duraspark vs. pertronix

[Anonymous]

Hi folks,

I'm a newbie here, so please forgive if this question has been answered already.

I've seen a few threads regarding switching to the Duraspark II, but none relating to the Pertronix aftermarket setup. I have the Falcon Performance Handbook, and it doesn't really say which is preferable, other than the Duraspark option costing less. I'm sure both are much better than the stock points, but the Handbook is a little vague in terms of the merits of each, so any opinions would be appreciated.

As for what it's going in, I'm doing a ground-up restoration of my 200 '65 Mustang, going for a bit of performance with some headers/exhaust, a different cam, and a carb upgrade.

Thanks.

 

[rbohm]

8) both are good systems, but both have their drawbacks too. both are about equal as far as installation complexity(both are easy to install). the duraspark has the advantage of being able to get replacement modules in places like moose breath, montana and resume speed, iowa. the pertronix on the other hand has the advantage of being able to replace the pertronix with points if you have a module failure.

 

[Anonymous]

Ok, thanks for the response.

 

[80broncoman]

another vote for duraspark. I'd prefer to have easy acess to parts and it looks factory.

 

[durkzz8]

the only thing is that with the Duraspark II setup the distributor will not fit in the earlier blocks. that is why I have th pertroix unit.

 

[rbohm]

the only thing is that with the Duraspark II setup the distributor will not fit in the earlier blocks. that is why I have th pertroix unit.

you are right, it wont fit my 64 falcon 170, but it will fit his 65 200. the change was made in the 64 model year, mine was a very early 64 production.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the opinions, great site you guys have here.

 

[cfmustang]

Just make sure you do some searches here on Pertronix, Ignitor and Ignitor II.

Many people here have had some trouble with the Ignitor II (myself included), but I think the consensus is that the original Ignitor works well if wired correctly.

Various posts will talk about the best way to wire it around the balast resistor...

 

[durkzz8]

the reason I say it may not fit is because I have a 65 200 and I tried to do the conversion to duraspark and the dist. would not fit.

 

[t-west]

I have a 66 200 and at first it seemed like it would be to big around to fit in the hole, but rather than sanding it down, I twisted it through a bit and it fit fine.

Someone else on here has had to shave a bit off the girth.

--tom

 

[rbohm]

the reason I say it may not fit is because I have a 65 200 and I tried to do the conversion to duraspark and the dist. would not fit.

8) match up the two dist shafts and see if they are really different sizes. in know mine are two different sizes cause i checked. and yes the difference will be obvious. if you really do have the smaller dist shaft, then you will also have the smaller oil pump drive shaft as well. it may be that someone swapped the stock 200 for an older 170.

 

[PutPut6]

I think the Duraspark/Pertronix argument has been beaten to death on here, just do a search on it and see for yourself. I'm running an ignitor II and have never had any problems with it. Either way you go, it's going to be better than points.