Help with Pertronix install

[Thomas S.]

Re: Help with Pertronix install

With the distributor mounting on the engine, some of installation steps are difficult due to the tight area. Easy to drop screws, etc. I had installed the Pertronix unit on my 327 and it ran fine. However, I always worried that if I got stuck on the side of the road due to a failure in that unit, it would be a real pain to go back points after the install - again to do so on the road. When I had my distributor re-built I did not use the Pertronix unit, but instead went back to points. Very easy to recover from that setup. It’s a risk reward thing and given how infrequently most of these cars are driven combined with no real performance enhancement, I stuck with points. Just an opinion as I am sure there will be others that will swear by the Pertronixs.

[Leif A.]

Re: Help with Pertronix install

With the distributor mounting on the engine, some of installation steps are difficult due to the tight area. Easy to drop screws, etc. I had installed the Pertronix unit on my 327 and it ran fine. However, I always worried that if I got stuck on the side of the road due to a failure in that unit, it would be a real pain to go back points after the install - again to do so on the road. When I had my distributor re-built I did not use the Pertronix unit, but instead went back to points. Very easy to recover from that setup. It’s a risk reward thing and given how infrequently most of these cars are driven combined with no real performance enhancement, I stuck with points. Just an opinion as I am sure there will be others that will swear by the Pertronixs.

If one is dead set on swapping the old points for an electronic substitute, a much easier install is the Breakerless SE system. No additional wiring, uses the standard ballast resistor and, once installed, there is no way to tell you have anything non-stock installed.

[Gary C.]

Re: Help with Pertronix install

Thomas,

I carried a spare distributor for 5 years after installing the Petronix. Drove that '64 for over 20 years with the Petronix ignition without any problems.

Gary
....

[William F.]

Re: Help with Pertronix install

Hank, Can you do "dial back" timing check with this timing light?