the rotor.If this is correct make sure when turning the key to start you pause in the "on" position for a second before engaging the starter.This will make for a quicker start.If you dont pause the engine will turn over several more times before firing.This is a recomendation from the Pertronix Techs.
