is petronix realy worth it???

[Anonymous]

i am new here, been lurking around out back for a while, and was wondering if the petronix i here so much about is realy a better setup than a dura spark? dont want to start anything, just thinking about things like a breakdown on sunday morning on the way to a show, or something like that. i dont see them at the local parts houses, do you have to order them? they seem a little expensive also. i know you just remove the points and condensor and install the petronix unit, but what is it doing to the plug wires? i mean that was why they designed the 8mm wires, for the electronic ign. doesnt the petronix eat up plug wires? or is the spark not as strong as some of the factory electronics? just looking for a little info here.


:roll: jim barry

 

[Anonymous]

I use pertronix. Personally, I don't think they're any better or any worse than dura spark. I chose it because its not as noticable. A few people have had trouble with them, but most have had it for several years with no problems. If you're worried about it, you could always keep a set of points in the glove box.
I bought the Pertronix wires too, so I can't answer that one.

 

[cdherman]

I do not beleive that anyone can honestly say that a Pertronix unit (Ignitor I or Ignitor II) is better than a Duraspark from a purely ignition standpoint. The Duraspark is a good unit.

However, if you have an older distributor, the upgrade path to electronic is not as clear. You can pickup a used Duraspark dizzy pretty cheap sometimes, and that lets you add the external Duraspark box, or a GM HEI unit, or a MSD etc. But that all is more involved than the Pertronix path. And, if you are buying new or remaned duraspark distributors, then the total cost may be more than the Pertronix.

And, the Pertronix will maintain a more stock appearance, if that's what you like. Less wires etc. Pure performance versus better performance with retained stock look.

Plug wires -- just talked to Pertronix today about this. They suggest/require wires that are designed for "radio interference supression" for the Ignitor II. Practically, this means that solid core wires are out. But there are lots of wires that use different schemes to overcome the problems with solid core wires. With the Ignitor I, just good wires should do.

Hope this all helps...

 

[BIGREDRASA]

One more thing. If the Pertronix fails, I just pop in the points and condenser I carry in the Pertronix box; and away I go.

 

[MustangSix]

The Pertronix is a good unit. My personal preference for the duraspark is not so much for the quality of the spark itself, but for the design of the distributor.

First, there is both centrifugal and vacuum advance which is good for street engines and far better than the vacuum only pre-68 distributor. Second, it has a cap which easily handles high powered ignitions and wires. Finally, it is very easy to hook up to other control modules, from the common GM, to a Mopar, to MSD, Crane, Mallory, etc.....take your pick.

But the Pertronix is easy, cheap, and looks like stock.

Take your choice, but either way, it's way better than points.

 

[MandarinaRacing]

moved

 

[Poney102]

I have the pertronix in a later model distributer and so far no problems. I think for most people either setup is fine I went on price, bought the pertronix on e-bay for $45 with the coil (all new) and the distributer from my local car parts place for about $40.

Dave

 

[MustangSix]

A good approach Dave.

 

[CobraSix]

Oh no...not again... (steve...ignore my response Just Kidding )

I've tried both...and generally agree with the comments.

Spark Quality:
Probably no difference at all, except that DS2 allows you to run larger wires (I'm currently running 8mm)

Aftermarket hook ups:
MSD has wiring diagrams for both DS2 and Pertronix. Both are pretty easy to wire, though pertronix is actually a little more complicated. I did not notice any real gain either way.

Stock look:
Pertronix. That's if looking stock concerns you.

Simplicity of install:
Pertronix

Cost:
DS2 is a little more expensive, depending on your parts choices.

So...why did I switch from Pertronix to DS2? Simple, Al gave me a DS2 dizzy. Also, if you accidently leave your ignition in the run position and the car is not running (especially if you are doing some minor work) then you can fry your pertronix. I also had pertronix fail me once. It happened withint 2 weeks on install. This is before I realized I should have left the points in the truck of the car. 3 of the magnets fell out with the tape peeled off. I ran the car home on 3 cylinders firing. Very interesting trip. I continued to run pertronix for another year with abosolutely no problems. I also wanted something more over the counter. Every Autozone I've been too has a DS2 in stock so worse case scenario, I should be able to track one down if something goes wrong.

To your wire question. I don't believe pertronix with a hotter coil will eat up wires much quicker then normal. You should be able to find 7mm sets for the old style cap. I did find that my cap wore out a lot faster. I had to replace it after about 6000 miles (about one years worth of driving for me in my mustang). The only thing the Pertronix replaced is the points and condensor. The rotor and cap are still used from your original set up.

Basically, if all you want to do is get rid of the points, and make your car run smoother, go with pertronix and a post 68 dizzy as mentioned before. Real easy to install. Reliable. Simple. Vastly improves the performance of the car (and driveability). Also, if you are concerned with stock look (since you talked about shows) Pertronix is the way to go.

I really had no complaints about my pertronix. I just wanted to be able to use something more stock.

Slade

 

[cdherman]

OH, forgot to mention. IF you have a loadomatic carb (one with a "spark control valve") you are NOT going to be able to just drop a Duraspark dizzy in. The vacuum from the loadomatic carburators is lower and needs a special. vacuum advance only dizzy.

Just an FYI.

Hey, ain't it nice the forum is up again......

 

[Anonymous]

Pertronix II has built in protection from open circuit. You can't fry the module by leaving ignition switch on. I have run Pertronix II for about a year now works good. Nothing bad to say about DSII it is equally as good. You need to plan out the final configuration of your engine and decide which will be better for you. either will work fine. The others have pointed out the differences, advantages and dis-advantages of both very well, so I won't go there. Good Luck!

Bill

 

[Anonymous]

i asked because i have heard a lot of people on other forums talking about their petronix dieing after a short peroid of time. in my econoline you dont want to have to replace the points beside the highway in the middle of the night, or in the garage in the middle of the day for that matter. my main problem is my 144, and the 1/4 in. oil pump shaft. dist. are few and far between for the ds11. any body ever put ds11 in the little dist.? i know the early 200 with elect. ign had the right shaft, but i havent run onto one yet. as far as price, wellllllll my father inlaw owns a salvage, parts are kinda cheap to me, so i cant beat the price on ds11! thanks for the info.


jim barry

 

[addo]

Why not turn down the end of the DII shaft? Then replace the oil pump with a later one and you're set. An Aussie distributor will fit right in and is better than the DII out of the box, but harder to come by.

Adam.

 

[61Futura]

You also have to make sure the vacuum advance gets hooked to the right kind of vacuum source when you change a distributor. I have no idea how many ways were used on the I6's, but my carb ported vacuum would require Petronix instead of the DSII. When it comes to keeping points & condenser on hand, it made me wonder how many degrees the timing changes when changing them around when stranded along side the road. You may have to retime it by ear to drive away. I keep a 1/2 " combination wrench in the consol anyway. When and if I get the 200 on my stand rebuilt, I'll chose the distributor after I figure out which carb I'll be using.