pertronics benefits?

[nachoman]

Is there a gas mileage/power benefit to a pertronics ignitor system over a properly tuned points system? I have always assumed the only benefit was less maintenance vs points. I know some may say go with DSII, but I am trying to keep things looking mostly stock under the hood. Considering a pertronics ignitor is about the cost of 10 sets of points and condensor, and I change those about every other year, the unit wouldn't pay for itself for 20 years. Is there some other benefit I am missing?

kevin

 

[cameljockey]

Ditch the pertronix Idea man I have the pertronix I system on my 200 ci six in my stang and frankly I'm not impressed granted I'm a little one sided I only upgraded from the stock points system and I've tried nothing else. However judging from the other forum members postings you can find, I would definitely suggest the Duraspark II upgrade or if your truly ambitious you might try the new HEI distributor. I only sugest those alternatives beacuse for the cost of the pertronix system you could add a little extra and do the D II upgrade. But I also don't remember how much Pertronix cost exactly because I had my system installed with a distributor rebuild. Since you're going for the stock look though the pertronix I system is better than points but I didn't feel any changes in the performance of the vehicle. It just starts better and runs a little smoother but no noticble change in power output although a dyno session might show other wise small gains.

Good luck and Keep Sixn',
Dan Hanna[/i]

 

[kirkallen143]

I know some may say go with DSII, but I am trying to keep things looking mostly stock under the hood.

kevin

I have the DSII w/ the 1974 cap which looks just like one for a points type dizzy. Just ask the parts place for one for a 1974 Maverick w/ electronic ignition, be careful, they came with both, points and electronic. People have been asking if I still had points in it, it confuses them when they see the ignition module mounted on the fender.
I am glad I finally made the switch to the DSII, the difference is remarkable.

Kirk Allen Jorden

 

[Anonymous]

pertronix is a good start for relaibility

duraspark II is the next step...

if you wamt, you can skip step 1

I started with pertronix and it was great...had it 4 years

 

[CobraSix]

You want to steer away from Pertronix Ignitor 2.

That being said, P1 is a great solid upgrade, especially if you want a stock appearance under the hood.

What you gain:

1) Generally, you can run a higher voltage coil. Sure, you can do the same with points, only you'll burn them out faster if you do. Higher voltage coil = larger gapped plugs = more power = more efficiency. I ran the combination of P1 and 40kV Flamethrower from pertronix, and I gained about 3-5 MPG on the highway.

2) You don't have to worry about frying your ignition if you have the key in the run position but the car is not running. YOu may say, so what? Well, there are sometimes you have to work on electrical systems on the car that are tied to the Key On position, but you don't want to run the car while you are doing it.

3) You don't have to constantly adjust the points to get the best performance out of the car. To me, that was the main reason I switched.


All that said, I think DS2 is a better upgrade overall as you can run thicker wires along with a larger cap that can help reduce crossover firing (generally only a concern on racing cars at high RPM). DS2 is also an over the counter upgrade where you can get all replacement parts from a normal discount auto store so if something goes wrong, you aren't stuck waiting for the mailman.

But, for stock appearance, Pertronix is a great upgrade and one I highly recommend. I've run both set ups and here is my feedback:

http://www.kastang.net/pertvds2.html

Slade

 

[PutPut6]

I duno, seems to be a crapshot with the pertronix. I ran an Ignitor II for over a year flawlessly. But lots of people on here despise them.

 

[Anonymous]

seems the pertronix II is the crap shoot...I think 99% of the pertronix I users are happy

I wish I had gone to the DSII. I am so curious now

 

[69Falcon]

I've had the PII and coil on my Falcon for a month or two now, and I like it. No messing with points, smoother starts and my gas mileage went from 19.2 to 20.5mpg

 

[Anonymous]

I hav ethe P1 on my Stang. Been there for over 7 years, never had a complaint. Car starts MUCH easier (usually with just a flick of the key) and it runs smoother too. I know I am getting better gas mileage but I don't remember the numbers from before I switched.

Not having to constantly adjust and replace points was more than worth the change to me.

 

[jahearne]

I skipped step I and step II and went directly to the DUI dizzy. If you're going to buy the DS II parts over the counter ( plus an MSD module for performance ), you might as well skip Go and head directly for the DUI setup from Mike at ClassicInlines; it's not much more than the DS II parts over the counter. Plus, the installation is a hella of lot easier and that more than makes up for the difference in price.

Now, if you can find all the DS II parts used in a salvage yard real cheap, go for it and put all the money you saved in the gas tank and enjoy your car!

Good luck,

 

[hotrodbob]

What about a Pertronix and MSD?

 

[Lazy JW]

What about a Pertronix and MSD?

It will work, but the DS2 uses the larger diameter distributor cap which allows higher voltage without cross-firing. If one wants originality, stick with points. Otherwise, there is real benefit to the DS2 or DUI units.
Joe

 

[Jamie Miles]

I've been running the Duraspark II setup with a TFI coil for about 15,000 miles now. I love it, starts easier and runs great and about 3 mpg improvement in gas mileage on the highway.

When I put my '69.5 Maverick together, I'm going to try the Duraspark II distributor with TFI coil and Chevy ignition module.

 

[CobraSix]

John,

It's not the cost that drove me to DS2 versus DUI, it's the fact that if my DS2 ever has issues (I daily drive my car) I can just stop at a discount auto store and get replacement parts.

Sure, I have an MSD, but I can easily plug a GM module in place of it incase the MSD ever has issues.

Slade

 

[LaGrasta]

I have PI and am happy, no trouble for years. I just saw an ad in Car Craft, I believe it was, for a new MSD… $150! For that price, I would have gone that route. Ours is bit more money, huh? I guess we're just lucky to have it, period.

 

[ludwig]

I have the PII and mine works fine. Engine fires right up, no misses, good economy. I think I will go to the DUI out of solidarity, but for 80.00 or so for the PI, it would be one of the first upgrades to do. You are gonna need a good coil regardless, to do the Flamethrower coil at the same time.

 

[LaGrasta]

I have the PII and mine works fine. Engine fires right up, no misses, good economy. I think I will go to the DUI out of solidarity, but for 80.00 or so for the PI, it would be one of the first upgrades to do. You are gonna need a good coil regardless, to do the Flamethrower coil at the same time.

EXACTLY my thoughts too.

After install, the moment your fingers hit the key you'll know the difference. It's like flicking a switch., instant "on".