Pertronix ignition on 72 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

xs-cash · 12-30-2021, 01:42 PM

Was thinking of changing the stock points on my 72 ,350 to pertronixs , any help or information would be great , will the factory tach still work correctly too ?

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 12-30-2021, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xs-cash

Was thinking of changing the stock points on my 72 ,350 to pertronixs , any help or information would be great , will the factory tach still work correctly too ?

Pertronix Ignitor [I] and Ignitor II work OK with tachs, but the Ignitor III, because it's multi-spark, does not.

Get a GM HEI. It's more reliable and parts are everywhere. If your Pertronix burns out, you'll need to buy a new one.

**davischevy** · 12-30-2021, 11:11 PM

We have 10 Pertronix modules in original distributors and D100 distributors in use right now.

I keep an extra module in case one goes out, but I have never had a problem.

**davischevy** · 12-30-2021, 11:12 PM

And, yes, all have working factory tachs.

**allchevy58** · 12-31-2021, 12:03 AM

I installed the Petronix 1181LS in all my classics stock distributors. Only have factory tach in the 64' C30 and 71' Monte Carlo and they work just fine. Summit part # PNX-1181LS

xs-cash · 12-31-2021, 12:54 AM

Thanx for the replies guys

**LockDoc** · 12-31-2021, 01:01 PM

-
I put a Pertronix kit in my stock 327 distributor when they first came out many years ago. (I think early '80's) I have never touched it and it is still working good.

LockDoc

**HO455** · 12-31-2021, 02:33 PM

The base version of the Pertronix works great. My friend has installed over a hundred of them over the years and the only ones that ever had any issues were the ones with built in Rev limiters. I have several of them in my vehicles none of which have ever failed and stranded me unlike some of the HEI's I have had. For peace of mind I carry a set of points and all the screws to reinstall if I were to have a failure and face being stranded.

I forgot to add that my factory tach works with the Pertronix. It is actually closer to accurate than the aftermarket market HEI that the PO installed in the truck. With the HEI the tach read low about 15%.

Greasey Harley · 12-31-2021, 03:06 PM

I have a Pertronix on the 327 in my '68. It has been installed for about two years now, no problems.
I still don't trust it, so I keep a distributor and all the tools needed to swap it, behind the seat where the factory jack used to live.
I used to be a boat mechanic and encountered several DOA pertronix units, so I have trust issues.
The pertronix, so far, is working flawlessly.
The only reason I changed it is it is darn near impossible to find quality parts for points ignitions these days, unless you can find some good NOS parts, it's all junk.

...This discussion is pointless

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 12-31-2021, 07:35 PM

I ran an Ignitor II for about 7 years on the 292 L6 in my '68 C/10. Worked fine for that time, until it didn't. Above 3000 RPM it would shut down. Totally black out. I had to switch key OFF, key ON, kick in the clutch as fast as I could, slow to about 50, then drop the clutch in gear and it would pop start. Usually when on the freeway with some impatient jerk crowding my tail pipes. The engine would coldcrank at speed until I got it out of gear. Worked OK at lower speeds.
I called Pertronix tech help. They said to send the bad pickup module in. I did. Never heard back.
I went back to points for a year, then got a GM HEI.
Yes, I've blown a couple HEI modules since then, but I keep one in the glovebox
and can swap it out in 15 minutes.
Still waiting for Pertronix to get back to me, 9 years later.

**Already Gone** · 12-31-2021, 08:14 PM

I put the stock appearing Petronix Distributor # 104600 in my 72 C10 along with the #40011 coil and 7MM Wire Set # 708101 and they were installed in 2015.. Factory Tach doesn't work properly but isn't original to the truck as I changed out whole dash and gauges to a rebuilt I got from a Board Member, PTS70CST.. Bought one of these new tach boards, link, but haven't installed it yet and hoping it'll fix the Tach problem..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/14318007273...53.m1438.l2649

**LockDoc** · 12-31-2021, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I put the stock appearing Petronix Distributor # 104600 in my 72 C10 along with the #40011 coil and 7MM Wire Set # 708101 and they were installed in 2015.. Factory Tach doesn't work properly but isn't original to the truck as I changed out whole dash and gauges to a rebuilt I got from a Board Member, PTS70CST.. Bought one of these new tach boards, link, but haven't installed it yet and hoping it'll fix the Tach problem..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/14318007273...53.m1438.l2649

I bought the Cajun Tach Shop I6 board and installed it in a non working V8 tach housing. It worked great. I sold the truck before I had a chance to drive it on the road though.

LockDoc

**Sheepdip** · 12-31-2021, 09:45 PM

I run both, HEI in Otis and Petronix in my 40 because of firewall clearance, never an issue with it. I also ran Petronix on a flathead V8 for many years with no issues.

Just remember you will have to match a coil to it.

**Louisvillekytruck** · 12-31-2021, 09:57 PM

Ttt

**KevinK7** · 01-03-2022, 03:43 PM

I recently installed on my 68 C20, all good.
I've also has one in a '67 Camaro for years, been fine.
One word of advice (and sadly I ran into this) ...DON'T forget to turn your ignition OFF. I now am in the habit of just removing the keys. If you do leave the ignition ON, ...the coil will burst, literally.

Not that you haven't figured this all out, but me being detailed (anal lol ) I put some notes together. Here is a link, there are a couple other notes in the same ImageEvent album.
https://imageevent.com/hvclassics/au...=0&y=1&z=2&l=0

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 01-03-2022, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinK7

I recently installed on my 68 C20, all good.
I've also has one in a '67 Camaro for years, been fine.
One word of advice (and sadly I ran into this) ...DON'T forget to turn your ignition OFF. I now am in the habit of just removing the keys. If you do leave the ignition ON, ...the coil will burst, literally.

