Pertronix Question(s) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**El Jay** · 10-06-2010, 09:18 PM

Okay, here's the deal; my GMC is just about due for a tune up.
Rather than installing points and condenser, I'm thinking of converting the old distributor to electronic.

I'm just curious about the reliability, etc. of a Pertronix conversion, or Mallory, or Accel, or any others.
All constructive comments, criticisms, recommendations, etc. are welcome.

Thanks, Folks.

Larry

Zoomin · 10-06-2010, 09:25 PM

Compared to standard points and condenser, they're all bullet-proof. The Pertronix is easy to hook-up and it still looks close to stock, if that's important to you.

gearys 5600 · 10-06-2010, 09:31 PM

I have used petronix on two different cars, Great product absolutely zero problems.

Raymo · 10-06-2010, 10:08 PM

Just installed the Pertronix set up on my 56 3100 w/6 cyl. with their coil. It's great. I wish I'd done it a long time ago. It was easy.

Raymo

darrylhopkins · 10-06-2010, 11:04 PM

I used Crane's and have not had any issues with it. The installation was as easy as installing points with the exception of running a couple of new wires. It's been on about 5 years now.

**VetteVet** · 10-06-2010, 11:25 PM

Skip White at Whites performance (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories)
has the complete distributor for $38.50 plus shipping. They have others as well.
I like the pertronix unit and I bought it for my vette because the mechanical tach drive in the distributor wouldn't let me use the regular HEI dizzy. Now they are selling the HEI tach drive distributors for the vettes.

You Know that you have to buy new HEI plug wires which puts the two units at roughly the same price. I bought the pertronix coil as well and it doesn't require the resistor .

jayman68 · 10-06-2010, 11:46 PM

An electronic ignition is the way to go, more power and economy and less maintenance. In a marine application I have found the Pertronix kit prone to failure, I have just seen it happen. Most likely because a boat engine works alot harder than an automotive engine. I would suggest keep the point plate on hand incase you need to get home.

Mt Man Chad · 10-07-2010, 12:09 AM

They work GREAT!
Have it in my 68 327 and 71 250.

starts easier, runs soother & better mileage.....

northerngmc · 10-07-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetteVet

You Know that you have to buy new HEI plug wires which puts the two units at roughly the same price. I bought the pertronix coil as well and it doesn't require the resistor .

Are you saying you need to upgrade to HEI plug wires with the pertronix?

cdowns · 10-07-2010, 01:51 PM

i never had to change the type of plug wires//used the same dizzy cap on the couple i've used, but did upgrade to new wires as general maintenance procedure// doing the conversion the same dizzy cap was used//have also run the pertronics dizzys that have the same type cap as points type systems

cparman · 10-07-2010, 08:05 PM

I have done a bunch of the Pertronix conversions. Both F&*d and Chevy. I like them, trouble free. When we first started doing them , we had a couple of failures. Now when we do them we ALWAYS replace the ignition coil with an external resistor type coil. Make sure that you have 12v+ to the coil, and do not use the resistance wire that currently feeds the points.

**68 Stepside** · 10-07-2010, 09:13 PM

One thing a member mentioned last week, which I think is a really good idea is to always carry a spare in your glovebox. I've heard nothing but good reviews on the pertronix units, but a little extra piece of mind is always a good thing. Just like carrying an extra HEI module, it's cheaper than a tow if it goes out while on the road.

Willy Prost · 10-07-2010, 09:14 PM

A pertronix has been in my truck since 97.
No Problems.
Best return on investment of anything I have done to the truck.

**VetteVet** · 10-07-2010, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northerngmc

Are you saying you need to upgrade to HEI plug wires with the pertronix?

The caps are different. The points style wire is male and the HEI is female. I suppose you could force the plug wire end down over the HEI terminal but it might be prone to arcing. Another reason is that the HEI is a hotter spark and will probably burn through a points style wire.

Indyuke · 10-07-2010, 11:29 PM

Ran the Ignitor II in my 70 for several years, then switched to HEI. There was a noticeable improvement when I went from points to pertronix, then another noticeable improvement when I went from pertronix to HEI.

