Pertronix distributer kit

Topsterguy

Topsterguy

Senior Member
I have a 39 flathead in my 36 coupe and am thinking of putting in a Pertronix kit to get rid of the points etc, because I seem to always have misses and ignition problems. Anyone used their kit? thoughts? Which one would be the right one for the 39 engine ? Thanks !
 
I have. And once it got hot it sputtered and ran badly. It was a 8BA motor. Went back to points and condenser -- things that worked for 67 years.
Sent the unit back to Pertronix and they said it was a bad unit. But when it strands you along side the road, a bad unit doesn't help you get where you are going.
I would make sure that you distributor is timed correctly and that you have a good condenser and coil -- and stay with the unit that Henry provided. Your vehicle would not have survived this long if the ignition system was junk.
My opinion-- but I have now put over 5400 miles on the vehicle after the bad adventure with electronic ignition.
 
I have installed and use two of them with stellar results BUT neither is on a flattie............ It was a point set up that left me high and dry.
 
Extremely sensitive to voltage variances. I had enough failures that I changed my 59AB with Pentronix crab distributor back to a points distributor. No failures and tow's home since.
 
I have one on my flathead with a crab style distributor with very good results. My car has been converted to 12V. Not sure if that has an effect on dependability of the Pertronix, but it’s something you might want to note when making your decision.


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Bursonaw said:
I have one on my flathead with a crab style distributor with very good results. My car has been converted to 12V. Not sure if that has an effect on dependability of the Pertronix, but it’s something you might want to note when making your decision.


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Click to expand...
My car is a 12 volt too.
 
I've been running a 6 volt positive ground Pertronix in my '40 for going on 15 years or so without a missed beat. Its a 59AB with a crab distributor. Been running a stock coil the whole time to.
 
Have Pertronix in two cars, both for years, and no issues . If your using' Pertronix 1' don't leave the ignition key on without the car running. I'm told that can cause problems although I have had none. Car starts easier and idles smoother.
 
The original Pertronix units did have issues - went through two on my old 8BA in my 40. My avatar had one too and was replaced with a Pertronix II. The trick with Pertronix is to always run a ballast resistor. 12 volts, + or - ground, does not matter. Without the ballast resistor it messes up the coil - I went through this with Bubba's ignition and he figured it out. Once I started running a ballast resistor I have had no problems in 40k plus hard miles. It's the same with any motor running a Pertronix ignition - fixed a guys unit at the Adirondack Nationals last year and it was an sbc.

Just what I've learned BUT I always have a spare pts distributor, ballast resistor, and one of Bubba's recco'd coils with me at all times!!!
 
The fact is, no electronic works well with a generator,positive ground and six volts. Thats just the way it is.
Now 12 volts is a different story !! The problem with the 12 volt units , you MUST use the correct coil with the correct resistance ..
 
I ran a Pertronix, 6v. pos grnd on my '50 Ford w/OD for several thousand miles with no issue at all. I went back to points just because I wanted original set up. I put Pertronix on my 8n tractor and had bad results the 2 times I tried it. Stick with the points>
 
I have been running a pertronix on 6v pos grnd generator for 3 years now. I've been a good 15,000 miles if not more. Put the resistor in for the OD kickdown as they recommended.
 
BUBBAS IGNITION said:
The fact is, no electronic works well with a generator,positive ground and six volts. Thats just the way it is.
Now 12 volts is a different story !! The problem with the 12 volt units , you MUST use the correct coil with the correct resistance ..
Click to expand...
Thanks. Mine is 12 volts with a GM alternator. You're "the electrical guy" , what coil should I run with the Pertronics IF I decide to use it? Thanks again !
 
Russ/40 said:
I've been running a 6 volt positive ground Pertronix in my '40 for going on 15 years or so without a missed beat. Its a 59AB with a crab distributor. Been running a stock coil the whole time to.
Click to expand...

My stock generator has had no consequences with my 6volt +Ground.
 
Ran Pertronix years ago when they were called PerLux. This was on 60's Fords.
They were OK for awhile but would eventually fail, even running with a factory (ballast) resistance wire and correct coil. This is when the units were made in the USA also; I seriously doubt they are these days.
My F-1 runs a Mallory PU coil in the distributor and and old Jacobs box from the early 80's. Been running just fine for the last 3 years. I added a Hays reluctor in the distributor last year to make the signal a little more crisp.
 

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I run Pertronics in all my cars. My 8BA
Is 12 volts and I use the Pertronics coil.
Works great and has a strong spark to the plugs.
I do, however, carry a points set with me on the road!
 
I run points ignition in all my cars. My 8BA
Is 6 volts and I use the stock Ford coil.
Works great and has a strong spark to the plugs.
I do not, however, carry a Pertronix with me on the road!
 
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