daraspark II or pertronix kit?

joehein · Sep 12, 2009

i have a '71 with a 302 and points. didn't take me long to learn that points are upsetting so i'm searching for and upgrade. i have narrowed it down to 2 at this point, being th dura spark and the pertronix. i as wondering if i could get some feedback on the 2 from people with them installed. pros/cons and that sorta thing would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
joe

70_Steve · Sep 12, 2009

I have not run the pertronix, but I've run the Duraspark in my 351 for about 5 years with no issues. I do carry a spare module, actually have it mounted in the engine compartment, but have never needed it. I swap between the two occasionally, just to make sure the spare works. I also use a stock Ford Duraspark coil.

I don't know all the technical specs, like spark voltage, etc. but my engine runs very well. I like knowing that I can go to any auto parts store and get parts.

73stallion · Sep 12, 2009

pertronix is very reliable and easy to install as it's basically just a drop in. con is it's not as readily off the shelf if something goes out.

duraspark is available off the shelf if something goes wrong, but it's not as simple as the pertronix system. duraspark also doesn't like having the key left on, as it'll burn up the module.

personally, i like pertronix.

eb66to77 · Sep 12, 2009

I went from points on my '74 to duraspark II from a '76. I just installed two Pertronix kits on my buddy's corvette and Bronco. Both eliminated a few wires and were much simpler. There are also a few guys that have had the pertronix kits in their vehicles for over ten years. The replacement parts is what I would worry about but really, all you need to do is have a point for your distributor and you could make it back home after a fail.

dnewman9 · Sep 12, 2009

I have run the duraspark on a few Bronco's and have had a few problems over the years. I bet I have replaced 2-3 units on different trucks for various reasons. That being said if you keep a spare you can not go wrong.

That being said I have also run Pertronix on one of my trucks as well as my GT350. My dad has converted all his over to Pertronix as well and I have never had a module go bad. May be blind luck but they are damn simple and work great.

Both are pretty easy to install once you know how. The down side on the Duraspark is you have a module to put somewhere safe from heat. On my GT350 I wanted the engine compartment mostly stock so the Pertronix rules there with no big module to store somewhere.

I have nothing against the Duraspark based on my experience, that being said I would run Pertronix if I was in your shoes.
Dennis

broncnaz · Sep 12, 2009

I've only run the duraspark I converted my 73 about 12 years ago with donor parts from a 76 car that appeared to be factory parts and havent had the module fail yet. The donor setup only cost me $20 at the junkyard.
Modules are the main part that fails. There is slightly more wiring for the duraspark setup. But as was said parts are availible everywhere.

I've considered the pertronix setup in the past I like the idea of being able to swap back to points when it fails. From what I researched they seem to fail about as much as any other setup does so I'd say they are fairly relieable.
I doubt I'll ever go to a pertronix though as I picked up a MSD ready to run dist that I'll probalby put in my 71.

Explorer · Sep 12, 2009

If all you want is to do away with points, Petronics module only and carry a spare set of points. Higher energy ignition, I'd go with the Duraspark. From my VW day's, the Petronics doesn't like leaving the key on either. May be diff with the whole system, I don't know.

jw0747 · Sep 12, 2009

about 8-9 yrs ago replaced my points and condensor with a Pertronix that went bad after a few months. replaced it with a complete Duraspark ignition that came out of a pick-n-pull vehicle. never had a problem with the Duraspark, very reliable and replacement parts readily available. finally converted to EFI about 3 yrs ago. my Pertronix was probably a dud but would not recommend another.

nrramse · Sep 12, 2009

I've been using a Pertronix for about 10 years. It finally died last year, and I bought another one without hesitation. The only thing is that mine didn't die catastrophically, but would only fail for a few minutes at a time - not long enough for me to easily diagnose the problem. Once I figured it out, I put back in my spare set of points until the new module came.

I also bought the Pertronix coil and bypassed the ballast resister, which allowed me to extend the gap of my spark plugs to the same as the Duraspark system, so I think the performance is as good.

Newell

markperry · Sep 12, 2009

I had a pertronix unit on my 67 Mustang for a few years then switched over to a HEI unit. Pertronix is fine HEI is better.

dewshan · Sep 12, 2009

Pertonix makes hei distibutors. And something new- multi spark- ignitor 3http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/ignitor3/default.aspx

DirtDonk · Sep 12, 2009

I was going to mention that as well. Anybody priced one yet? Seen them advertised by the manufacturer only, so far, but have not seen any retailer giving out prices.

Ditto on the reliability of either. I've had Ignitors fail and also Duraspark modules. Both the Duraspark modules were the cheap twenty dollar kind and failed within days. Bought a high-dollar replacement and never had another failure.
Funny about that too, I seem to remember that most of the factory Ford modules scrounged from the junkyard are still kicking, while most of the Duraspark problems seem to occur with the store-bought versions.
Can you say "lowest bidder"?

Ignitors are not immune to heat either, but seem to last just fine in the Bronco environment. They're more susceptible to surges caused by someone testing for sparks with a lose plug wire (ask me how I know!) but are just fine most of the time.

So I don't have a recommendation for you. I like either/or/both.

Paul

Hal9000 · Sep 14, 2009

If you're not building a hot rod, I'd stick with OEM parts. They are tried and true.... And as mentioned, spare parts are available at every small town parts store and junkyard if you need them.

I tried petronix on my old VW about 10 years ago. After two units didn't fit right, I gave up and went with a different manufacturer.

TOFIC · Sep 14, 2009

daraspark??? never heard of that one! LOL
TOFIC
PS go with the Ford product.

ugly74 · Sep 14, 2009

I put Pertronix in my 7- stang in the mid 1990s, then after I killed that motor, I switched it to the 302 in my EB. I killed that motor too, but the pertronix is still workin flawlessly. I have no experience with the duraspark though.
I do like that if the pertronix ever fails, I just pull the set of points out of the glovebox, install 'em, and go home.

patr1ck · Sep 15, 2009

Ive had Pertronix for 6 years no problems. Its simple, you cant tell by looking at the dist that it is actually electronic ignition, it looks stock, very clean. Also, like others have said, you can keep a set of points in the glove box for an emergency, I do. Im not sure about the Duraspark but the Pertronix will work with the stock coil and ballast resistor circuitry.

Pat

daraspark II or pertronix kit?

joehein

New Member

70_Steve

Old Guy

73stallion

Bronco Guru

eb66to77

Bronc'Ownly

dnewman9

Bronco Guru

broncnaz

Bronco Guru

Explorer

Bronco Guru

jw0747

Bronco Guru

nrramse

Sr. Member

markperry

Bronco Guru

dewshan

Jr. Member

DirtDonk

Bronco Guru

Hal9000

Bronco Guru

TOFIC

Bronco Wrencher and Fixer

ugly74

Bronco abuser

patr1ck

Jr. Member

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