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Pro & Con's of Pertronix vs Points

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mountainman

mountainman

Jedi Trainee
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Would like to have this forum's opinions on points vs electronic ignition.I remenber way back when [50 yrs] trying to keep the points adjusted on my 59 Tr3.
Thanks
Greg
 
Pros: Set the timing only once. Compensates for worn distributor bearings.

Cons. Could be damaged with ignition left on.
 
Or from the points POV:

Pros:
Cheap
Adjustable
Can be diagnosed and fixed if something isn't working
Easy to carry a spare (most Pertronix users carry points for their spare)
Tend to fail gradually with warning (if you're paying attention)
It is actually sorta fun to tinker with them

Cons:
Require adjustment/replacement from time to time
Wobbly distributor shaft may cause erratic ignition/timing
Don't provide much grist for the Forum discussion mill
 
May be my imagination, but I swear that the 3 vehicles I've installed Pertronix on all start easier/faster compared to when they operated on points.
 
3798j said:
May be my imagination, but I swear that the 3 vehicles I've installed Pertronix on all start easier/faster compared to when they operated on points.
Click to expand...
I don't think it's your imagination.
 
I'm a real glutton for punishment...I've got a dual point Mallory runnin' things. I get to fiddle with two sets of points. :laugh:

Yeah, I know, overkill on a four banger.
 
I have Pertronix on 3 of my Triumphs and recommend them to all my friends. I have never had a problem but know people who have left their ignition switch on to try to check lights and ending up burning their Pertronix out. I carry a spare set of points in a baggie in my glove boxes just in case. It also starts up quicker. Good luck, Bill C. Mesa, Az.
 
You'll typically notice that the car runs a bit smoother with a Pertronix as well in my experience. Just make sure you get the right coil for it.
 
martx-5 said:
I'm a real glutton for punishment...I've got a dual point Mallory runnin' things. I get to fiddle with two sets of points. :laugh:

Yeah, I know, overkill on a four banger.
Click to expand...

Same here. They are not that difficult to adjust, it's not something you do every weekend or every year. Give them a visual now and again. Hook up the timing equipment once in a while to check spec. I carry an extra set of points, rotor, and condensers in the boot. I think that red headed dizzy looks nice and retro.
 
I ran points in my Triumphs in the 60's and 70's and had no trouble.

Purchased my TR6 4 years ago and had nothing but trouble with points and the related parts. Installed a Pertronix 3 years ago and all has been well ever since.

Seems to me it is a manufacturing problem, not a point problem.
 
I had the opposite Tom.

When Jeff at Advanced Distributors rebuilt my dizzy,
I asked him to install the Pertronix and also build me
a plate for points and condenser can- drop in and go.

The Pertronics failed at less than 200 miles; Jeff's
points lasted over 5000 miles before I replaced them.
I get about 2000 miles from a condenser.

Honest man that he is, Jeff did a tune-up inspection of my
dizzy in January this year; also sent me three new red rotors
and new points as well as a replacement Pertronix: all gratis!!

I carry 6 sets of spare points, 6 condenser cans and 8 spare
rotors, one spare dizzy cap, plug wires and plugs ,, just in case.


Your choice. For a non-mechanic like me-
I'll stay with the points and cans and rotors.

best regards,

Dale(tinster)
 
I have been running Pertronix for 4 years now and the only time I have removed the distributor cap was to show others what was underneath it.
 
Have use the Petronix twice have gone back to points. First time didnot no about leaving the key on for too long. Second time realy watch how long key is on or even removed wire to system when need to leave key on. Still had it go out. Pros go system would like to go back. Con spend $80.00 every couple years.

Don
 
Installed Pertronix on my '64 Corvette's 327 in 1994. That would be about 15,000 miles ago. I still don't carry spare ignition parts. I'm also knocking on wood as I type this.
 
I'll stick with points. They aren't that hard to adjust and more than reliable enough for my purpose. Can't say anthing about pertronix as I have never used it
 
I've had a Pertronix unit in my TR6 since 1998. I've left the ignition on for extended periods with no issues. The only time I've pulled the distributor was when I sent it to Jeff for a rebuild a couple of years ago. He returned it, still with my original Pertronix with the gap checked and it has been faultless ever since. Just my experience though.
 
Personally, I think a large number of the Petronix issues are from people (not necessarily those here on BCF) running the wrong coil and gradually frying the unit(s) inadvertently.
 
The main con I think with Pertronix is only the price. For pluses, I switched over a couple a years ago and it definitely improved how my car started, and I suspect how it ran in general. And it hasn't burnt out yet.
 
From the Pertronix box:
PERTRONIXvolts.jpg

I really don't see the relationship to the coil's output as being an isuue.
The Pertronix operates on what the Coil is fed, which needs to be 8 volts minimum, not what comes out of the coil.
 
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