point type distribators?
- Thread starter mikes469
- Start date
ArtH
Well-Known Member
I did on my 1972 Lincoln MK IV. I did this over 7 years ago and it works fine. Very easy to do. I used the original Pertronix module and their Flame Thrower Coil. The only down side with the older version (the one I have) is the ignition key should not be left in the "ON" position if the engine isn't running. This will cause it to burn out and you are warned about it in the instructions. You can leave the key in the "ACC" (accessory) position. The new Pertronix II supposedly over came this problem and is the way I would go if I were to replace it.
I put a Pertronix distributor in my 77 Cordoba along with the flame thrower coil and it runs fine. I am still waiting on my carb to come back from the rebuilder to see how it all performs on the road.
I have the parts necessary for a GM HEI conversion for the Cordoba which is probably the best way to go but that means using a Mopar electronic distributor in order to send the proper signal to the GM HEI module.
Some people have told me Pertronix will quit suddenly without warning. AFAIK, all electronic ignition systems will do that if they fail. The posters on the Lincoln forum I visit for the most part swear by Pertronix and so far so go for me so I will endorse it. The good news is, you and keep your old points, condenser, etc in a zip lock bag in the trunk with a paper clip (poor man's feeler gauge) and a screw driver and go back to points pretty quickly if the Pertronix unit let's you down. HTH.
I put a Pertronix distributor in my 77 Cordoba along with the flame thrower coil and it runs fine. I am still waiting on my carb to come back from the rebuilder to see how it all performs on the road.
I have the parts necessary for a GM HEI conversion for the Cordoba which is probably the best way to go but that means using a Mopar electronic distributor in order to send the proper signal to the GM HEI module.
Some people have told me Pertronix will quit suddenly without warning. AFAIK, all electronic ignition systems will do that if they fail. The posters on the Lincoln forum I visit for the most part swear by Pertronix and so far so go for me so I will endorse it. The good news is, you and keep your old points, condenser, etc in a zip lock bag in the trunk with a paper clip (poor man's feeler gauge) and a screw driver and go back to points pretty quickly if the Pertronix unit let's you down. HTH.
Slantsixdan
Well-Known Member
The Pertronix kit works fine. I prefer the HEI upgrade not because the Pertronix is notoriously unreliable, but because if a failure does occur, you can get HEI parts from every parts store and wrecking yard in the world, but you can only get Pertronix parts from Pertronix.
ArtH
Well-Known Member
I have to agree with Dan. Most of my experience over the years has been with GM products. I have a 77 Buick Electra with over 200,000 miles and it's second engine. However, the distributor is the original with no replacement parts. It runs great. Smooth idle with good acceleration. I won't say GM HEI never fail, but I've never had a problem with them. I have worked for GM dealerships most of my career and have rarely seen a problem with them.
When I started this project car, I went to the Pertronix system due to experience with the Lincoln I mentioned earlier. I also started looking into the GM conversion. As I mentioned, I have all the parts necessary including wiring to switch over if and when I need to.
The good news, is a quick search of Advance Auto Parts stores in this part of the country carry Pertronix modules for a variety of applications; I just checked.
I will say this, if I were to start over again (and may have to) I would go with the GM conversion. However, if you just want basically a drop in to your existing distributor, Pertronix is easy and so far reliable for me anyway. If you would like to see how I wired it all up, I will take some pictures and post them. You will be by passing the ballast resister for either set up as you will use battery voltage.
When I started this project car, I went to the Pertronix system due to experience with the Lincoln I mentioned earlier. I also started looking into the GM conversion. As I mentioned, I have all the parts necessary including wiring to switch over if and when I need to.
The good news, is a quick search of Advance Auto Parts stores in this part of the country carry Pertronix modules for a variety of applications; I just checked.
I will say this, if I were to start over again (and may have to) I would go with the GM conversion. However, if you just want basically a drop in to your existing distributor, Pertronix is easy and so far reliable for me anyway. If you would like to see how I wired it all up, I will take some pictures and post them. You will be by passing the ballast resister for either set up as you will use battery voltage.
ArtH
Well-Known Member
Not trying to hijack this post. Dan, can you help me with the wiring on this? I know the green and tan wires on the left side of the HEI unit go to the distributor. There are three wires on the other side two are connected to the pink and white coming from the black connector (the third is black and is a ground wire). B which is tan should get 12 volts from the primary side (pink wire with black connector) of the coil and the white wire is connected to the "C" wire on the module which brown. The heavy pink from the gray connector gets battery power that I will have coming off a relay. The white one is for a tach. Have I got that right?
Slantsixdan
Well-Known Member
I think you've got that right, but I am on day 2 of trying to stop drinking coffee, so take that for what it's worth!
Meep-Meep
дворянин
The Pertronix kit is fine if you use a coil that is recommended with the setup. Reason is, if you use a coil that draws too much current you will fry the module. I had one in my 66 F250 and currently running it in my 67 Ranchero and 71 F250. Also my buddies are running them in various vehicles with good results.
I will disagree that using the HEI, or any other electronic system other than the Pertronix will leave you less stranded. With a Pertronix all you have to do is keep a set of points, condenser, a screwdriver and a set of pliers with you; and should a failure occur 100 miles from any parts store or junk yard, you can pop the points in and keep going. Assuming, of course, the failure is strictly limited to the Pertronix switching module.
I will disagree that using the HEI, or any other electronic system other than the Pertronix will leave you less stranded. With a Pertronix all you have to do is keep a set of points, condenser, a screwdriver and a set of pliers with you; and should a failure occur 100 miles from any parts store or junk yard, you can pop the points in and keep going. Assuming, of course, the failure is strictly limited to the Pertronix switching module.
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