Mallory vs. Pertronics

[Chuck Fish]

I am running a Mallory dual pt. dizzy,and am sick and tired of changing out the dang condenser on the side of the road.
I am gonna go to electronic ign..Any input on a Mallory vs. Pertronic unit? i only wanna do this conversion once.(Famous last words http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Chuck Fish

[old beet]

I've run a Mallory Uni-Lite for about 20 years on my F E motor. Only had a problem once, seems its not good to spin them over without power. Had to replace the brain. Never tried the other.....OLDBEET

[Luckypabst]

Most people like 'em and I understand they've made changes since but I got stranded FAAAAAAAAAAR from home by Pertronix and will not use them without a good set of points in the glovebox.

Chris

[Deyomatic]

Well, Chuck, if you DO buy the Pertronix, keep the points in the car and SAVE YOUR RECEIPT. I bought the Ignitor II back in March. I put it in my 55 Ford and I loved it. I went out about a month ago, after the car had sat for a bit, and it wouldn't start. I called pertronix and did their test that they recommend. It is trash now, it failed the test. The guy at Pertronix said they need the receipt to take it back. So, I'll probably try to call them again and see what happens, but I sure as shit don't have that receipt anymore, so I may be out $100. I am probably in the minority here, as most people swear by the Pertronix, but I just don't trust ANY electronic shit anymore. My HEI went out at about a month earlier. I'm sticking with points.

[McGrath]

I put a Pertronix "Flamethrower" kit in my HEI about two years ago and have had no problems at all. (knock on wood http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

[badpat]

love my pertronix

[wingnutz]

Been there..., done that..., with all the above mentioned ..., Answer..., MSD!

Great to hear that the unilight works for you oldbeet..., I tossed a coin 20 years ago and MSD won and I never had a failure. (maybe I'm Lucky!) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mark

[modernbeat]

Get the best of both systems.

Keep the distributor you have now.

Keep the points.

Use a Capacitive Discharge ignition.

They're simple, cheap and offer great improvements over a normal points ignition without the MSD cost.

And when-if it ever goes out, then just move the wires back over to the condensor and coil and bypass the electrics to use the existing ignition.

I've heard many bad stories about Uni-Lites and have had bad luck with Pertronix. I wouldn't recommend either.

[fab32]

I run a pertronix in my '32, so far no problem. I've got to agree also on MSD, IMO the best ignition stuff made.

Frank

[Tman]

On the same note, has anyone tried the New "pertronix" looking unit Crane has? It come with a built in pot to set the rev limit even.

[Chuck Fish]

Well, I got what I asked for. Lots of good in-put. I guess I'll do some in depth research. I have no other complaint on the dual pt. dizzy,other than the fact it eats condensers. I have tried all brands and have not found one that will last more than a couple a hunnert miles.I have changed out numerous ballast resistors as well(none were bad).

The capicator discharge system sounds like it might be up my alley. I'm kinda "old school" and don't really think electronic ignition parts belong on a flathead,but at this point(no pun intended http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)I have a perfectly good 36 Ford truck,I have lost faith in,and am afraid to drive it any distance from home. It was my intention to make this truck my daily driver,but it has spent more time on a rollback than on the road.Everything else works great,except the dang ignition system. Of course it's nothing a good "SBC" could'nt fix,lol.

Chuck Fish

[drgnwgn289]

I run a pertronix in my stude and have had NO problems at all (been about 3 years) my dad's been running a unilite on his 270 jimmy for 7 years with no problems, just a matter of opinion I guess.

[Crease]

My dad has had a Unilite in his RPU for atleast 10 years. It still works great.

Crease
Barons So Tex

[rickyracer1962]

if you run the mallory get the magnetic trigger version, the led version burns out pretty easy. the pertronix is nice, but after 2 years i had one burn out, my dad had one burn out, and a friend had one die too, all after about 2 years. the new ignitor II seems to be pretty good so far.

