Pertronix..

[Guest]

Just a quick question, is it easier to install the electronic ignition with the distributor out? (of course marking the orginal position) or just installing while distributor is still in.


Thanks!!
Shari

[redstangbob]

If you're comfortable pulling the distributor out, that's the way to go. You can check the advance weights and springs, clean things up and lube them before fitting the Pertronix. Now would be the time to test the vacuum advance can as well. If it's original, it could be ruptured and hurting performance and mileage. I might add that it's pretty well accepted to run the timing a little higher than the shop manual says, today's fuels have a lot to do with that. Advance it as much as you can without having it 'ping' under load, then back off a degree or two. Good luck, Bob C

[JohnG]

are the instructions clear on whether the ballast resistor on the firewall gets removed (bypassed) ?? Did you get a coil along with the ignition?

John

[Guest]

I would strongly suggest ...

that you have your dist serviced and re-curved by a pro. You will see a definitive improvement in overall performance. FE engines do like more initial timing than the factory specs, but know that this will affect your total advance. That is why I suggest a recurve. Generally runs around $80. Just send your pertronic with it and they will install it for you. Both of these guys do excellent work and are Ford FE experts. tim@cobrajetcars.com or a67blownmustang@aol.com . Let them no if your engine has any or you plan any engine performance modifications i.e. headers, cam, etc. and if you live at altitude significantly above sea level. Mike

[60 T-Bird]

I take it this thread is for converting the exsisting distibutor to an electronic one. With that in mind, I will ask if anything has to be done to a store bought electronic distributor(accel ect.) with coil...

[JohnG]

I will venture that no matter what distributor you have, you want a curve that gets the most performance (or gas mileage) out of your motor as possible. The newer, aftermarket often offer easier adjustments, but in the end you still have to decide what curve you want. This is where the pro's come in. Since an FE motor is pretty common, a fair amount of experience is around on what that curve might be.

You can also see how yours is advancing pretty easily with a "dial back" timing light, meaning you can see how much full advance amounts to and when it gets there. People more knowledgeabe than me might then say what full advance ought to be in 2011 for an FE motor.

John

[c4clewis]

Even the Petronix distributors come with a variety of springs and weights. They run fine with the installed ones, but as mentioned, you can see a large improvement by fiddling with the advance curve.

[ncbird]

recurved specs

I had my Duraspark recurved by an FE knowledable dist specialist. My engine does have modifications, cam, valves, intake and bore/stroke but here are the specs. It is set for 10 degrees limit or 20 degrees at the crank and an initial setting of 14 degrees with 16-18 possible (total of 34-38). If you are going to take the dist out you might as well have it checked. If the bearings are bad and you have wobble all the electronic whiz bang isnt going to make up for it. I also added a black blaster coil (minus the decals) for a stock look and upgraded wires. Grant

[byersmtrco]

Have your dist set on a dist machine. Most of the old school shops still have them. Adding the Pertr/unit is a slam dunk. 15-20 min not counting the wiring.
MAKE SURE you run right off the ign switch. 12 volts straight to the coil!! DO NOT go thru the resistor wire or ballast resistor. The Flamethrower coil and Pertronix NEEDS 12 volts.

You do that and you'll be a happy camper. Points are junk. I've had the pert in my 390 for 5 yrs now. No issues what so ever. Set the timing at 8 deg BTDC idling in Park w/the vac line discon and plugged off.
No pinging no nuthin.

[Guest]

Guys Thanks!

I will have to wait to install it but will let you know how it goes. The shop that didn't finish the work has taken her back. But with strick orders not to do anything without my permission. Last time damage was done to my vynal and new headliner, so the new vynal arrived today with 1st part of the foam shipment. Jed has been a great deal of help.

Also thanks to John at the Tbird ranch for his help, I contacted who he had suggested and do believe I will be on the road soon!!

I can't wait till spring yet she isn't road worthy yet.. but soon very very soon...

Shari