Bypassing the ignition resistor for Pertronix install
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Bypassing the ignition resistor for Pertronix install
I'm going to be installing a Pertronix Ignitor II/FlameThrower .06 ohm setup in my 70 L46 today. After doing some searching I have read that I can't use the existing power wire to the coil as it's a resistor wire and will not feed the full 12V and/or amperage to the FlameThrower coil.
I found several posts on how to do this but I just want to verify that I'm reading correctly. I have read I need to run a new ignition wire from the fuse box to the coil. I read one post that said to tap into the pink wire running into the fuse box and one that said to tap into the "ignition connection". Is the "ignition connection" the empty spade lug marked "IGN." in the fuse box as seen in the pic in the first post of this thread?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...w-picture.html
Can you use either the pink wire or the IGN lug? Or is one or the other correct? Seems like connecting to the IGN lug would be a lot easier than tapping into a wire given how hard it is to get to the fuse box.
Thanks.
I found several posts on how to do this but I just want to verify that I'm reading correctly. I have read I need to run a new ignition wire from the fuse box to the coil. I read one post that said to tap into the pink wire running into the fuse box and one that said to tap into the "ignition connection". Is the "ignition connection" the empty spade lug marked "IGN." in the fuse box as seen in the pic in the first post of this thread?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...w-picture.html
Can you use either the pink wire or the IGN lug? Or is one or the other correct? Seems like connecting to the IGN lug would be a lot easier than tapping into a wire given how hard it is to get to the fuse box.
Thanks.
#2
Le Mans Master
I'd use that lug in the fuse box marked "IGN". Full 12v with no resistor at that terminal. IF your system requires a resistor, you can add it under the hood.
Yes, you could use either the pink wire or the terminal, but the terminal is easy. (IMHO)
Yes, you could use either the pink wire or the terminal, but the terminal is easy. (IMHO)
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
I didn't know that. I don't actually have it yet. Went over to the parts store to pick the ignition and coil up (had to order it in) and the coil had been severely dented in transit, so they ordered another one. Not supposed to be in till Monday anyway.
Got a suggestion on a different one? I think they had some Accel and Mallory units in stock. I ordered the Flamethrower because the Pertronix site the the low resistance (.060 ohms) helped with high RPM firing.
Got a suggestion on a different one? I think they had some Accel and Mallory units in stock. I ordered the Flamethrower because the Pertronix site the the low resistance (.060 ohms) helped with high RPM firing.
Last edited by DWinTX; 09-07-2013 at 05:00 PM.
#6
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I didn't know that? I don't actually have it yet. Went over to the parts store to pick the ignition and coil up (had to order it in) and the coil had been severely dented in transit, so they ordered another one. Not supposed to be in till Monday anyway.
Got a suggestion on a different one? I think they had some Accel and Mallory units in stock. I ordered the Flamethrower because the Pertronix site the the low resistance (.060 ohms) helped with high RPM firing.
Got a suggestion on a different one? I think they had some Accel and Mallory units in stock. I ordered the Flamethrower because the Pertronix site the the low resistance (.060 ohms) helped with high RPM firing.
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
No, I hadn't. I'll have to read it later on this evening, don't think I can fully digest it at the moment in my current state (hot and tired). Been outside in the 100 degree heat since about 9AM. Anything that says "Physics" is beyond me at this point.
#8
Le Mans Master
After reading all the issues with the Pertronix I went with the Breakerless SE and a standard Accel coil 8140C.
Uses the resistor wire so installation is simple. They state the coil must be minimum primary resistance of 1.2 ohms and the 8140C has a Primary Resistance: 1.4 Ohms.
Uses the resistor wire so installation is simple. They state the coil must be minimum primary resistance of 1.2 ohms and the 8140C has a Primary Resistance: 1.4 Ohms.
#10
#13
Instructor
Thread Starter
I was going to replace it because it looks like the 40 year old original coil and I'm not sure how much longer it may last. Figured I'd keep it and the points in the car in case the Pert. unit or coil ever went out.
#14
Team Owner
If an electronic ignition system and higher coil potential wasn't an "improvement", ALL of the car manufacturers would not have gone that route. Mike has his "phobias" and wants to make sure that everyone else thinks his way.
To be fair, I am plenty happy with a stock points ignition system. I don't have an engine with high-compression or one that I intend to crank past 6500 rpm; so I really have no need for the electronic ignition. And I think that's what M. Ward is trying to say to you (in rather abrupt terms). But, you need to be the judge of what YOUR car needs.
An electronic ignition system, properly installed, can [and most likely WILL] produce a longer/higher potential spark that can only be beneficial to the integrity of the ignition system in your car. It may or may not do significantly better than a points system....but it won't be worse. Now, if you experience an elec ign system failure, that usually provides no warning nor any "limp home" capability (like a points system will do).
So, those are the issues and you should select the system you feel would be best for you.
To be fair, I am plenty happy with a stock points ignition system. I don't have an engine with high-compression or one that I intend to crank past 6500 rpm; so I really have no need for the electronic ignition. And I think that's what M. Ward is trying to say to you (in rather abrupt terms). But, you need to be the judge of what YOUR car needs.
An electronic ignition system, properly installed, can [and most likely WILL] produce a longer/higher potential spark that can only be beneficial to the integrity of the ignition system in your car. It may or may not do significantly better than a points system....but it won't be worse. Now, if you experience an elec ign system failure, that usually provides no warning nor any "limp home" capability (like a points system will do).
So, those are the issues and you should select the system you feel would be best for you.
#15
AFAIK, no OEM ever used a hybrid system similar to a Pertronixs unit.
Last edited by Mike Ward; 09-07-2013 at 10:56 PM.
#16
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The coil in my '69 is 44 years old, and runs perfectly.
#17
Instructor
Thread Starter
Mike, I'm not switching to the Pertronix unit or aftermarket coil because I think it's going to add massive horsepower. I'm not that naive to believe all that hype. Maybe it'll provide a little hotter spark and maybe it won't. I don't care. I plan to drive this car a lot and I just don't want to mess around with points. The points on the car now are pitted and worn, so they have to be replaced anyway. I've had Pertronix units in 3 or 4 of my classics and they've always worked fine, I've just never installed one because they came with the cars. Do I think they never go out? Of course not. That's why I mentioned I plan to keep the original coil and a new set of points and condenser in the car at all times.
I've never had a Pert unit go out, but I have an 82 Harley Shovelhead that came with an electronic ignition (one of the first years they used it) that went out on me. Like 7T1vette mentioned, when they go out, they go out. Fortunately, I was about a block from home. I'm a little guy and pushing that Harley even one block about wore me out. I kept thinking what would've happened if that had happened out on the road somewhere. So I like to have backups.
#18
Please note that I made no comment one way or the other regarding the Pertronixs triggering unit, ONLY their Flame Thrower coil. The comments stand regarding the known reliability issues with the latter unit. Do a search
I'd leave the OEM coil in place and keep a similar unit on standby for if/when the original ever dies.
I'd leave the OEM coil in place and keep a similar unit on standby for if/when the original ever dies.