[Vagrant]

Man how ironic...I posted a bit of a rant on this very topic not too long ago...Boy do I feel for ya man...I WAS runnin a Mallory Unilite on my 69 350...had it just shy of 10 years...finally started leavin me stranded. I did research on top of research to figure out what the hell was goin on...just about drove me nuts. Turns out the unilite's life span is roughly about 5-10 years (on average) and then...you better have a spare handy. Most average auto shops don't have them in stock. I ended up goin with a GM Hei dizzy on the 350. I just got it in this weekend...so we'll see what happends. So far so good. I 'm a bit more at ease knowing the popularity of HEI's so replacement parts shouldn't be a big deal. However I also have a 58 pontiac I'm workin on and thought about goin with one of the Crane hei deals w/ the rev limiter on that...not too sure yet. I'd say stay somewhat practicle if the ride's a daily driver. Or at least have a bone yard Hei or points dizzy as a spare with you. Good luck man.

[Shiva69]

ok... here is what i gots.
First off.. the info i express here is what happened to me and to be taken for about how much you paid for it.

The crane xri ignition is a peice of shit. I decided to buy one because it was 10 dollars less then the pertronix that i had because i killed it... or maybe just the coil i had when i switched it off the ballast resistor( stupid mistake). it is hard to start. it seems like it dosent want to fire the plugs. i don't like it and it is a pain in the ass to install.. it takes about 4 times longer to install than the pertronix.

The pertronix ignitor was in my truck and worked great til i changed something and fucked it up. i am currently getting ready to buy another pertronix and hopefully get my truck running reliably again. The reason i am going back to pertronix instead of back to points is that my truck started like a new car w/ the pertronix and i could never get it to do the same w/ the points.

Thanks for listening to the rant.

Garth

[56olds-ERDY]

i havent had any problems wit the pentx.for about 2 summers.i think the rev limiter would be a cool thing though.on the ballest resister i was thinking of pulling mine too. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif thanks for mentioning that.i had read that you souldnt in there manual,but i talked to others with cars from the early 70's,and they say they work fine without you just need the right ressistance in the coil.that may have been the reason yours went ca put.
eric

[Deyomatic]

56 Erdy, when I got my Pertronix and had questions, their tech guy told me not to run my ballast resistor with the Ignitor II, maybe the Ignitor is different.

[Shiva69]

I am sure that that was the reason...
but in the long run... until i get a multimeter and have a chance to go through every thing again.. then i'll know for sure.

Garth

[Bruce Lancaster]

On the condenser: First, get one from Standard or Echlin, not Mallory. Then try it with a really solid ground--run wire from mount screw out to engine, then from same engine bolt to where bat ground bolts on. Use star washers too. You likely just have something along the way that is too well painted to ground properly.

[Blownolds]

Very, very, very soon, maybe within a month, I am going to get a custom setup from Dave's Small-body Hei's. I hear his health may be declining... but I know a couple guys that are using his custom jobs and they have nothing but good words. One is a modified Vertex mag that is now an electronic distributor in his blown SBC engine in his Willys gasser. He runs an MSD 6ALBTM unit to it. The other is a 324 Olds engine a friend has.

But if not Dave's (great custom work), or Pertronix (easily ordered over phone), then what other choices does a guy have for an electronic setup for an odd-ball engine?

[BigChief]

I sell Pertronix through the shop and have a Unilite conversion in my 428SCJ powered '69 Mach I. The Pertonix gets the nod if your going for the stealth look as it only uses two wires for a hook up whereas the Mallory uses four. We've sold/installed many Pertronix units without any problems. The Unilite conversion in my Mustang has been in the car almost 10 years and has been flawless. I use an adjustable Mallory rev limiter and a MSD Blaster 2 coil with it.

-Mike.

[Humboldt Cat]

I haven't had any Mallory products, but love-hate thing going with the Ignitor 2 in my truck's 390 FE. When it's working well, it runs tops and you do notice improved perfomance, compared to points. I did have to get mine replaced, the microcontroller bought the farm. Eventually I'd love to get MSD, the Ignitor 2's working well. The customer service was great.

[HOTRODDICKIE]

I had the same problem on my Flathead with Mallory condensers. Problem is heat.
I took the condenser off the Dissy and put it under the dash. Easier on a chev as the dissy is at the back.
Worked 100% for the last 12 Months before condensers only lasted a couple of months.
Rich

[burger]

One of my vehicles has a MSD Pro-Billet Ready to Run distributor. Best distributor I have ever used. Period.

A high tech MSD billet distributor would look out of place on a hot rod. For this reason, I'll be using a Dave's Small Body HEI unit on my 283. I've heard nothing but good things about them, whereas I've heard a LOT of horror stories about the Pertronix/Unilite conversion modules. I'm pretty sure Dave does a Flathead conversion.

