More questions on points and electronic ignitions

[TheDude]

Hi,

I would like to thank everyone for helping with my electronic ignition questions. I have several more questions concerning ignition.

I have decided to go with a Pertronix setup and a Flamethrower coil. I have been reading much literature regarding Pertronix and Duraspark and I have decided that with my limited knowledge and experience concerning ignition systems I should go with the easier setup.

My questions:

Where do I buy new points? I want to replace the old points so I have a backup should the alternative ignition setup fail. Must I physically remove the points from the distributor in order to install the Pertronix equipment and just keep the points in the car somewhere? Is there a specific tool used to measure the points gap that I must purchase somewhere?

What kind of spark plugs should I consider? Can I just purchase some generic spark plugs or is there a specific kind that some of you I6'ers prefer to use? Is .54 the right gap measurement that I want for the plugs?

Spark plug wires? In my other post, someone suggested 7mm Bosch wires. Will these wires be compatible with a Pertronix/Flamethrower coil setup?

My shopping list:

Pertronix Ignitor
Flamethrower 40,000v coil (oil filled)
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wires
New Points (where do I purchase them?)

Am I missing anything?

One more query:

When looking at Pertronix Ignitor units I am confused as to which one to purchase. I have a 1968 200ci I6 in my 1965 Mustang. On one website the units available are:

65-73 EIS-1266 6 cyl, w/o smog pump
65-73 EIS-1281 8 cyl., single point
65-73 EIS-1281D 8 cyl., dual points
65-73 EIS-1281DV 8 cyl., dual points w/vac.
66-73 EIS-1261 6 cyl, w/smog pump

Which one do I need?

I want to thank anyone who has made it this far into the post. I really appreciate all the help. I am sorry to ask so many questions but I am unsure about much of this and I want to make sure I do it right.

Thanks,

Justin

 

[cfmustang]

I have had some problems with mine (probably just a bad unit - I'm going to try installing it again this weekend to make sure before I call for a RMA), but here is what I can tell you.

1) You must physically remove the rotor and points from the dizzy to install the pertronix unit. Any autoparts store (Autozone, Murry's, etc) should carry spares. As for the measureing the gap, use a feeler gauge.

2) For right now, I was going to use my current plugs (not sure of the brand, have to check) and just open up the gap to .54. I'm sure others here have a preference for plugs and can make recomendations.

3) I was planning on switching to the 7mm Bosch wires.

As for the type, it depends on the dizzy. If you are running the 6 cyl dizzy that came with your car, it could be one of two units. The 1261 and the 1266. The way to tell is to pop off your distributor cap and pull off the rotor. If the shaft is solid with one side flattened, go with the 1266. If the shaft is hollow and looks like the letter "C", go with the 1261. If you go to the http://www.pertronix.com/ and go to downloads/ignition catalog, you can go to page 4 and there are pictures at the bottom.

Hope that helps...

 

[Anonymous]

hey...if you use a pertronix YOU DONT NEEED POINTS. No need to buy 'em and gap 'em...

I have my plugs at .050. Runs GREAT.

one thing: buy a good plug...I think I read to go one step colder than stock (falcon handbook) and an extended tip (as long as it doesnt hit)

The 7mm wires are really thick...I guess tahts OK. I know they insulate better. I am running the 9mm wires and they run fine. I think 8mm is a safe medium but dont take my word on that

chaz

ps...get the chrome coil...LOOKS GREAT!!!

 

[Anonymous]

thinking about this...I may have gotten wire sizes wrong...7mm seems SMALL...9mm is thick...i think

I am running 8mm...I think.

too hot today...cant think

 

[mugsy]

I put pertronix in my '65. Ran great. The Pertronix box had a plastic bar in it, that was used to "gap" the unit. I did keep my points, put them in the glove box just in case the Pertronix failed. As for cables/wires, I think they all have the same ends regardless of the diameter. So just make sure you get a set for a small Ford six and the ends should fit right into the dizzy and over the spark plug. And lastly, gap is about 0.050, NOT 0.54; a half inch gap is just way too big for spark plugs

tanx,
Mugsy

 

[TheDude]

And lastly, gap is about 0.050, NOT 0.54; a half inch gap is just way too big for spark plugs

Thanks . I think I will go with 8mm wires and a spark plug gap of .050. I will probably order the Pertronix unit and Flamethrower coil tonight. Does anyone have any pictures of their Flamethrower coils installed? I am thinking of buying the black coil so it looks more stock. I will be removing the engine this winter and painting it to '65 standards (black block, head and intake with orange air cleaner) so I think that the black coil would look better.

Thanks for all the help.

Justin

 

[TheDude]

What is different about the Pertronix Ignitor II and the Flamethrower II coil compared to the original units?

 

[Anonymous]

Justin,

Did you ever get the carb sorted out?

Don

 

[Anonymous]

coil color choice is a personal preference I thinks

I went with chrome cause i am going to go chrome on more stuff

the pertronix II is adjustable. i have heard its a bitch...

my pertronix I is great. two years and never touched it again....if I can, I will get a pix for you of the right side of my engine

ps...a lot of people here have moved coil to fender wall. I am gonna do that too...

here you go...you cant even see the chrome...so I am moving it

just got to my page and look at image of coil (couldnt link it for some reason)

 

[TheDude]

Did you ever get the carb sorted out?

Yes, the carburetor upgrade is pretty much completed now. I just need to have Al come over again and tune it while the car is in Drive. We also must set the timing again. I believe that most projects sort of blend into other projects. Example: Right after I installed the new carburetor my ignition switch went bad. Then I decided to completely upgrade the ignition system. I hope to be done with the summer projects after the ignition upgrade, that is if it does not "blend" into another project.

Chaz,

Thanks for the picture. I will stick with the Petronix I unit.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Anonymous]

We also must set the timing again. I believe that most projects sort of blend into other projects. Example: Right after I installed the new carburetor my ignition switch went bad. Then I decided to completely upgrade the ignition system. I hope to be done with the summer projects after the ignition upgrade, that is if it does not "blend" into another project. Wink

It's become apparent to me that for me the "journey hath no end."