This entry is dedicated the installation of the PerTronix Ignitor electronic ignition conversion for a Ford flathead. I ordered this product based on the reviews describing it's simplicity and reliability. The reviews didn't lie.
This set-up is just about idiot proof, and this thing comes with a 30 WEEK replacement warranty which they stand by.
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This is the PerTronix system installed. It's clean, tidy and eliminates all those moving parts and any need for maintenance, including lubrication.
The kit replaces the points by screwing down the ignitor plate to the old breaker plate. This allows your advance mechanism to still do it's job. Just two screws and it's in. I went ahead and did a little clean-up while I had the top off my dizzy. This conversion reduces clutter under the distributor cap by making a lot of the wires and junk related to the points useless. The whole conversion in less than an hour.
To finish up the installation I twisted the red and black wires coming from the distributor and sleeved them in heat shrink to protect them and give them a clean appearance. Then I cut the wires to length and crimped on the terminals, heat shrinked those, and wired up the coil.
With the stock points I had the timing set in advance, but when I checked the timing after the electronic ignition was installed it was dead on time, no longer advanced. After advancing the timing it starts right up, just like it used to.
Right off I noticed that the engine revs faster now. It feels a little faster too, I would not be surprised if it was literally faster on the stopwatch. The sweet spot for cruising was right around 55 mph before, going faster felt like I had to push it harder than was comfortable. Now the sweet spot is up on the other side 60, a notable and worthwhile gain. Was this all the Pertronix product? It could be, but the ignition conversion wasn't the only variable here. The new Pertronix coil spits 40,000 volts, which I would hazard to guess is higher than stock and a hotter spark definitely can improve power. Resetting the timing could have something to do with the better performance too.
I won't ever have to set points again which is good because it's not particularly fun and I'm not particularly good at it. My points will never short and fuse together and my car won't ever run like crap again because my points got dirty.
This because I made the easy and relatively inexpensive, about 100 buck for the coil and module, switch to electronic ignition. There is a reason why the automotive industry no longer uses points. This is a good way to lend a little more reliability to your vintage engine without investing a ton of time and money, all while maintaining a stock appearance if that's what you're into. Bring your flatty up to speed! Back to Blog
6 Comments
Christopher
9/3/2014 01:28:32 pm
Does the electronic conversion run on 6 or 12 volt?
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Aaron Starnes
9/4/2014 04:33:43 am
I ran 12 volt but they make a 6 volt option. It's Pertronix 1283P6
Reply
2/15/2020 09:21:35 am
I recently reviewed your web site and was really impressed. I am also restoring a 1949 Ford Tudor. I found very good information. have reviewed the Archives sections. Also very well done
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Aaron Starnes
2/18/2020 08:57:22 am
Mike,
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11/3/2022 10:26:07 pm
People everything Democrat girl. Environment expert prevent newspaper tree bit television.
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