Here's another option that I was considering.. on eBay, there's a guy who sells factory remanufactured Mallory MBI (magnetic breakerless) distributors for about $140. They look about the same as a Unilite. I don't know if Mallory make these for a Flatmotor though.


Ed

[56olds-ERDY]

the thing i dont like about my petrix one is i have to wait like 5 seconds to start it.with the ign. on.it seems like i read something about this before.wasnt there another part # that didnt do this?maybe i put the wrong one in.its kind of anouning.
eric

[12packo94s]

MSD people they are fool proof and go forever, sure ya gotta buy the box to go with them but the pro-billets are the shit,, aside from the housings are billet,,, but a old beater socket style cap on and your good to go

of course i might have been influenced by years of drag racing!!!!

[nailhead_sled]

Some food for thought on the subject:
Discussion A (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12923&highlight=Pertron ix)
Discussion B (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7070&highlight=Pertroni x)
Discussion C (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17046&highlight=Pertron ix)
One More (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14443&highlight=Pertron ix)
Ok, last one (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=432&highlight=Pertronix )
And finally a link to Dave's Small-Body HEIs (http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/), Dave is a super cool guy, who even though dislikes and dosen't sell Pertronix products has taken the time to help myself and countless others get our Pertronix units running properly. If I was doing it all again, I would have gone with Dave in the first place.

[Flat Ernie]

Haven't used pertronix, but have had a Unilite in an engine since '87. It died at about the 9-year point, but I replaced the module & still going strong. I have fried one module that was my own fault - they can be a bit sensitive.

I've heard good & bad about both Unilite & Pertronix. Have heard nothing but good for MSD - next time, I may go that route.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[cleatus]

I'm running the Mallory UniLite with no problems so far, but I've only had the car on the road for 1/2 year.

A few people told me the power module is prone to fry, so I bought a spare module and keep it in the car. I figured the chances of finding one at a local Autoparts somewhere in the middle of BFE was slim, so I play it safe and bring one with me.

[Thirdyfivepickup]

I sell the HELL out of replacement Unilite (#605) modules. Scary amounts of them. Mallory claims improper installation or failure to use a resistor. There is also some sore to filter, I believe, that Mallory sells. A distributor guy I talk to says he has zero failures when that is used.
Pertronix seems to be very reliable. Very few warranty returns through me. We sell about 15-20 Chevy units a week. If you have to go with a conversion, my numbers say Pertronix.

[scarylarry]

My Pertronics took a dump driving down the road at 75. No more for me. My points worked fine, I was fixing what wasn't broke. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[zibo]

Has "pertronics" gotten more reliable after all these years?
TP

[porknbeaner]

Been there..., done that..., with all the above mentioned ..., Answer..., MSD!

Great to hear that the unilight works for you oldbeet..., I tossed a coin 20 years ago and MSD won and I never had a failure. (maybe I'm Lucky!) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mark

Mark
It works for me too. I've been running them as long as they have been around. it seems to me I did change a mod once. Took less time than changing a set of points.

I have run a petronix unit and still have the distributer in the closet. I have another petronix uiit on an old Mallory Distributer that Bubba set up for me. I haven't tried it yet.

The petronix units are easier to wire if that counts for anything.

[55 dude]

does anyone have any info on daves small body hei for gm 4.3? they claim to use modified v8 dizzy.

[Ramblur]

I'm partial to the Crane Cams unit myself. 5 years with never an issue and who knows how much longer for the PO.

[BlackLion]

I bought a no name HEI from " skipwhite " off of the internet auction place. 45.00 shipped for SBC. I did this at the urging of a friend who had luck with the same place. It works like a champ. 2 wire setup. Just in case your looking to save money.

[Fuzzy Knight]

I run Pertronics in my Mallory dual point dizzys. Both of them are over 10years old and working fine. Do not use the new style Pertronics as it is junk. Use the old style.

[Blue One]

A high tech MSD billet distributor would look out of place on a hot rod. For this reason, I'll be using a Dave's Small Body HEI unit on my 283. I've heard nothing but good things about them, whereas I've heard a LOT of horror stories about the Pertronix/Unilite conversion modules. I'm pretty sure Dave does a Flathead conversion.

