Hi guys, if you have followed some of my previous posts, Im definitely planning on going to a more reliable electronic ignition, and since I dont have a huge budget to work with right now, Im gonna use one of the pertronix ignitor kits with a new coil as well. But which one do I use for my 66 wildcat 310 motor(300 cubes). One kit is part number PNX 1181 for gm points type distributors. There is another one listed for gm points type distributors that is pnx 1181LSC and in the notes it says this kit has a built in point cam lobe sensor. On jegs website, it says the LS in the part number means Lobe sensor. This allows the Ignitor to trigger off the lobes of the distributor cam, eliminating the need for magnetic rings or sleeves. This will also eliminate the need for distributor removal during installation. So which one is better and for what reason. Should I get the one with the magnetic rings, or should I get the one without that utilizes my distributors cam lobes? Thanks for any help on that. Also, is there any issues with coils? I was speaking with a guy that used one of the older kits that does not have the magnetic ring, but it triggers off the point cam lobe. He said his kit required a coil with 1.5 ohms of resistance, but the average high performance coil is .6 ohms. Is this true? Pertronix themsleves say that the ignitor will work with their flame thrower coile, but will it work with any others or will their be a resistance issue. I ask because I have a good msd blaster coil that Id use if I can....but if not, I guess I gotta spend another 30 bucks on the pertronix coil. Thanks again for any information you can provide.
theres a guy named larry that knows his stuff, hopefully he'll reply, i was thinking of putting one in my 340, and have an accel coil.
The pertonix likes 12 volts supplied to it so you will need to bypass the resistor in the power supply wire leading to the coil. I am using a pertonix 1181 in my 12.60 car and am very pleased with it. Use a pertonix coil with it. Stay away from the lobe sensing units. I have tried them with NO positive results as have other people I know. I had one in my boat and it would only pull 3500 rpm, put the points back in and it pulled to the 4500 red-line no problem.
I Don't know what to say about Pertronix, except it offers no more spark energy than a points system. It offers maintenance free operation though, and if that is what you are after, and you are on a budget, it should suit your needs. I have not heard good things about the Lobe Sensing model. The original system with the ring, that bolts to the rotor area seems to be more reliable. I have heard of the magnets falling out of the ring, though. Carl Rychlik uses the Pertronix. He epoxied the magnets into the ring for that reason. He's never had a problem to my Knowledge. I think it's hard to beat MSD, but their systems are expensive, something to consider. Getting the timing curve set right is much more important than spark energy.
I've used the Mallory Unilite conversion in my convertible for 12 years. It does NOT want 12 volts and works with the stock resistor wire. I do suggest using the filter to guard against voltage spikes which can kill the LED portion of the unit. It is a bit more money though. M&H electric makes a unit also. The pertonix, mallory unilite and M&H all fit inside the stock distirbutor simplifying installation, wiring and work real well on street cars as well as keeping cost in check. Plus they pass tech at the Pure Stock Race. We have a guy here in MI who tried the Crane unit that has a built in REV limiter on his Buick with no positive results. I must add that I know of a Chevy guy who has had good results with the same Crane unit.
Thanks a lot guys. Ill be getting back to you again if there are any unforseen issues upon installation. To Larry, I wasnt really expecting any sort of gain in ignition output. Being that my motor is basically bone stock with the exception of a four barrel and a distributor re-curve on the way, I cant see any reason why it would need a whole lot of spark energy anyways. Its basically all about the reliability cause messing with points can be annoying and since its cheap to get rid of em with this kit that sounds to have done a lot of people good, I figure Ill go for it. Thanks again.
Sounds like a good fit for you, Greg. I suggest keeping a set of points, and condenser in the glovebox, just in case though.
I wont argue with that Larry. One more question now that Im about to order. One of the other posters mentioned that the flame thrower coil likes 12 volts so I have to bypass the resistor. When looking at the coils, they sell both 6 and 12 volt coils with primary resistance of 1.5 and 3 ohms. I assume that this means if I get the proper coil, I will not have to bypass the resistor to acheive a 12 volt signal, cause the flame thrower coil can operate on 6 volts. So, is it the 1.5 ohm coil that I need to use so that I do not have to bypass the resistor and keep my electrical system as is? Thanks again.
The Pertronix LS model will not work on a 300/340 engine. Just went through this with Pertronix and Summit and had to return the unit. Pertrionix confirmed that it will not physically fit the stock distributor. The Pertronix I works fine.
