ignition system

[65shad]

I just switched out the points and condenser on my 200ci stock engine with a petronix ignition, coil and wires. I want to increase carburation and add headers for more HP and would like to know if that is OK with the pertronix. Seems like everyone looking for increased performance is using the Duraspark II. Have I wasted my money on the petronix or am I OK to make my desired upgrades and realize performance increase I am looking for?

P.S. While I am looking to increase HP, I am not looking for radical measures. I want to keep my mods bolt-on. Looking for better performance, good looks and great sound. Not too much to ask......

 

[Anonymous]

I think you're good to go whichever way you go. CobraSix(Slade) did tried it both ways, DS2 and Pertronix, and I believe his findings were both positive.


db

 

[Asa]

i believe that it's generally personal preference that decides whether to go with the Petronix of the DSII setup
that or the fact that some blocks don't accept the DSII distributor

 

[65shad]

Is this true if I am still using the stock load-a-matic on my 65? Also, between carb and headers, which first if you have to do it in stages due to budget?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi 65shad,

If I were you I would upgrade to a 68 dizzy with both a vacuum and mechanical advance. Install a Petronix ignition module. You can gap your plugs between .045 to .050 inches for better spark.

I don't know if you have a good auto salvage yard in your area, if you do a Dura Spark II from a 78 up Ford six will be a cheap upgrade, get module, wiring and all from the donor.

Dura Spark is probably better but everyone has an opinion, go with what's cheapest and easiest for you.

After ignition upgrade I would upgrade the carb. I have a Holley/Weber 5200 I got from stoveboltengine.com for $65.00 rebuilt and used a Clifford adaptor from Clifford performance $68.00 to intall it. I love the combo of the H/W 5200 and Dura Spark II. I have much better start up, economy, and a little better performance.

A 2.25 single out exhaust with a Turbo muffler would be a nice upgrade for not a lot of money. A header can be had new for 250.00-300.00 used off e-bay you may find one for less than 200.00. But it's not going to throw you back in the seat when you floor it with one so it's up to you. If you are going to do more later, head work, vavle job, port polish, cam go with a header, it is worth the investment, but if not just go stock manifold with low restriction muffler.

Get a Falcon Performance Handbook and a shop manuel they will help you out tremendously. Plan your build for your budget and by all means.....

Have fun,

Bob

 

[Anonymous]

Bob,
Great post.
Steve

 

[addo]

I second that! (Is he a Schjeldahl in disguise? )

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys,

I'm not even close to the Schjeldahls, I'm just trying to pass on what I've learned from you all and my limited experiences. Without this forum I would still be driving old sputter sput squeak squeak around.

Bob

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy 65 Shad and all:

Both the Petronix, in your stock Load-a-Matic distributor, or the DS II are an upgrade over your old point system. The downside of the L-a-M distributor system is that it is vacuum advance only and is married to a carb that must have the Spark Control Valve to work as designed. A next choice carb upgrade, with what you have, is to find an Autolite 1101 from a full size Ford car or truck, '63- '67, with a 223 six engine. It will have a SCV and a larger CFM rating of 215, as opposed to a 185 for your stock 1100. This will be a completely compatible system. Make sure all is working as it should. You may need to modify the adapter to clear the larger throttle bore and butterfly, but all else should appear stock. The only down side with the 1101s is that they are getting scarce- even as rebuilts.

You will now really appreciate an improved exhaust system.

The '68 point type distributor has centrifugal advance and vacuum advance. It works best with a '68 or later carb with a ported vacuum source (Not SCV). Your Petronix Ignitor should be adaptible to this distributor. Centrifugal advance give you just a little more in the way of fine tuned performance. The DS II give all of that plus the benefits of a much stronger spark system.

The 5200 conversion is a good upgrade, but will not be stock appearing and will require a bit more coordinating. Your choice.

In any case, bump the initial timing to the 12 - 14 range, open the gap on your plugs to .045" and enjoy the differences.

Bob- thanks for the endorsement.

Adios, David

 

[Anonymous]

Now see that's what "professional" advice looks like!

Bob

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Back Bob and All;

No "professionals" here Bob. Just a couple of retired school teachers trying to get by on their pensions. Oh and sharing the lessons learned from making some of the same mistakes shared here.

As is always the case;
*the devil is in the details.
*when it comes to FoMoCo, never say "never" or "always".
*when dealing with a 40 year old machine, never say "never" or "always".
*know what you have to get the most from what you have.
*things mechanical work together.
*Murphy is alive and well!

The journey continues. Go and grow!

Adios, David