igintion upgrades..... how to ?

[96smoke-eater]

I'd like some more details on the igintion conversions... I've heard of the duraspark conversion. does anybody have a detailed write up on the duraspark conversion ? Is there any specific part numbers to go by.... or is the petronics upgrade the best and easiest to do ? Is the duraspark conversion the one that uses the chrysler parts ? What all is needed for that ?
Thanks

[Carl Wiese]

If you look in the Fuel Injection forum on the main forum page, there if a thread titled FUEL INJECTION FAQS -- Start Here If you click the link, there are two links to Duraspark conversions and one for a Mopar conversion.

[BO185]

The Pertronics Ignitor II is pretty easy install! I would get there coil as well.

Basically remove the points drop in the module and install coil. Pretty easy. And its like $100 bucks or so.

[96smoke-eater]

Hey.... Thanks for the info.... So I noticed one of U guys has a 6.0L GM motor in ur rig.... Thats awesome... I've been wanting to do that swap in my 72 Stingray.... or really any old vehicle...

[Patrick Morris]

Originally Posted by BO185

The Pertronics Ignitor II is pretty easy install! I would get there coil as well.

Basically remove the points drop in the module and install coil. Pretty easy. And its like $100 bucks or so.

This is assuming his distributor has points. (And I guess, assuming you meant he should try this with whatever he's got under his hood now for a distributor.) There isn't an Ignitor II for the Prestolite, unfortunately. Just the Ignitor I.

I guess the Ignitor II is better for certain reasons. Either way, if you just want to improve or renew your current distributor, the Ignitor (I or II) is a pretty easy drop in.

[TBAKPhi22]

Just get an MSD 6A box and use it with the points (as a trigger). I have been using them for years and never had problems. I had a Mallory unilite for about a month (if that) and the module went out. Never going to do that again.

[scoutpappa]

I use a mallory unilite dizzy as a trigger in conjunction with a 6 box and an e-coil. This setup will get you a reliable ignition that cold starts and hot start well. The mallory dizzy is the only direct drop in dizzy made. you still have to keep your cam gear. The only issue with the modules is lack of knowledge. Without the 6 box you will need to have a ballast resistor inline with the switched B+ (12V supply from the ignition switch) or a factory resisted feed. If you leave the key on for more than a minute without starting you stand the chance of burning the module (replacement = 45$) This holds true for a Pertronix and most ignition modules as well. If you go with a 6 box it has a deadman switch that is supposed to eliminate this but I still suggest starting the truck when youturn the switch past ACC. As stated previously Bill has an awesome write up on a Duraspark conversion which if you can follow instructions is a great option. If you stay with points and use a 6 box (Capacitive discharge) you will not have all the issues of changing out points and set dwell and gap over the 15K mile intervals most people dread as the 6 box takes the load off of the points which equals much longer life. Any ignition choice you make will have it's positives and negatives, but I will tell you this with absolute certainty, any option you choose, don't expect a performance upgrade or super gas mileage increases. You can expect reliability, maintenence friendliness, cold start and hot start ease (this is important), dead realiable timing and increased durations between tune ups. I forgot to mention the DUI option which is basically a Chevy HID ignition type dizzy that if you search has loads of information posted. I have no real opinion on this setup, as some love them and some hate them. Really it comes down to price and how much you drive the truck and under what conditions.

[BO185]

Originally Posted by Patrick Morris

This is assuming his distributor has points. (And I guess, assuming you meant he should try this with whatever he's got under his hood now for a distributor.) There isn't an Ignitor II for the Prestolite, unfortunately. Just the Ignitor I.

I guess the Ignitor II is better for certain reasons. Either way, if you just want to improve or renew your current distributor, the Ignitor (I or II) is a pretty easy drop in.

I assumed since the OP asked about the Pertroincs he had a points dizzy.

With a holley dis you can get the Ignitor II. The Ing II doesn't burn up when you leave the key on engine off.

Originally Posted by 96smoke-eater

Hey.... Thanks for the info.... So I noticed one of U guys has a 6.0L GM motor in ur rig.... Thats awesome... I've been wanting to do that swap in my 72 Stingray.... or really any old vehicle...

Click the link in my SIG below for more details.

[96smoke-eater]

I do have points, but I dont know if its a presolite distributor or not... How can I tell what kinda distributor I have... Its still all original from 1972. It has a 2bbl Holley 2300 carb, does that help. That carb is original too.... So, any ideas on what distributor ?

[OmahaOrange74]

I initially went the Pertronics route with their flame thrower coil right after i got my Scout but decided to do the Mopar conversion after spending time on the Binder forum and it works much better. My cold starts are not an issue anymore. It cranks on the third turn every time cold and the first turn warm. It runs great.

The bonus is that you can get parts for the ignition system at any parts store plus with the hotter spark, you can open the spark plug gap.

Save your money and do the Duraspark or Mopar conversion. You won't regret it.