Pertronix is good, but HEI is best.

cdowns · 10-08-2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetteVet

The caps are different. The points style wire is male and the HEI is female. I suppose you could force the plug wire end down over the HEI terminal but it might be prone to arcing. Another reason is that the HEI is a hotter spark and will probably burn through a points style wire.

using peptronics conversions they use the points dizzy cap no difference there wires the same attach the same no difference there

**El Jay** · 10-08-2010, 06:24 PM

I thank all you kind folks for the input.

I'll ponder all of this while budgeting the resources for the project.

Once again, thanks to all of you.

Larry

northerngmc · 10-08-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

using peptronics conversions they use the points dizzy cap no difference there wires the same attach the same no difference there

Thank you for clarifying this.

davepl · 08-10-2014, 09:34 PM

Just FYI Pertronix also sells stock-appearing cast distributors (I think from the Delco molds). That's what I wound up using.

So if your truck has been converted to HEI and you want to return to small cap originality without a junkyard piece it's a nice option.

I have a Pertronix II in my Pontiac and the hood tach works fine. I have the III in my truck and it's hooped. It reads 2000 with key on and the engine not running. It reads about 4500rpm at idle. This is a repop tach from LMC.

I just hooked a scope up to it and can't find any signal. I was hoping I'd see a multi-spark trigger pattern or something, but no...

mud.man.rj · 08-10-2014, 09:41 PM

I have installed 4 now, 1 Dodge, 1 Ford and 2 Chevy, changed up the coil w each one also, same wires but opened up my s plug gaps from 28 to 44, way better idle and ran quite a bit cleaner at idle too.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 08-10-2014, 11:11 PM

I have a Pertronix Ignitor II, Flamethrower II coil on an Accel Blueprint [AC/Delco] distributer on the L6 292 in my '68 C/10 stepside. Works great, no problems. I have a Mallory HEI on the V8 350 in my '71 Jimmy. Replaced a junkyard GM HEI, which gave me a lot of problems. Don't rebuild a junkyard distributor, it's cheaper to get a new unit with all new components.

I think I like the Pertronix better, but it is on a built 292 in a 2-wheel drive shortbed, the Jimmy is 4 wheel drive and has a stock crate SBC.
Ignitor [1] had a bad rep since it would burn out if the key was left on. Ignitor II will shut itself off so that doesn't happen. Ignitor III is V8-only and has tach issues, but is some kind of multi-spark unit.

With both types, a full 12 VDC must be supplied to the coil, the OEM 20 Orange/White/Purple resistance line that splices into the 20 Yellow to the coil on a points-set up must be bypassed, as it drops volts down to 7 - 9 VDC as it heats up to save point contact surfaces. No external resistor is needed.

**67 cst swb** · 08-11-2014, 10:56 AM

Pertronix!!!
All the way.
They are a solid company, been around for years.
All the others are just imitating Pertronix in my opinion.
Avoid Mallory!!!
I have been in the Auto Parts world for almost 30 years.

PERTRONIX Igniter II

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 08-11-2014, 01:19 PM

Anybody notice this thread was from 2010???

Hugh Mongus · 08-11-2014, 01:25 PM

I converted the '69 I had years ago with Petronix and I have two tractors that I also converted with Petronix. They are trouble free, and easy to install. Be sure to replace the coil.

Grip · 08-11-2014, 02:08 PM

I used a Crane version and had an issue because they sold me the wrong coil (wrong resistance). I had two units fail before I figured it out. My point is, make sure the coil you have is the right resistance for the unit you are installing. Since replacing the coil, no more issues.

10-06-2010, 09:18 PM	#1
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Pertronix Question(s) Okay, here's the deal; my GMC is just about due for a tune up. Rather than installing points and condenser, I'm thinking of converting the old distributor to electronic. I'm just curious about the reliability, etc. of a Pertronix conversion, or Mallory, or Accel, or any others. All constructive comments, criticisms, recommendations, etc. are welcome. Thanks, Folks. Larry __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

10-06-2010, 09:25 PM	#2
Zoomin Man of Mini-Talents Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 4,295	Re: Pertronix Question(s) Compared to standard points and condenser, they're all bullet-proof. The Pertronix is easy to hook-up and it still looks close to stock, if that's important to you. __________________ Steve Project - Ruth 66 Skylark Project - Lola 60 Biscayne Project - Iron Ox 54 GMC 100 Project - Darth 69 Camaro

