Based on my understanding of the Pertronix Ignition controller, using the Pertronix coil in conjunction with the controller would not be mandatory. I assume however, that the Pertronix Engineers would try to "optimize" the ignition controller for the specifications of their own proprietary coil. Each coil will pass itself off as "hi-voltage" (Lucas or aftermarket), but to me that is just clever marketing. Each coil will have slightly different specifications. Therefore if you graphed Output Voltage vs. Engine RPMs, I'm willing to bet (although I don't have the hi-voltage bench set-up to test this), that no coil would be truly higher voltage (than OEM) from start to finish. They would each have their "weaknesses" based on hysteresis, DC resistance, Ferro-fluid heat dissipation, etc. What the Pertronix ignition controller does, is allows for more consistent spark voltage through the entire engine operating range. It does this by using a microcontroller with Transistorized outputs; instead of the make-break mechanical switching of a traditional points set-up. Traditional points ignition uses a ballast resistor to limit current (of course capacitor charge/discharge time is also considered) and thereby heat. If you are using an aftermarket ignition controller, I would strongly recommend removing the Ballast resistor (we did on my Uncle's MG). Although you will affect the timing, this can be adjusted easily enough with a turn of the distributor to compensate (adjusting sparkplug gap may also be neccesary). Leaving the ballast resistor in place will limit the input voltage to the coil, thereby lmiting the output voltage to the Sparkplug. It won't make or break you, but every little bit helps, right? For reference, my Uncle uses the Mallory Electronic Distributor, the Pertronix Coil, & the Pertronix Second-Strike Controller. He's been using that for a year now, and it has worked great for him with no hiccups! His MG is his daily driver, no less. Back to the original question: Do you need to match brands on coil and ignition controllers? No. Would I recommend it? I guess so. Please correct me if I've overlooked a critical factor, or made an error somehow. Everythig I've said is based on "book knowledge" more than hands on experience.