Petronix Ignitor
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Petronix Ignitor
Hello
Considering a Petronix ignitor for my 69
I have used these on Fords without changing stock coil / wires.
Haven't installed one on a Chevy.
Anyone using one? Pro's - Con's ,Suggestions?
350 / 300 4 spd car.
5000 miles on complete resto.
Thank you
Considering a Petronix ignitor for my 69
I have used these on Fords without changing stock coil / wires.
Haven't installed one on a Chevy.
Anyone using one? Pro's - Con's ,Suggestions?
350 / 300 4 spd car.
5000 miles on complete resto.
Thank you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
what do you hope to gain by the expense of the unit and replacing the points with it?
You gain no performance at all, you are simply swapping an electro-mechanical switch (points) for an electronic switch (the Pertronix unit).
for what the unit costs you can replace your points with fresh new ones every year for approx the next 10-12 years and points have a better track record of reliability than the conversion units like Pertronix and Breakerless SE and similar units.
You would gain more for the money spent by leaving the points and replacing the coil with a higher voltage unit than the stock one or swapping out your points distributor with a later year Tach-drive HEI unit.
You gain no performance at all, you are simply swapping an electro-mechanical switch (points) for an electronic switch (the Pertronix unit).
for what the unit costs you can replace your points with fresh new ones every year for approx the next 10-12 years and points have a better track record of reliability than the conversion units like Pertronix and Breakerless SE and similar units.
You would gain more for the money spent by leaving the points and replacing the coil with a higher voltage unit than the stock one or swapping out your points distributor with a later year Tach-drive HEI unit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
You're not gaining performance, you're gaining less maintenance. That's not a bad thing by any means, and the Pertronix system does have a good name for reliability, but I can't say the expense is worth it. If your ignition system (points, condenser, rotor, cap, plug wires and coil) is in top condition and quality parts, and properly set, it will do all your engine requires.
If your distributor is worn, then installing the Pertronix won't help. If you really want to make an improvement, upgrade the entire distributor to HEI or similar system.
The reason why GM went to electronic ignition to begin with wasn't so much for improved performance and less maintenance, but to meet more stringent emissions mandates since electronic systems could better manage engine emissions over the longer term.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
I installed a Pertronix unit and coil in my 350/300 '70 after I rebuilt it 8 years ago. It's not a super high-performance setup; I just didn't feel like screwing around with points anymore especially with all the ill-fitting ignition shielding that you have to remove to get at the distributor. I recall it didn't work well with the stock coil so I got the Pertronix coil to go with it. Some may (and have in this thread) argue that it's no better than breaker points and if you've got a numbers-matching trailer queen show car then I'd probably agree but if you're like me and you just want to get in your Vette every once in awhile and have one less thing to worry about before you turn the key to start it then BY ALL MEANS install the Pertronix. It ABSOLUTELY works as advertised. It looks stock with the exception of one additional wire and mine has run faultlessly for almost 40,000 miles now. BTW, if you do happen to get talked into running an HEI I'd highly recommend carrying an extra module (don't ask me how I know this). If you're looking for absolute high performance, then a full MSD setup would be the way to go. If you're looking for an inexpensive, stock-appearing, no-maintenance system, get the Pertronix.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 404
Likes: 2
From: Kingston Ontario
For improved preformance and ease of maintaince I went with this m.b.i.mech. tach drive distributor and coil .looks stock and fits under the shielding .Works great .http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
I've installed 8 Pertronix units into customers cars over the last few years (both Ford and Chev) and have had no comebacks. I also have a Pertronix in my 60 Fuellie with the stock coil and it runs great. They are real easy to install, too.
Once I was cranking the motor over to prime the fuel line with the coil wire off the coil, and the spark was jumping out of the top of the coil and all the way down to the base! Wouldnt want to get hit with that.
You know even if you did have a trailer queen I would still go with the pertronix - unless they pull the shielding off and pop the cap off - who is going to know it is there, and you never have to worry about points closing up or wearing out ever again!
Once I was cranking the motor over to prime the fuel line with the coil wire off the coil, and the spark was jumping out of the top of the coil and all the way down to the base! Wouldnt want to get hit with that.
You know even if you did have a trailer queen I would still go with the pertronix - unless they pull the shielding off and pop the cap off - who is going to know it is there, and you never have to worry about points closing up or wearing out ever again!
Last edited by 66roadster427; Dec 26, 2007 at 01:23 PM. Reason: post script
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Set up properly I do beleive that you not only will receive demendability you will increase performance.
I ran one on a '72 Corvette and on a '66 Buick Rivera. It improved starting on both and idle was much smoother than points. Also eliminated any point float on the Corvette.
It also allowed to keep a more stock look over HEI if that is what you are wanting.
I ran one on a '72 Corvette and on a '66 Buick Rivera. It improved starting on both and idle was much smoother than points. Also eliminated any point float on the Corvette.
It also allowed to keep a more stock look over HEI if that is what you are wanting.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 216
Likes: 13
From: Camas WA
I also put one of their Pertronix modules in my stock '72 small block. The reason for me was as a few others mentioned, not wanting to mess around with adjusting points and having to take all the sheilding off to get to it. One less maintenance item. It works as advertized and always starts right up on the first turn of the key. It is simple to install and looks stock, keeps the stock mechanical tach drive, etc. I am very satisfied with it.
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