Here's another option that I was considering.. on eBay, there's a guy who sells factory remanufactured Mallory MBI (magnetic breakerless) distributors for about $140. They look about the same as a Unilite. I don't know if Mallory make these for a Flatmotor though.


Ed

I had a mallory dual point in a 340 Dodge many years ago and installed Mallorys Unilite conversion.

It worked awesome. Never had any trouble with it for years.

As far as the billet MSD distributor goes, you can take one apart and attack the billet body with a needle scaler, and then give it a nice coat of crinkle black paint or whatever you like and it will never look out of place.

All it takes is a little effort.

[Stevie Nash]

What is Dave's small body HEI? Is it converting an existing dizzy, or is it a whole unit? Googled it and found nothing except references to message boards. No retail hits...

[cleatus]

I'm laughing at post #30 from 2003.
Since then, I could write a novel about the frustration, expense, & bs that friggen UniLite cost me.

MSD is the way to go.

[hotroddon]

I run Pertronics in my Mallory dual point dizzys. Both of them are over 10years old and working fine. Do not use the new style Pertronics as it is junk. Use the old style.

Would you care to elaborate on this ridiculous statement? What exactly in our newer technology is "Junk" in your learned opinion? The newer Ignitor II and Ignitor III both benefit from improved electronics technology and offer features that make them a stronger ignition with great reliability.

Don from PerTronix

[Gomojo55]

My dad has a Pertronix kit in his 59 T-bird 430c.i. Been in there at least 5 years I'd say. No problems at all!

[Fuzzy Knight]

Hi Don
This statement comes from helping my buddy who installed the new type, The disk that bolts to the bottom of the advance plate. , it would not run period!!!. Went back to the older style that had the pickup mounted to the plate and all worked well.

[hotroddon]

Hi Don
This statement comes from helping my buddy who installed the new type, The disk that bolts to the bottom of the advance plate. , it would not run period!!!. Went back to the older style that had the pickup mounted to the plate and all worked well.

If you mean the magnet ring that bolts to the bottom of the advance pate on a GM style distributor, we have been using that for many years and it is used on both Ignitor I and Ignitor II models. On all of them, the pickup is mounted to the base plate that mounts inside the distributor and this is true whether it is a lobe sensor style or a magnet ring style.

It sounds like you either had an installation error or possibly a faulty unit, it can happen, but to make a comment condemning a product as "JUNK" based on what appears to be an isolated incident is really somewhat unconscionable.

[COOP666]

It's weird to hear about problems running Pertronix. I've run 'em in every car I've had, Ford & Chevy motors, and can't ever remember having a problem with 'em - they've always been bulletproof for me, knock wood.

[fossilfish]

I use crane ignition on all my racecars. I race against a lot of guys who use Pertronix stuff. In the past 15 years or more one of my crane units failed and it was 10 years old.
My competitors are always being pulled in with broken pertronix stuff...they alway have a couple of spares in the trailer.
If you go with Pertronix make sure and carry a couple of spares...one to get you there and one ta get ya back.

[Moneymaker]

We sell 4-5 Pertronix kits or distributors a week.
Everyone loves them.
Cars start, run, idle better than they ever could with points.

[kustomsrule]

Bought my first Pertronix about 9 - 10 months ago and I love it !! Quicker starts, steadier idle, maybe even a tiny bit more power. So far, so good !!

[hotroddon]

I use crane ignition on all my racecars. I race against a lot of guys who use Pertronix stuff. In the past 15 years or more one of my crane units failed and it was 10 years old.
My competitors are always being pulled in with broken pertronix stuff...they alway have a couple of spares in the trailer.
If you go with Pertronix make sure and carry a couple of spares...one to get you there and one ta get ya back.
The majority of failed units are due to either voltage or ground problems, and those are especially true with old British cars.

[Jimmy2car]

I have a Pertronics in my 39 Ford with a helmet type distributor. It's been flawless for more than 21 years. It's so old the name was Perlux, before the company became Pertronics. Installed right, they are bullet proof. I just bought another one for my 32.
Jim

[Special Ed]

The majority of failed units are due to either voltage or ground problems, and those are especially true with old British cars.

