Pertronix ignitor electronic ignition

[FORD*DIEHARD]

I'm still learning, I know there are several different ways of doing things and sometimes trying to save a little bit ends up costing more in the long run instead of paying a little more upfront. So I saw this Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition system that eliminates points. Is this a good (upgrade) to convert the distributor or is it better to buy a new electronic distributor? What else should you upgrade at the time of doing this (coil and or anything else?)

Of course everyone has different prices for "the same product " does it really matter who/where you buy it from (big online website, or auto part store?)

I ask to hear from others experience good or bad and if they would do it again or do something different and why.

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[jeffncs]

I’ve used both the Pertronix module and currently have the billet distributor in a 351w. Both work well. I would have bought another module for this engine, but my distributor was shot.

As a bit of insurance, keep a set of points and condenser in your kit just in case. The modules either work forever or burn out immediately. It’s the nature of the beast!

 

[DirtDonk]

There are plenty of arguments for both ways.
I’ve used Ignitor conversions in many cars, and they’ve all been excellent. The point about being able to rescue yourself with a spare set of points out in the middle of nowhere is one of the selling points.
The only reason I wouldn’t use a Pertronix conversion setup is, as was mentioned, if the distributor itself is showing signs of excessive wear.

 

[m_m70]

I had the Pertronix module and it worked flawlessly for 18 years. So much better than points! When my distributor needed to be replaced I went with the Duraspark ignition. Really can't say one is better than the other as they both have had no issues!

 

[fluffybunny]

I put the Pertronix module on mine a year ago and it has worked fine.

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

So are all "coils" the same no matter where you buy it from? As you can see, these prices aren't even close.

 

[DirtDonk]

If the Pertronix part numbers are the same (as they are in your examples) then the coils are the same.
Assuming that each of these sellers are honest and the parts are new that is.

 

[BOBS 2 68S]

I put the Petronix system in both of my Broncos. But still carry back up points.

 

[bmbm]

Check this out:
https://fordsix.com/threads/upgrade-points-distributor-to-fire-with-a-tfi-module.85142/#post-689238

 

[bmbm]

Duraspark II is another alternative using Ford parts and has been working well for me and is inexpensive.

 

[DirtDonk]

Per the pictures in your other thread, you have a Duraspark module on the body already.
Verify what distributor you have now, and its condition since it sounds like you might be taking it out shortly anyway, and then decide what you’re gonna do.
No reason to make any decisions now until you know what you have.
Then decide accordingly per discussions and findings.

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

This is what she currently has.

*I know shes dirty......

 

[jeffncs]

Expensive but look awesome and work well.

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

So I do already have an electronic system.....Again as you can tell, I don't know much...hei will work with a stock 302 carburetor engine? If I were to look up what to get, do you know the part numbers, item description of what I would need to get?

If I do switch to an hei system , do I remove the "duraspark" box currently I stalled? If so what do you do with those wires?

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[ntsqd]

Why would you remove a Dura-Spark II system? I see no good reason to replace it with anything unless going to a complete engine management system that uses something else.

At one point in my '67 Ranchero's time with me I put an MSD 6A in place of the D-S II module that I had used when I converted the car to a complete Dura-Spark II system. Know up front that MSD uses D-S II pick-up assemblies in their own distributors. That ought to be an endorsement of some kind right there. Fast forward to the engine misbehaving and I wasn't finding a cause. On whim I put the D-S II module back in the car replacing the MSD 6A. And drove it for a while. It did not fix the issue that I was chasing (and those details are lost to time), but what I do remember was that there was no difference in how the car ran, it's power, or it's mileage. If anything, the cold starts with the D-S II module were slightly better!

 

[DirtDonk]

That’s why they are here asking about it. Looking for advice on which way to go.

Yes, you already have electronic ignition, and one of the best.
In spite of the recommendations about HEI, which is arguably simpler, and puts out a very powerful spark, none of them are really more reliable than the others. Unless you compare cheap to expensive.
When you buy cheap, no matter what the part, it usually ends up being expensive after it all!

If the Ford design wasn’t a good trigger system, then literally every other distributor manufacturer would not be using it inside their distributors now.
Even some of the HEI distributors based on the GM design, use the Ford trigger under the cap.
And the additional good news here, similar to many things based on GM designs, the Ford trigger replacement parts are pretty much at any auto parts store in the country.

Like anything else, they can go bad. But they are easy to test with an ohm meter as well. So, if you have trouble getting spark, let us know when we can run you down the tests. Usually it’s faulty wiring, though where the old original wiring harness has deteriorated. Nothing to do with the parts themselves, just the wires.

 

[DirtDonk]

I am a little consternated however, given that I think I saw a picture of your distributor with the small cap, but it looks like you have the rotor for the large cap.
Can you take a picture of your distributor cap again please?

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

Here is the cap. Again, just asking (learning) sounds like what I have is a good system and obviously been working. So while I am at this point is it recommended to just keep everything as it is (unless the rotor is not the right one -change the rotor , or keep the rotor and get a bigger cap) , should I change/the parts under the cap?

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

*if I keep this set up, which coil should I go with (if you have a name and part number so I can get the right one?).

Thank you EVERYONE for your input,

Sonny

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

While I am thinking about it, since I have electronic system, what is the gap for spark plugs I have been reading .35 but some say with electronic up to .44?

Thank you

Sonny