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Electronic conversion distributor

Jmbronco

Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2011
Messages
59
I was looking at getting one of those new electric distributor that includes coil. They are nice and massive and will probably require a hood scoop based on other users. I saw this and wondering if anyone runs one of these. Is it easy to install? What's your opinion? Is it worth it?
Thanks in advance

Jeff

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-1281
 

71broncman

Sr. Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2009
Messages
410
Loc.
Maysville, Ky
There are a number of members on this site, including me, that have the Pertronix system on their Bronco. I've had no complaints or problems with mine in the 7 or 8 years it's been in use. Some people have had failure issues with their setups so I keep a set of points in the toolbox just in case. I also have a factory Duraspark system that I'm going to be installing at some point. I got the dizzy, module, and the wiring at the Pull and Pay cheap. The factory system lasts a long time and parts availability is more assured in some out of the way place if needed. As long as you take care to install the Pertronx properly I would say go for it.
Mark.
 

B RON CO

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 29, 2016
Messages
2,484
Loc.
Statesville, NC
Hi, X2. I'm not a big fan of the GM style conversion. To me it looks massive and out of place. On the other hand the GM OEM stuff is very reliable. I would think at the price they sell these for the must be imports. I have the old points on my 66 Bronco which is fine by me, and the Pertronics on my 66 Mustang, Which had it when I got it. Just so you know, Ford went to the High energy with wide cap to control spark scatter in the cap. Unless you are pumping the voltage way up the factory stuff is fine. If you do any upgrade, Pertronics with coil, or otherwise, you should open up the spark plug gap to .040, or .045. Good luck
 

jckkys

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 15, 2012
Messages
5,221
GM made being first their priority when they developed HEI. Ford worked through several stages before the Duraspark II was introduced in '76. Read this article comparing HEI to Duraspark II;http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=19440. The thought of having to butcher your hood to install an inferior GM clone distributor made in China, makes no sense. Ford did the work of developing a superior ignition while EBs were in production, so all the parts are in junk yards and every parts store, to upgrade any EB. By buying The parts fit as they are. No butchering of expensive hoods. By simply buying stock replacement '77 Bronco ignition parts, any worn out or damaged component can be found anywhere.
 

jvself

New Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
7
I put new pertronix distributor in my '72 Bronco 6 years ago all worked well until one day, five years later, driving on the freeway engine backfired and quit. I towed the Bronco home and found out that the distributor had destroyed the cam shaft. The distributor had a hardened steel gear instead of the required bronze gear. The steel gear is for a 5.0 not a 302. I had to rebuild the engine. A very expensive lesson so please learn from my mistake.

Jeff
 
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