Being that changing points is a pain, I was thinking of putting in a Pertronix ignition. (Just the module that fits under the cap). Is anyone running it? Is it worth the money and does it make any noticable difference in performance, idle quality, mileage, etc? I want to keep the stock look, so I don't want HEI, MSD, etc.
Thanks,
Matt

I have had the original Pertronix ignitor in my car now for about 5 years. So far so good. You will hear many different opinions. A lot of people have been stranded by them. If this worries you, carry a spare set of points in the car just in case.

i also have been using one in my 74 i have noticed no power increase or easy starting but i have not had to adjust points and have switched the module from my 62 impala back and forth to my vette never had any problems with it. i bought mine at a swap meet for 59.00

MattK said: Being that changing points is a pain, I was thinking of putting in a Pertronix ignition. (Just the module that fits under the cap). Is anyone running it? Is it worth the money and does it make any noticable difference in performance, idle quality, mileage, etc? I want to keep the stock look, so I don't want HEI, MSD, etc. Thanks, Matt

is this the magnetic lobe detector unit...

I have never used or even seen one.. but Ive heard a few things..

1 ive heard complaints about them being flakey, especially with an older worn out distributor.

2 ive heard the get flakey at higher rpms as it is harder to identify the lobes..

3 ive heard they dont help performance one bit.. just keep you from changing points..

again this is all second hand.. stuff ive read or heard..

maybe it would work better with a new distributor with nice sharp lobes.. (but why would anyone want to buy a new points dist..)

|UPDATED|8/9/2004 9:00:39 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

All of Ben's comments sound right. You are using the same coil and timing control, so performance won't change.
The good point is the points don't wear out, so things don't change as points wear.

Been there, done that. Would agree with all comments listed. Converted to a full MSD -- distributor, coil, box. MSD makes a tach drive distributor, looks like original. Hid the box in the driver side fender area. Because they can't see the box, I've had guys ask why I still use an original points type system. It's more expensive to go this route since you have to replace more parts, but it looks original, never needs adjustment and significantly improves performance. My $0.02 worth.

i have it in my 73 350 for 2 years now and have had no problems i find they won't flote at high rpms like points will

I've had it in my 74 350 for over 3 years and no problems yet. Granted, no performance increase, but no points to worry about either.

|UPDATED|8/10/2004 12:33:20 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I'm have the Crane Cams XR-1 kit in my 73.It works off the point lobes.Had it for 2 1/2 years no problems,like Mark said no high RPM point float.

the crane kit has a much better rep..

if you do some googling.. youll see many people claiming that pertronix is a good stock replacement.. but you should keep a set of points in the glovebox just in case.. no one really claims that is helps performance in any way.. but many claim to have used to for x years with no problem. in a fairly pedestrian car.. it really couldnt hurt..

but there are quite a few people claiming that they replaced the pert with a crane and have had better luck..

I havent used any of them.