I'm thinking about installing a pertronix pointless ignition system in my 69 350/350. I don't think I want to go with the full out transition to HEI system .. too complicated an install. Anyone have any pro or con advice?

 

I did my 69 350 in 2008 and had no issues with it at all. Earlier this year I ended up putting an Edelbrock Proflow EFI and Mallory SSI on her but never had an issue with the Petronix.

 

Excellent upgrade & there is a post in the parts for sale of a brand new 1. T

 

Thanks for the feedback.

 

Check into the Crane as it has a adjustable rev limiter and is a very good unit.

 

If you want a very good ignition and simple as hell, use a 75 GM HEI.....You may not get bragging rights at the loco cruise, but its cheap, original for your engine and its only drawback is no tach drive...

PS, it can easily handle 600 plus HP too

 

The latest generation of Pertronix units seem to have gotten over previous reliability issues but I still choose to lift the hood ever year or two and check/adjust the dwell.

As always these widgets are a convenience item, not performance.

 

This is a good way to reduce the need to tinker with (yet another) regular maintenance item.

Whatever you purchase, I would definitely get a unit that has a rev limiting capability. No reason not to put this potentially engine-saving item on the car given the opportunity.

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks. I'm was looking for a bit more performance, thought this was one way to do it. I don't mine replacing and adjusting the points routinely.

 

The electronic thingies are merely an on/off switch- just like points. No extra juice to the coil. Even if it did, more juice to the plugs won't increase performance anyway.

 

There is absolutely no performance increase by switching to a different triggering system on a modest street engine running at under 6500 rpm. I've done several posts on the subject based on actual dyno testing of different ignition systems.

Lars

 

Have Lars rebuild and recurve your factory unit!

 

What are you looking for. I have used both points and a crane ignition module. It will not add performance, but it is one less thing you will need to fiddle with. I think low cost and ease of maintenance make it a good choice. Having a distributor rebuilt and recurved would be a good idea, a solid base. But I would still get rid of the points.

 

Old school - Pertronix (or other) points eliminator and Holley.
New school - Points and Lars Q-Jet.
Only way to fly.

 

Sorry if you think there is only one way to fly. There are so many excellent ways to skin this cat why would you want to limit yourself
.. I'm old school at 61, but learning new stuff everyday.

 

Thanks Lars. With no performance upgrade, I'll stick to my points.

 

My old Rochester is better than the Holly on this engine?

 

Thanks. I don't mind adjusting the points.

 

This issue has been discussed many times on this site.

As a matter of agreement, there is very, very little to zero performance difference between a well tuned/curved points system and nearly any aftermarket ignition system.

THAT SAID, an aftermarket ignition system will allow someone who is "not so good at the points adjustment" to dial his/her system in to their specific engine with greater ease and certainty. And the aftermarket ignition system will hold the desired spark tune with no degradation or adjustment.

It won't make you an expert engine tuner. It will just make it easier to tune this particular aspect of your engine and have it STAY tuned.

The Q-Jet/Holley debate is as old as Q-Jets and Holley's. I don't know much about Q-Jets, but many on this site have said (with a great deal of passion) that a well tuned Q-Jet will outperform a Holley.

I don't know. I'll say this is a preference thing. And I won't EVER disagree that a WELL TUNED CAR with a Lars Q-Jet and a Lars stock points system could shame the tune on my car.

Not necesarilly because the Q-Jet is that much better than my QuickFuel Double Pump Annular Booster carb. And not because a stock points setup is that much better than my MSD 6AL super-system. Rather, because Lars is a better engine tuner than I will ever be. Point blank.

So to make up for my non-Lars-ness, I have to get all these widgets that come with intructions I can understand, I can adjust, and I can optimize with a great deal of certainty and stability. Without it, I would always be 'chasing my tail' in the goal of maintaining my engine. I'd rather just drive it.

So...I'm a fan of a Pertronix setup, an MSD setup, or whatever setup makes it so you don't have to fiddle with points.

ALL THAT SAID, this is from a guy that just built an engine with solid lifters, obligating me to adjusting valves twice a year. So much for minimizing maintenance...