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To Petronix or not?

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bunzil

Jedi Trainee
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Well it's spring and time to tinker. I've been thinking about finally installing the Petronix breakerless ignition I bought a year or two ago and to refresh my memory, went back through the forum. There seems to be some controversy regarding this system, with little noticible gain in performance, AND everyone seems to be carrying around an extra set of points anyway. I was looking for extra reliability, not that I've had a problem.

Comments anyone? Should I switch over? Do I need to upgrade the coil too?

Thanks
 
bunzil said:
Well it's spring and time to tinker. I've been thinking about finally installing the Petronix breakerless ignition I bought a year or two ago and to refresh my memory, went back through the forum. There seems to be some controversy regarding this system, with little noticible gain in performance, AND everyone seems to be carrying around an extra set of points anyway. I was looking for extra reliability, not that I've had a problem.

Comments anyone? Should I switch over? Do I need to upgrade the coil too?

Thanks
Click to expand...

A new coil is not mandatory when switching over to a Pertronix. The gain in performance is there, just not where you might expect it. It won't really free up horsepower but you should notice easier starting and smoother idle. If the car was already starting easily and idling smooth, then you might not even notice that.

I've had a Pertronix in my TR6 for about 10 years now. The only time it has been touched within that time period was when I sent my distributor to Jeff to be re-curved. So my experience has been very trouble free and very positive. Others may have had differing experiences.
 
Good enough - thanks. I guess I'll slap it in there and see what happens.
 
I've been running Pertronix in my TR4 for 2 years without a problem. The system did give a smoother idle. I vote install and see if you like it. A very quick change and if your not happy, a quick change back.
 
That's what I'll do and keep a spare set of point in the glovebox. Are you still using the stock coil?

Gee, what will I do with my dwell meter...it's a dying art.
 
I've been running Pertronix for a good while. I won't go back to points.
Yes, I keep a set of points in the glove box, just in case.
But I also keep a fan belt and other small parts for insurance. I have never needed them, but they are good to have just in case.
Install them, it only takes fifteen minutes, and see if you like them. If you don't, revert back to the points. I'm certain that your old ignition will go into the glovebox just like everyone else's never to be used again.
Let us know how you like them.
 
My TRs have been running with points for 89 years and they seem satisfactory so far.

Well since you have the dingus you might as well see for yourself which you prefer. If you have a problem with a wobbly distributor then perhaps you'll note some improvement with the Pertronix.

As for coils, no need to use a upgraded coil... but of course you can and you can also use such a coil with the points.
 
I look to the Pertronix for ease of maintenance, you don't have to fiddle with the timing as the points wear, rather than as a performance enhancing mod. I've had one in the TR4 and the E-type for 5 years without a problem.
Bob
 
4+ years and no probs and no maintenance.
 
I am using a stock coil with Pertronix. An upgrade to a Sport Coil is on my wish list though.
 
Mine worked great for two years. Bushing went in dizzy, but it still ran great even though the rotor started hitting the cap. That wouldn't have happened with points.

I did use the Pertronix coil as well.
 
Bob_Muzio said:
I look to the Pertronix for ease of maintenance, you don't have to fiddle with the timing as the points wear...
Bob
Click to expand...

You shouldn't fiddle with the timing as the points wear, you should be fiddling with the points. This will put the timing back to where it should be. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
Agreed Art. Points are easy enough and cheap enough to replace as soon as they get worn or pitted. Keep a matchbook cover in the glove box if you don't have a feeler gauge to carry, but I would get one, since they are very cheap as well.
 
Have use Pertronix for 3 years. Had Jeff rebuild my dist and make up a new points plate. The only problem I've had is that if you leave the ignition on without the engine running the Pertronix can burn out and not work. I had the engine rebuilt and in the process of setting everything up again I had left the ignition on. That's how I know.

Michael Scoggins
Salt Lake City, Ut
 
Yes, that is one of the few pitfalls of the Pertronix unit.
 
Thanks again guys. I don't worry about leaving the ignition on...the only thing that normally could cause that is the radio, but in the 6 I circumvented the ignition. Besides, I rarely listen to the radio anymore anyway. I'd rather listen to the car.
 
Leaving it on accessory, or the first position to listen to radio is fine. Just not full ignition, with car not running is bad.
 
I've thought about putting a Pertronix in my TR. Every time I think about it I remember that I change points and do a tune-up less than once a year. At that rate the Pertronix would need to last 25+ years to pay off.
The other factor is that points will always get you home, especally if you cary an extra set in the glove box.
I know there are some high RPM advantages but I don't drive that hard.
 
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