Old British cars with electrical issues? :eek: That is unpossible, Don! :D

[hotroddon]

I have a Pertronics in my 39 Ford with a helmet type distributor. It's been flawless for more than 21 years. It's so old the name was Perlux, before the company became Pertronics. Installed right, they are bullet proof. I just bought another one for my 32.
Jim

That is an old one. Per Lux was the parent company (they made Stainless Steel Fog Lights for Semi's). When the company was sold to Grote Lighting in 1990 the Ignition company was not part of the deal and it became known as PerTronix. The Ignitors have been around since the early 1970's.

Old British cars with electrical issues? :eek: That is unpossible, Don! :D
I know, what was I thinking? Long live the Prince of Darkness

[ct1932ford]

I ran a Pertronic in a Mallory duel point dist (427FE motor) for a good five/six years without a problem. I did keep my duel points with me all the time however. I have seen these things just crap out at any time.

[Fuzzy Knight]

Don
Maybe you missed the part of my post where it says i run them in my cars. The one that was messed up was the 2nd one my friend had tried in that dizzy. Both were inop. 1 maybe an isolated incident 2 acts like maybe a bad batch.
I like them and besides when I say the new ones are junk that is my 'OPINION' But over all I still like your product.

[hotrodtom]

What is Dave's small body HEI? Is it converting an existing dizzy, or is it a whole unit? Googled it and found nothing except references to message boards. No retail hits...

Check out the link in post #28...
Fearless

[miller]

I have a pertronix in my Chevy for over 4 years and no problems..I put the new pertronix III with the rev limiter along with the matching coil in a 455 Pontiac about 6 months ago and so far no problems...So far I have nothing bad to say about pertronix...hope that does not change...Miller

[chrisntx]

I put Pertronics in my 57 chevy and was happy so I put Pertronics in my sons 59 Ford and it worked well for a couple of years then left him stranded one dark night. I kept the faith and put one in my 31 Ford and it has been ok but the failure in the 59 Ford still hurts and worries me that my 31 Ford may leave me stranded far from home. I drive all my old cars thru 4 states and take pride that they get me home. I dont like the feeling that my Pertronics may fail and I am not rich enough to spend over $100 PER CAR to carry a spare Pertronics.

[hotroddon]

Don
Maybe you missed the part of my post where it says i run them in my cars. The one that was messed up was the 2nd one my friend had tried in that dizzy. Both were inop. 1 maybe an isolated incident 2 acts like maybe a bad batch.
I like them and besides when I say the new ones are junk that is my 'OPINION' But over all I still like your product.
I saw that and appreciate that you have had good performance from yours, it was just the way you condemned the "new" which wasn't really anything new at all, as being "Junk" when that style has been used for MANY years with great results. You didn't say that your friend had two that didn't work, and my guess is that something was being done wrong in the installation. Like any company, we have had defective units (that's why companies have warranties) but to my knowledge we have NEVER had a bad batch so I think there was something else causing the problem. Unfortunately we'll never know what the cause was now.
I put Pertronics in my 57 chevy and was happy so I put Pertronics in my sons 59 Ford and it worked well for a couple of years then left him stranded one dark night. I kept the faith and put one in my 31 Ford and it has been ok but the failure in the 59 Ford still hurts and worries me that my 31 Ford may leave me stranded far from home. I drive all my old cars thru 4 states and take pride that they get me home. I dont like the feeling that my Pertronics may fail and I am not rich enough to spend over $100 PER CAR to carry a spare Pertronics.
Although I hope you never have a problem (but anything can happen) I would suggest you just throw your old points and condenser in the trunk as a back up should you ever need it. I did that with my 66 Mustang in the early 80's, long before I worked for PerTronix, and that car is still on the road 30 years later and so far has not missed a beat. (Hope I didn't just jinx it :D)

[Mike51Merc]

When I went to dual carbs I bought a modern Mallory dual point unit. I'm still on 6V system. The original points and condenser ended up in the trash because they were flimsy and wouldn't align properly. I replaced them with Eichlin #2300 points which are a lot better and a NOS 6V condenser.

After messing with the dwell a few too many times, I opted for a Pertronix (1 not 2 or 3) for 6v Pos Gnd that inserted right in the Mallory core. I love it, but I keep the old point plate with pre-gapped points in the trunk just for safe measure.

[chrisntx]

.

