Okay all you guys with a Pertronix setup, couple of questions. First off, I have not bought a kit yet, but I hear good things about them. I have a HEI right now. I would like to go back to the stock look but keep the advantages of breakerless ignition.

Question 1. I know when the HEI is hooked up you must use a constant 12 volt source for the ignition, therefore jumping or replacing the old resistance wire in the factory harness. Must you do this with the Pertronix setup?

Question 2. Can you retain the original external voltage regulator or must you purchase an internally regulated alternator?

Any other advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

 

Here is a link to the installation instructions on the Pertronix website.
http://www.pertronix.com/support/man...itor12vneg.pdf

 

Thanks 66ninetyeightls

I had seen that before, so I'm assuming it's just a plug-in deal? Do you have one on your car and what did you do? Thanks again...Gery.

 

I had to jump the resistance wire on mine, '71 350, all stock. I remember because I wouldn't of if I didn't have to for one, and I had it hooked to the wrong ignition wire. It would crank like crazy but only start when you let off the key.

I have an external voltage regulator.

 

I have been using a Pertronix for several years in my '66 98 w/425ci. It is very satisfactory and I did not change a thing. Still uses the original wiring to coil, original coil and external voltage regulator.

 

Thanks guys. That's the kind of feedback I was looking for. If anybody else has any experiences I would appreciate them.

 

Make sure you get the Pertronix II. The original style Pertronix for GM distributors sometimes requires shims in a small block Olds engine. P-II does not. I went ahead and got a Pertronix coil while I was at it since the Hurst still had its 30-year-old OE coil.

The way I understand it, Pertronix can be wired to either the resistance wire or to 12v. My 74 Hurst is on the resistance wire and runs fine except I've learned to turn the switch ON, count to five and then start the car. If you don't wait a few seconds, the car will be difficult to start. I've thought about putting it on constant 12V, but since the car hasn't been run to amount to anything in the last few years, it hasn't gotten done.

 

Mine seems ok after 2 years of beating on it. It has a slight miss no matter what I do, but nothing severe. I thought it was the carb, but it wasn't. Then I thought it was plugs, wires, cap and rotor.... but it wasn't.
Thought maybe cam or valve...... but I redid those too.
It's definitely the ignitor unit. No big deal, just a tiny hiccup every few seconds.

 

12 volts to the coil is want works with a pertronix set up.

Be sure to use the correct coil in terms of Ohms recommended.

Get the LSCC version, as it works off the lobes of the distributor, and has no ring to attach.

 

I installed the Pertronix Ignitor III with the matching coil in my 1968 Vista Cruiser. I have original type alternator with external regulator. As noted, need to find a 12V source other that the resistor wire. Other than that, a piece of cake and it works great.,

 

I have the original one hooked up with the stock resitor wire with an MSD blaster coil painted black. The setup works great. I did have to shim the distributor but thats no big deal if you know how to drive out a roll pin.

 

I still have the original Pertronix in one of my cars and it has worked great for about 6 years now. The only issue I have had with it was over 5500rpm it would start to break up a little. I would definitely get the Pertronix II set up instead. More reliable and they fixed many of the issues the original had.

 

I installed the P-II in my '68 and it runs great with the original coil and external voltage regulator. The only difference in appearance is that the Pertronix has two wires coming from the distributor, rather than just the one wire with points and condensor.

 

I just installed a pertonix on my 70 cutlass sx 455. lobe sensor unit. and the pertronix recommended coil using all the stock wiring. I didnt jump any wires or use any shims. Its runs flawless. original ext.regulator. just follow the installation instructions. Its very simple.