10-06-2010, 09:31 PM	#3
gearys 5600 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: tulsa,ok Posts: 1,085	Re: Pertronix Question(s) I have used petronix on two different cars, Great product absolutely zero problems. __________________ MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=423629 1969 custom/10 swb--SOLD 1968 swb 50th anniv.--SOLD 1967 camaro ss/rs..LS-6-speed, 16-year long project 1956 chevy nomad 1955 chevy 210 2-dr sedan 1978 el-camino ss 1-owner

10-06-2010, 10:08 PM	#4
Raymo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wyoming Posts: 101	Re: Pertronix Question(s) Just installed the Pertronix set up on my 56 3100 w/6 cyl. with their coil. It's great. I wish I'd done it a long time ago. It was easy. Raymo

10-06-2010, 11:04 PM	#5
darrylhopkins Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 33	Re: Pertronix Question(s) I used Crane's and have not had any issues with it. The installation was as easy as installing points with the exception of running a couple of new wires. It's been on about 5 years now.

10-06-2010, 11:25 PM	#6
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,718	Re: Pertronix Question(s) Skip White at Whites performance (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories) has the complete distributor for $38.50 plus shipping. They have others as well. I like the pertronix unit and I bought it for my vette because the mechanical tach drive in the distributor wouldn't let me use the regular HEI dizzy. Now they are selling the HEI tach drive distributors for the vettes. You Know that you have to buy new HEI plug wires which puts the two units at roughly the same price. I bought the pertronix coil as well and it doesn't require the resistor . __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

10-06-2010, 11:46 PM	#7
jayman68 Fun Stuff Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Sedro Woolley, WA Posts: 400	Re: Pertronix Question(s) An electronic ignition is the way to go, more power and economy and less maintenance. In a marine application I have found the Pertronix kit prone to failure, I have just seen it happen. Most likely because a boat engine works alot harder than an automotive engine. I would suggest keep the point plate on hand incase you need to get home. __________________ Jay 68 C10(project) 88 Honda Accord(DD) 93 Chevy Astro EXT 2wd

10-07-2010, 12:09 AM	#8
Mt Man Chad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oakridge Oregon Posts: 1,864	Re: Pertronix Question(s) They work GREAT! Have it in my 68 327 and 71 250. starts easier, runs soother & better mileage..... __________________ 68 CST SWB - Gold/White 50th anniversary /TH350/Buddy Buckets/3.73 Posi/dogdish caps. 68 K10 Burb - Gold/White 327/SM465/NP205/3.73 "Daa Burb" build thread

10-07-2010, 01:51 PM	#10
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Pertronix Question(s) i never had to change the type of plug wires//used the same dizzy cap on the couple i've used, but did upgrade to new wires as general maintenance procedure// doing the conversion the same dizzy cap was used//have also run the pertronics dizzys that have the same type cap as points type systems __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY Last edited by cdowns; 10-08-2010 at 10:15 AM.

10-07-2010, 08:05 PM	#11
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: Pertronix Question(s) I have done a bunch of the Pertronix conversions. Both F&*d and Chevy. I like them, trouble free. When we first started doing them , we had a couple of failures. Now when we do them we ALWAYS replace the ignition coil with an external resistor type coil. Make sure that you have 12v+ to the coil, and do not use the resistance wire that currently feeds the points.

10-07-2010, 09:13 PM	#12
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,690	Re: Pertronix Question(s) One thing a member mentioned last week, which I think is a really good idea is to always carry a spare in your glovebox. I've heard nothing but good reviews on the pertronix units, but a little extra piece of mind is always a good thing. Just like carrying an extra HEI module, it's cheaper than a tow if it goes out while on the road. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

10-07-2010, 09:14 PM	#13
Willy Prost Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 398	Re: Pertronix Question(s) A pertronix has been in my truck since 97. No Problems. Best return on investment of anything I have done to the truck.

10-07-2010, 11:29 PM	#15
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: Pertronix Question(s) Ran the Ignitor II in my 70 for several years, then switched to HEI. There was a noticeable improvement when I went from points to pertronix, then another noticeable improvement when I went from pertronix to HEI. Pertronix is good, but HEI is best.