Although I hope you never have a problem (but anything can happen) I would suggest you just throw your old points and condenser in the trunk as a back up should you ever need it.. :D)

I'm way ahead of you. I put it on the engine, set the timing and its in the trunk ready to go. I wish I knew why the one on my 59 quit working

[fossilfish]

The majority of failed units are due to either voltage or ground problems, and those are especially true with old British cars.
I race British cars against British cars. My British car has a Crane system and a number of the British cars I race against have Pertronix. The Pertronix units fail and the Crane doesn't. According the statement that the cause of concern for Pertronix is voltage and ground problems found in British cars. I guess the Crane can handle the evil British electrical systems better. If you have a British car get a Crane. I see it at the track and I know what causes most of the failures.(and it is not ground or voltage problems, in fact I have tried to help my competitors fix what kills the Pertronix stuff but they won't listen) The Pertronix stuff is too fragile. It can be made to work as good as the Crane, but then you are back to a as good as deal.

[teddyp]

i have the mallory unit in my 50 chevy (350) over 12 yrs no problems i have a pertronics in my 65 caddy and my 58 ford (292 y-block) run both for the last 5 years the ford failed so i put another in and now keep a spare in all 3 cars

[smittythejunkman]

I have never had a Mallory unilite distributor that didn't fail!! with 2 different cars they both failed like clockwork, years ago I remember putting my dual points back in a 428 cobra jet along the side of the road in the rain and pulling a different car home on a log chain a few years later. my brother and a couple friends had no better luck.
We liked them cause they ran great and were easy to re-curve but hated all the walking involved.
They have to work or they couldn't sell so many but on any car i buy i pull them out and eBay them or throw them away! they are too fragile and I'm still mad 20 years later. maybe the newer units are better but i,m done trying.
pertronix is much more dependable but I usually carry a set of points anyway never have had to use them though ,they are good stuff.
MSD stuff is nearly bullet proof and failure is very rare that's my top pick!!!

[32ratsass]

I've had problems with Mallory Unilites in the past, and switched to the magnetec version, Maglite. The magnetic has been totally bulletproof, and have never had a failure. They say to run a 1.5 ohm ballast resistor ahead of the coil. The weakness in the system is the ballast resistor,and it can be eliminated if you run a 1.5 ohm primary resistance coil. ( as per Mallory tech rep)

[jandlcars]

i have had unilite and it failed. i got it to replace an old YL Mallory dual point
the cost of points was getting high eaven Echlin cindensors failed
i got a Petronoix III with rev limator it works good
i have used Petronix to replace points for a long time no problem
better start smother at high rpm's (But the lousy thing did not fix my gas milage)
just kidding
They worked good in MGA's but i found that i had to install a ground wire on the braker plate

[fordor41]

56 Erdy, when I got my Pertronix and had questions, their tech guy told me not to run my ballast resistor with the Ignitor II, maybe the Ignitor is different.
I've had Pertronix ignitor I for about 10 yrs. Starts/runs great. Can't use ballast resistor. they need full 12V. I think Pertronix is the only thing I vere bought that worked exactly as advertised the first time. I've heard some have trouble burning them out if the ignition is left on with engine off. I've had my ignition on for long peroids while working on the car and no trouble so far.

[hotrod 49]

I put a Pertronix 2 in my truck a couple weeks ago and it's worked perfect! Yesterday it was doing some weird things, so I put a timing light on it and saw I had no mechanical advance. I pulled the distributor to see what the issue was, put it back together and it wouldn't fire. Double checked everything from TDC, fuel, rotor aimed at #1, etc... Hmmmmmm! I unhooked a couple of plug wire, hooked up another plug turned the motor over and BIG sparks. My question is I'm not sure if I bumped the vacuum canister, but could I have knocked it out of phase? I put a piece of 1/4" tape around the outside of the rotor and marked where the 8 magnets were underneath. I put a mark on the center of the pickup box. I then lined up TDC with the cap, rotor (the magnet mark to the center of the pickup) all even to center! Put a few degrees advance...NOTHING! Is the pickup area not in the center of the little box? Did I get lucky putting it in the first time? I'm going nuts with this....Fuel and spark and NOTHING!!!!! Help!

[Gman0046]

Eight years of trouble free Unilite on a hard hitting 355. It can't get any better then that.

