Pertronix Ignitor for '72 250 ci L6

[Stock72c10]

After reading some opinions here and elsewhere I settled on purchasing the Pertronix Ignitor for my '72 with a 250 ci. L6.

I was just wondering if others with this kit upgraded their coil as well (Pertronix of course suggests it) or can I just use my stock coil and wires (the wires and spark plugs were recently replaced).

Also, did you have to change the spark plug gap? Mine is currently at .035.

I plan on leaving the advance at 4-6º, does that sound right?

Sorry for all the questions, I just don't want to start installing the kit to realize I am missing parts/pieces.

[Brad]

The stock coil will work just fine if you're on a budget.
If the directions don't say, I'd widen the gap to about 45*
Always advance to around 10*-12* until you hear pinging under heavy load, then back off just a bit until you stop hearing it.

[cparman]

we have done probably 20 or more Pertronix conversions on Chevys and F^&*s. a couple of time after a few starts the old coils have died. I would make sure that you have 12 volts engine running to the coil, and replace the existing coil with an external resistor 12V coil.

[Stock72c10]

Are coils either good or dead, or do they tend to get weak over time?

[Stock72c10]

I installed the Pertronix kit last night and it seems to be working very well. It only took about a half hour to get it all put on. Then only thing I had to customize is cutting a small indentation into the cap for the wire grommet to fit in (recommended/required by Pertronix). A dremel worked great for that. I found out the guy that put the distributor on must have set the timing with the vacuum advance connected, because it was WAY retarded (about 12º). I set it to 10º like 68GMsee suggested and it is running MUCH better. Now I don't know how much was the Pertronix kit and how much was screwed up timing, but either way I am happy and don't plan on ever messing with points again (I did save them, just in case). I returned the timing light and tach to my friend this morning and hopefully won't be needing to borrow it again (at least not in the near future).

[grancuda]

I am planning on doing this same thing on my 250 I6. Please post down the road if you notice any mileage increases.

[Stock72c10]

I went out last night right away and topped off the tank. I had been getting ~12mpg before the upgrades. I put on a new (rebuilt) carb, new plugs and wires and the Pertronix kit, plus I put all new hoses on the EEC. I am hoping for 16-18 mpg. Per suggestions here I put the advance at 10º and regapped the spark plugs to .040. I did not change the old/stock coil though. I also reset the idle rpm to 700 (with the EEC disconnected and the vacuum advance disconnected and plugged).

[grancuda]

I am currently getting 18mpg and that is mainly hwy, probably 80% on average and I was hoping to get at least 20 with some tuning.

[Stock72c10]

Wow, that gives me something to shoot for, I would drive the truck every day to work if I can get 20mpg (except for icy days of course).

[WIDESIDE72]

what gear ratio is in the rear axle for 18mpg? My dad and I recently swapped the 3.73 out for a 3.07 rear in his 71 GMC SWB step with a 250 L6. We never checked the mileage, but 250 was wound up like a rubber band going don the highway with 3.73's. Since he plans to cruise, not tow, we decided on the 3.07's. Next up is a Pertronix. I have one in my '47 Farmall Super A and it is a lot easier to start now.

[grancuda]

I am running 3.73 with a 3 speed manual tranny w/275/60R15 tires. I keep mine at 65mph or below, it gets really wound up above that.

[Willy Prost]

I have had a Pertronix on my 71 250-6 short step for over 10 years and over 70,000 miles.

Still uses original coil. Didn't even change out resistor wire to coil (yeah, it is on the list to get around to changing but...).

Installed in less than (2) beers time.

Best investment in time and effort regarding anything I've done to the truck.

Oh, The next time I changed plugs after installing the Pertronix, I widened the plug gap to .045

['68OrangeSunshine]

I have a Pertronix Ignitor II set up to put into my 292 L6. I also bought the Hellfire II coil for it. Currently I'm running the original L6 points distributor and a [vintage] Mallory Voltmaster coil.