10-08-2010, 06:24 PM	#17
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: Pertronix Question(s) I thank all you kind folks for the input. I'll ponder all of this while budgeting the resources for the project. Once again, thanks to all of you. Larry __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

08-10-2014, 09:34 PM	#19
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Pertronix Question(s) Just FYI Pertronix also sells stock-appearing cast distributors (I think from the Delco molds). That's what I wound up using. So if your truck has been converted to HEI and you want to return to small cap originality without a junkyard piece it's a nice option. I have a Pertronix II in my Pontiac and the hood tach works fine. I have the III in my truck and it's hooped. It reads 2000 with key on and the engine not running. It reads about 4500rpm at idle. This is a repop tach from LMC. I just hooked a scope up to it and can't find any signal. I was hoping I'd see a multi-spark trigger pattern or something, but no... __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible



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08-10-2014, 09:41 PM	#20
mud.man.rj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Creighton Sask. Canada Posts: 4,121	Re: Pertronix Question(s) I have installed 4 now, 1 Dodge, 1 Ford and 2 Chevy, changed up the coil w each one also, same wires but opened up my s plug gaps from 28 to 44, way better idle and ran quite a bit cleaner at idle too.

08-10-2014, 11:11 PM	#21
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,504	Re: Pertronix Question(s) I have a Pertronix Ignitor II, Flamethrower II coil on an Accel Blueprint [AC/Delco] distributer on the L6 292 in my '68 C/10 stepside. Works great, no problems. I have a Mallory HEI on the V8 350 in my '71 Jimmy. Replaced a junkyard GM HEI, which gave me a lot of problems. Don't rebuild a junkyard distributor, it's cheaper to get a new unit with all new components. I think I like the Pertronix better, but it is on a built 292 in a 2-wheel drive shortbed, the Jimmy is 4 wheel drive and has a stock crate SBC. Ignitor [1] had a bad rep since it would burn out if the key was left on. Ignitor II will shut itself off so that doesn't happen. Ignitor III is V8-only and has tach issues, but is some kind of multi-spark unit. With both types, a full 12 VDC must be supplied to the coil, the OEM 20 Orange/White/Purple resistance line that splices into the 20 Yellow to the coil on a points-set up must be bypassed, as it drops volts down to 7 - 9 VDC as it heats up to save point contact surfaces. No external resistor is needed. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 08-10-2014 at 11:16 PM.

08-11-2014, 10:56 AM	#22
67 cst swb Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 2,281	Re: Pertronix Question(s) Pertronix!!! All the way. They are a solid company, been around for years. All the others are just imitating Pertronix in my opinion. Avoid Mallory!!! I have been in the Auto Parts world for almost 30 years. PERTRONIX Igniter II __________________ My Trucks: 1967 Chevrolet Short Wide Box 327 TH350 9" w/3.90 gears paint will be White - Current Project 1967 Chevrolet Custom LWB 283 TH400 3.73 Posi, no-AC, no-PS, no-PB, bench-seat, small-window - mostly orig driver 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB originally a 327 TH400 3.73 Posi AC PS PB, had Buddy Buckets, Small Window - parts truck 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB, 283 MT 3.73 had Buddy Buckets, Panoramic Window - parts truck 2001 Chevrolet 3500 2WD Crew Cab Dually 8.1L Allison White

08-11-2014, 01:19 PM	#23
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,185	Re: Pertronix Question(s) Anybody notice this thread was from 2010??? __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

08-11-2014, 01:25 PM	#24
Hugh Mongus Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 360	Re: Pertronix Question(s) I converted the '69 I had years ago with Petronix and I have two tractors that I also converted with Petronix. They are trouble free, and easy to install. Be sure to replace the coil. __________________ -Jason USN Retired

08-11-2014, 02:08 PM	#25
Grip Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Conyers, Ga. Posts: 121	Re: Pertronix Question(s) I used a Crane version and had an issue because they sold me the wrong coil (wrong resistance). I had two units fail before I figured it out. My point is, make sure the coil you have is the right resistance for the unit you are installing. Since replacing the coil, no more issues. __________________ Eric 68 Anniversary Gold C-20 LWB to C-10 SWB build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=637492 It's hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs because they always take things literally.

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