[Hemi325]

I ran a Pertronix in an SBC racemotor for a couple of seasons till one day it went flat dead. Put points back in it and finished the wekend. When I spoke with the company they were helpful with advice and we concluded I must have had the ignition on for a spell without starting the engine.

I threw the Pertronix away, bought an MSD reluctor and pickup, mounted these in the old Chevy fuelie distributor and have run it for years no problem.

MSD quality is worth the money, IMO.

[Road Runner]

I have two Pertronix Ignitor I and Flamethrower coils in both my daily rides for a combined 13 years now and never a problem.

Over the years I have read that the Ignitor I burns out with the ignition on and the engine not running.
Well, earlier this year I managed to leave the ignition on overnight, but all that happened was that I had to recharge the battery the next day and no damages to the Ignitor or coil.

Installs easy in about 5 minutes inside the original distributor and is apparently as reliable as it gets and works better than points with no maintenance required.
I also liked their detailed customer service response, when I had questions about what spark plug wires I can use.

[hotroddon]

Over the years I have read that the Ignitor I burns out with the ignition on and the engine not running.
Well, earlier this year I managed to leave the ignition on overnight, but all that happened was that I had to recharge the battery the next day and no damages to the Ignitor or coil..
It all depends on where the dist happens to be pointing when it was shut off. More often than not the magnet will be close enough the the pickup to complete the circuit and cause the overheating and failure. You got lucky. The Ignitor II has a microprocessor that shuts off if you happen to leave the key on and the motor is not turning.
Thanks for your support and kind words. Don from PerTronix

[Road Runner]

Yes, I wasn't sure if I was just lucky with an open circuit, but the drained battery indicated otherwise.


I always thought, if the engineers of the day had magnetic sensors instead of points, they sure would have used them on every engine.

[falcongeorge]

I have always preffered a points type distributor with an MSD. If the box fries, change the wiring around, and away you go.

[4tford]

I run a mallory unilite on my hemi for the last 7 years with no problems. The units do not like voltage transients so they recommend there filter in line. Also they have replacement modules called E-spark that are used for point conversions but they are also a direct replacement for the unilite module at a third of the cost, pic of the filter and replacement below.

[59KUSTOM]

Have a Uni-Lite in my '59 348 Tri-Power. Made a huge difference in starting & acceleration, but I don't recommend using it with a generator. If you're running an alternator, it can't be beat.

[hotroddon]

I put a Pertronix 2 in my truck a couple weeks ago and it's worked perfect! Yesterday it was doing some weird things, so I put a timing light on it and saw I had no mechanical advance. I pulled the distributor to see what the issue was, put it back together and it wouldn't fire. Double checked everything from TDC, fuel, rotor aimed at #1, etc... Hmmmmmm! I unhooked a couple of plug wire, hooked up another plug turned the motor over and BIG sparks. My question is I'm not sure if I bumped the vacuum canister, but could I have knocked it out of phase? I put a piece of 1/4" tape around the outside of the rotor and marked where the 8 magnets were underneath. I put a mark on the center of the pickup box. I then lined up TDC with the cap, rotor (the magnet mark to the center of the pickup) all even to center! Put a few degrees advance...NOTHING! Is the pickup area not in the center of the little box? Did I get lucky putting it in the first time? I'm going nuts with this....Fuel and spark and NOTHING!!!!! Help!

If you have Spark, then I don't think your issue is with the ignition.

[40FordGuy]

Still have an early Pertronix unit in my 72 F100, still fires up every time. I wish they made one for early Ford front-mount dizzie !!!!

4TTRUK

[hotroddon]

Still have an early Pertronix unit in my 72 F100, still fires up every time. I wish they made one for early Ford front-mount dizzie !!!!

4TTRUK

Working on it right now!! ;)

[linechaser32]

Been running a Pertronix for 28,000 miles. No problems yet.

[swade41]

The Pertronix units fail and the Crane doesn't.

I just had a Crane unit fail, went back in with the points and runs great, non British by the way.

[55yak]

I run a Mallory dual point in my 57 motor with no problems. Are you sure your ballast resistor is ok?

[hotrod 49]

Wow, weird deal. Found why it wouldn't start and it was a first for me. The harmonic damper had spun almost 3 inches! TDC wasn't anywhere it was supposed to be! Once I found that and fixed the problem, it lit right up and it was game on! I'm sticking with the Pertronix!