Petronix or Points?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Duluth GA
Petronix or Points?
My engine has just been completely rebuilt and my mechanic has recomended
a petronix unit for my distributor as opposed to new points and condenser.
Apparently the distributor will still look stock, but the electrical current going to the plugs will be greatly increased. Anyone have experience with these units? Which is the recomended unit for my application Ignitor 1 or 2?
Who has the best prices on these units?
a petronix unit for my distributor as opposed to new points and condenser.
Apparently the distributor will still look stock, but the electrical current going to the plugs will be greatly increased. Anyone have experience with these units? Which is the recomended unit for my application Ignitor 1 or 2?
Who has the best prices on these units?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Petronix or Points? (Pat 69BigBlock)
I had one for about 2 months before it self destructed and left me stranded...an ignitor II....I would recommend sticking with the points...My car actually ran better with the points set up than with the ignitor...I did however keep the Coil..A flamethrower unit
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Petronix or Points? (Pat 69BigBlock)
I replaced my points with a Pertronix Lobe Sensor (The earlier model not the one Alwyn had) It has performed quite well, with much better performance than the points. That was on a distributor that was in horrible shape. I am in the process of rebuilding it right now. With a distributor that is in good shape, with properly set points, the difference is very marginal. Both will perform about equally. The only problem with the Pertronix Lobesensor is that you have to turn the ignition key to the start postion for about 3-5 seconds before actually cranking your car. The version Alwyn has eliminated this delay, but obivously introduced some new problems.
I'm going to keep my Pertronix unit for right now, I've been quite satisfied with it.
I'm going to keep my Pertronix unit for right now, I've been quite satisfied with it.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 1
From: Kirkland WA
Re: Petronix or Points? (Alwyn678)
Lars is a big proponent of points -- he mentioned to me that the pertronix units tend to get erratic at high RPMs -- which was very obvious when I had them in (The timing would jump all over the place above 3500). He put points back in and timing stays rock steady.
I would think that, although more expensive, you would be better of getting a whole HEI setup. That's just my $.02.
I would think that, although more expensive, you would be better of getting a whole HEI setup. That's just my $.02.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: beverly ma,
Re: Petronix or Points? (Corellian Corvette)
Last summer I installed a Petronix in my 59 Austin-Healey and have had no problems so far. I just had Lars R&R my Vett dist. and he set it up w/points and i'm not sure what to do .just my .02.
Bruce :crazy:
Bruce :crazy:
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
From: Bend, Oregon
Re: Petronix or Points? (Pat 69BigBlock)
I had problems with the Petronix. Lars put me on to the best set upfor points. If you have the time I suggest you send your points dist. to Lars for a rebuild, you can't go wrong..............
Garson
Garson
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Re: Petronix or Points? (Pat 69BigBlock)
Don't overlook the Mallory Unilite conversion, From the feedback I got through this board before purchase they seem to be the most reliable, mine has done very good so far.
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Petronix or Points? (Pat 69BigBlock)
Pertronix works good for me. The Ignitor II is the newer release and it can handle low resistance coils for a hotter spark. I switched from the Ignitor I to the Ignitor II so I could run a hotter coil. Keep the points and condenser and a strip of wire in the car. If the Ignitor ever fails you can slap the points back in in a jiffy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Petronix or Points? (drives61)
Yes.... points are antiquated but you can trouble shoot problems easy, get them anywhere and with just a tiny bit of skill and knowledge put them in yourself. I have a pertronics in my big block and it os a real pain having to wait five seconds every time before you start it. Going back to points this weekend. :yesnod: