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Dizzy cap for petronix ignitor

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tri_carb_healey

tri_carb_healey

Senior Member
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Hey Folks,

I've got a bt7 and want to throw a petronix electronic ignition in my distributor. Unfortunately, from what i've read on this forum the side exit dizzy caps don't seem to work well the petronix system. is it possible to swap a more conventional top load cap for this mod to be optimized? any suggestions or thoughts?

stay classy…..
 
FWIW, I've been running a Pertronix in my BJ8 with an OEM Lucas cap for, 60K miles or so. Don't know about long-term viability, though. Have heard a TR6 top-loader will work.
 
Love it, "stay classy" love that movie!!!

Super question and would love to know.

I too have the same deal, went pertronix and kept my cap stock. No problems that I can see, but hope people chime in for two things, is this not viable and why? Does the stock cap not have the correct leads in the cap, and or is it the plug wires that make the difference. If you have to use a top style cap, whats the firing order.



tri_carb_healey said:
Hey Folks,

I've got a bt7 and want to throw a petronix electronic ignition in my distributor. Unfortunately, from what i've read on this forum the side exit dizzy caps don't seem to work well the petronix system. is it possible to swap a more conventional top load cap for this mod to be optimized? any suggestions or thoughts?

stay classy…..
Click to expand...
 
tri_carb_healey said:
Hey Folks,

I've got a bt7 and want to throw a petronix electronic ignition in my distributor. Unfortunately, from what i've read on this forum the side exit dizzy caps don't seem to work well the petronix system. is it possible to swap a more conventional top load cap for this mod to be optimized? any suggestions or thoughts?

stay classy…..
Click to expand...
There can be problems with cross firing using a stock cap versus a top loader cap. I never had a problem with my side cap but why take a chance? Jeff at Advanced Distributor rebuilt my Dizzy and I purchased a top cap, new wires, new bosch coil and extra rotors(he's got the good rotors!).
 
the side exit dizzy caps don't seem to work well the petronix system.

Never had the problem been all over the US and Canada using good OEM Lucas side entry caps.
 
so I'll be ok with a new side cap wires plugs and coil with the petronix? or is there a top loader cap i can use like a plug and play for my distributor
 
Yep you will be OK

There is an NOS Lucas cap on E Bay now!!!!
 
I've heard the problems come from the cap not being able to handle too-high-powered coils. Lucas Gold is supposed to be the max. I've never had a cap problem in the 10 years I've been running Pertronix.
 
steveg said:
I've heard the problems come from the cap not being able to handle too-high-powered coils. Lucas Gold is supposed to be the max. I've never had a cap problem in the 10 years I've been running Pertronix.
Click to expand...

I also use the side mount caps with the Pertronix on my 6-cylinder Healeys, had success for years. On my vintage racer, I use a German made Bremi cap which is a much higher quality with all has a brass contacts, https://www.ebay.com/itm/AUSTIN-HEA...Parts_Accessories&hash=item35bfbd26cd&vxp=mtr
 
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