hi guys, just curious, anyone had any experience, good or bad with any kind of electronic module in an old dist.? have a very old mallory model yc, and was wondering if anyone could recommend one. thanks

I have a Pertronix that I've used in 5 different vehicles since 1985.It's at present in my 56 that I drive all the time.It  has well over 100,000 miles on it.No problems.I just walked in the house after installing a new one on a friends car.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

that sounds like a good recommendation to me. thanks paul

Here's the deal - the Pertronixs module has a semi-conductor device (power transistor) that opens and closes the coil ground circuit - just like the points you're replacing. Beacuse there is a second, "non-wearing" electronic circuit that causes the main power circuit to open and close in time with the point cam, the repeatability is dang near forever. This is good. There are many who have had excellent results with this device.

There are many who have not. The first generation device won't operate a high performance coil with low resistance and switch high amperage. It will operate several popular types of capacitive discharge devices (that don't require high amperage switching). Follow the directions in the box - the system does have to have full input voltage at the electronic module (can't come through a ballast resistor). 

The semi-conductor switching device has a maximum power rating - too many amps will kill it. Pertronics has specific directions about how much total resistance has to be in the coil and ballast resistor combined. If you violate their recommendation - the amps go too high and the power transistor will die (or cook the adjacent timing circuit in the module). Pertronix has a second generation version of their unit that will handle more amps - so you can run a "hotter" coil with more spark energy. If you are not just looking for the reliability of removing the points - and want a "hot" ignition - consider their second generation system. 

Good Luck!

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I went thru 2 pertronix Ignitor II in 6 months, then I switched to FORD Duraspark electronic ignition, no more problems.

Because of all the bad experiences others have posted w/ Pertronix, I installed the Crane product a couple of years ago and have had no problems.  A big plus to me is the Crane has a built in adjustable rev limiter.  I am using the original coil and ignition resistor.

TC

You gotta have the right tools and know how to use 'em.

TC - Austin, Texas

If your not concerned with it looking original I'd recommend the MSD dist for y-blocks (I believe it's part # 8383).  I used it with the stock coil for a while and it worked great.  Then I opted for a performance coil, ignition control and timing control, and the car is significantly more responsive with a noticable increase in power.

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

Guess I didn't report what's in mine - a Ford Duraspark II in a Ford Y-block distributor. Mine is a "junkyard dog" with one trick part made by a machinist friend, a Ford TFI coil and a performance advance curve. The Ford electronics are designed to retard the spark when the starter soleniod is engaged. Parts are available everywhere - cheap.

Two things that drove the decision - cost - and friends with bad experiences with the Pertronix. The worst of these experiences was having a failed aftermarket part and no spare (or points in your pocket) while out of town, on the freeway, etc.

Also the 70's Ford trigger is the same as used by MSD and an easy future upgrade is to plug it directly into a new red box. 

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I've had a pertronix in my car for over 6 years now with no trouble (stock 312), but I do keep a spare one in the glove box after hearing all the horror stories.

i appreciate all the feedback on this guys. steve, because i want to retain the old school look and having 3 yblock dist. and an ancient mallory, i am keenly intersted in your setup. would you mind supplying me with part nos. including the # on your dist.thanks