Pertronix ignitor/Flame Thrower Coil/Spark Wires

[jsevern]

Hey all,

I just purchased a new ignition set from Pertronix (Wires, Ignitor, Coil). From what I have read this is a pretty good upgrade for a pretty good price. I was reading that with this upgrade I should be able to run a bit of a wider gap on the spark plugs and advance the timing a bit. Do any of you have experience on this? How much should I advance the timing and how far should I increase the gaps on the sparks? Is there anything else that I should know regarding the upgrade?

Thanks,

Jeff

Also, I just ordered the lastest Arvinode dual exhaust system and dual out header from Classic Inlines. I'll let you know how the install goes as well as try to post some pics.

 

[fordconvert]

Take base readings with your timing light and tach before you change anything and write them down. Be sure to note things like vac hooked up or not and read both. This way you can get it set right back to the same spot you were before and know it should work at least as good as it did before.

A safe gap for electronic ignition is 45. Sometimes you can go more but its sort of a complicated process with lots of variables. Just going electronic is where you are getting most of the gains on a typical stock ish build.

After you put a few miles on with everything set where the old setup was you can then try a little more timing.

 

[ludwig]

What he said. However, if you are running a '66 engine or so, you will notice an immediate rise in idle speed and throttle response. Go with the .45 but I believe the spark can be gapped as much as .55. You will get a nice fat spark with that. Probably have to set your idle back quite a bit. I found that to be the case. You are consuming the fuel much more efficiently with the EI and the static performance will show it.

 

[CobraSix]

Yup, I had an increase in idle as well.

Don't adjust timing, gap, or idle until you have everything installed and have fired up the car. Make sure to change only one thing at a time. ONce it's running and you've got the idle down, then gap the plugs.

I ran .045 with that set up. I found .055 a little too far and seem to have a few problems (at least with my set up). I found the plugs were a little too fouled for my liking after a tank of gas.

 

[fmartin_gila]

I installed a Pertronix I and matching coil almost six years ago and have been running .045 gap, has worked out very well

Fred