Pertronix Ignition

[PFSlim]

I am going to change out my standard point ignition on my cobra today. I have a 390FE with points, vacum advance, ballaist resistor, etc.

I am putting in Pertronix Ignition II and Pertronix Coil II. Has anyone did this changeover? Do I still need a ballasit resistor? Is there anything else I need to be aware of?

Thanks in advance

Paul

[MOTORHEAD]

Paul: Did u not get an instruction sheet with the kit? It explains the wiring changes.
Ted

[PFSlim]

Ted

To be honest, the whole kit is coming today. Thought I would get a note out since I have read that the instructions are not that good (only heard). Therefore, just thought I would float the questions out there so I could be better prepared when it does arrive and I can go ahead and install.

Paul

[MOTORHEAD]

Paul:
I put 2 Igniter II kits and coils on my boat a couple of years ago. Both failed 1st time out! I'am pretty sure the instructions said to remove or bypass ballast or resistance wire to get full (12-14 vdc) to the module. I had no ballast resistor , but did have resistance wire feeding the coil. Thought I had bypassed it, but had not. Low voltage (9vdc)to module = increased current draw = burned out pwr xster ! Slow trip home on one engine!
Decided it wasn't worth the risk (on a boat offshore) to rely on delicate solid state devices to drive primary motive power. Went back to points & condensor.
Shouldn't be a problem for automotive use, just make sure you read and understand the directions.
Ted

[Bobcat]

Paul ... for what it`s worth , I have the Pertronix on my 63 1/2 Galaxie ( 427 ) and have had no problems for over 6 years . Having said that , if you look up some posts on Pertronix , it appears that when they shifted their production out of the US , problems started and the units became less reliable . When I take the Galaxie out , I always carry the original points , condenser and mounting plate assembly just in case and changeover is fairly easy if need be ... also , there is a wiring change involved . The Galaxie has no ballast resister ... I also made sure all wiring was as direct as I could get it , power straight from the battery and I had a good solid ground to the engine block .

Bob

[rustyBob]

I used one on my 65 Galaxie 20 years ago and it still works fine..the kid is driveing it now
for my Cobra i used an Accel electronis dist. and have had no problems at all...
and it was an easy hook up..

[PFSlim]

Pertronix Ignitor II and Pertronix Flamethrower II coil installed. So far.... so good!! Engine runs great again.

Many thanks to all who responded. Hopefully, I can pass along good advice someday.

Paul

[zrayr]

keep your points in the car so you can change back when the Pertronix fails.

Z.