Not that you haven't figured this all out, but me being detailed (anal lol ) I put some notes together. Here is a link, there are a couple other notes in the same ImageEvent album.
https://imageevent.com/hvclassics/au...=0&y=1&z=2&l=0

That's an issue with the Ignitor [I] only. The Ignitor II will not burn out.

12-30-2021, 01:42 PM	#1
xs-cash Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada Posts: 103	Pertronix ignition on 72 Was thinking of changing the stock points on my 72 ,350 to pertronixs , any help or information would be great , will the factory tach still work correctly too ?

12-30-2021, 11:11 PM	#3
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,863	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 We have 10 Pertronix modules in original distributors and D100 distributors in use right now. I keep an extra module in case one goes out, but I have never had a problem. __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

12-31-2021, 12:03 AM	#5
allchevy58 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Reno, Nv. Posts: 1,440	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 I installed the Petronix 1181LS in all my classics stock distributors. Only have factory tach in the 64' C30 and 71' Monte Carlo and they work just fine. Summit part # PNX-1181LS __________________ 1927 Willy's Knight 24,000 original miles, 1958 Impala 283/Powerglide, 1971 Monte Carlo 350/350, 1972 GMC K2500 350/350, 1976 Chev. K10 350/350, 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD LBZ Duramax/Allison, 2006 Chev. Silverado K3500 LBZ Duramax/Allison

12-31-2021, 12:54 AM	#6
xs-cash Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada Posts: 103	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 Thanx for the replies guys

12-31-2021, 01:01 PM	#7
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 - I put a Pertronix kit in my stock 327 distributor when they first came out many years ago. (I think early '80's) I have never touched it and it is still working good. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-30-2021, 11:12 PM	#4
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,863	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 And, yes, all have working factory tachs. __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

12-31-2021, 02:33 PM	#8
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,393	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 The base version of the Pertronix works great. My friend has installed over a hundred of them over the years and the only ones that ever had any issues were the ones with built in Rev limiters. I have several of them in my vehicles none of which have ever failed and stranded me unlike some of the HEI's I have had. For peace of mind I carry a set of points and all the screws to reinstall if I were to have a failure and face being stranded. I forgot to add that my factory tach works with the Pertronix. It is actually closer to accurate than the aftermarket market HEI that the PO installed in the truck. With the HEI the tach read low about 15%. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 Last edited by HO455; 01-01-2022 at 03:47 PM. Reason: Added last line.

12-31-2021, 03:06 PM	#9
Greasey Harley Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Post Falls, ID Posts: 900	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 I have a Pertronix on the 327 in my '68. It has been installed for about two years now, no problems. I still don't trust it, so I keep a distributor and all the tools needed to swap it, behind the seat where the factory jack used to live. I used to be a boat mechanic and encountered several DOA pertronix units, so I have trust issues. The pertronix, so far, is working flawlessly. The only reason I changed it is it is darn near impossible to find quality parts for points ignitions these days, unless you can find some good NOS parts, it's all junk. ...This discussion is pointless __________________ Insert clever text here:

12-31-2021, 07:35 PM	#10
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,513	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 I ran an Ignitor II for about 7 years on the 292 L6 in my '68 C/10. Worked fine for that time, until it didn't. Above 3000 RPM it would shut down. Totally black out. I had to switch key OFF, key ON, kick in the clutch as fast as I could, slow to about 50, then drop the clutch in gear and it would pop start. Usually when on the freeway with some impatient jerk crowding my tail pipes. The engine would coldcrank at speed until I got it out of gear. Worked OK at lower speeds. I called Pertronix tech help. They said to send the bad pickup module in. I did. Never heard back. I went back to points for a year, then got a GM HEI. Yes, I've blown a couple HEI modules since then, but I keep one in the glovebox and can swap it out in 15 minutes. Still waiting for Pertronix to get back to me, 9 years later. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

12-31-2021, 08:14 PM	#11
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,144	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 I put the stock appearing Petronix Distributor # 104600 in my 72 C10 along with the #40011 coil and 7MM Wire Set # 708101 and they were installed in 2015.. Factory Tach doesn't work properly but isn't original to the truck as I changed out whole dash and gauges to a rebuilt I got from a Board Member, PTS70CST.. Bought one of these new tach boards, link, but haven't installed it yet and hoping it'll fix the Tach problem.. https://www.ebay.com/itm/14318007273...53.m1438.l2649 __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

12-31-2021, 09:45 PM	#13
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,634	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 I run both, HEI in Otis and Petronix in my 40 because of firewall clearance, never an issue with it. I also ran Petronix on a flathead V8 for many years with no issues. Just remember you will have to match a coil to it.

12-31-2021, 09:57 PM	#14
Louisvillekytruck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Louisville ky Posts: 1,113	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 Ttt

01-03-2022, 03:43 PM	#15
KevinK7 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Hudson Valley, New York Posts: 650	Re: Pertronix ignition on 72 I recently installed on my 68 C20, all good. I've also has one in a '67 Camaro for years, been fine. One word of advice (and sadly I ran into this) ...DON'T forget to turn your ignition OFF. I now am in the habit of just removing the keys. If you do leave the ignition ON, ...the coil will burst, literally. Not that you haven't figured this all out, but me being detailed (anal lol ) I put some notes together. Here is a link, there are a couple other notes in the same ImageEvent album. https://imageevent.com/hvclassics/au...=0&y=1&z=2&l=0 __________________ '68 C20 Utility 396 4sp (BuildThread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806904 ) '68 C10 50th



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