Pertronix Ignitor retro rockets

Post by **RogerRust** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 8:04 pm

I fitted a PerTronix Ignitor electronic ignition last night. Long story - bought it on American site and it was delivered from England. While the pound is still strong against the dollar it was cheap ($90 including postage)

Anyhow the points I took off looked ok and the condensor was new. However what a difference - goes like a Retro Rocket!!

So I guess something was out of adjustment before.

Post by **Orkney** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 8:15 pm

And there i was envisaging a couple of surplus SAM motors gaffer taped to the roofrack !

Post by **dalebrignall** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 8:41 pm

electronic ignition does make a hell of a differance

Post by **leyther8008** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:13 pm

Arnt retro rockets supposed to slow thing down?

Post by **Kevin** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:09 am

Yes Roger it really is an excellent piece of kit and they supply Aldon with their kits and I dont know of another company that gives a 30month warentee either.
Hope you dont mind Roger but I adjusted the spelling.

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 1:28 pm

But that's MY job

a

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 1:47 pm

In fact - if the original ignition system was working as it should - fitting electronic ignition makes absolutely no difference to a standard engine. If it's going better now - the old system must have been faulty in some way. Only modified engines with very high compression ratios (where the dense mixture can be difficult to ignite) and high revs over 6000 really benefit from electronic ignition.

Post by **Orkney** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:56 pm

That'll be too much polish and cleansing of the components then - and no not joking

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:03 pm

But easier than trying to fault-find an electronic system at the side of a dark and windswept road! When they fail - they are horrible to try to sort out!

Post by **RogerRust** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 7:26 pm

I have a spare base plate with the contact breaker and condensor still attached so its an easy swap back if I need to. Although the timing slipped back about 15 degrees when I changes to the electronixs (!).

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:12 pm

Wise to carry these spares. Although the electronic unit you have is well praised and doesn't have any particular problems.

Post by **Kevin** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 11:26 pm

fitting electronic ignition makes absolutely no difference to a standard engine.

But Roger's isn't.

Post by **RogerRust** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:20 am

Kevin wrote: But Roger's isn't.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 10:40 am

Very high compression > 10:1 and using > 6000 rpm ???

Post by **RogerRust** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:17 pm

I just checked the bank statement actual cost including postage and all £46 - a bargain I think!
PM me if you want the details.
Roger.

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:32 am

I bought one of their new distributors for my 1275 which is fitted with the same unit total cost £101

Post by **IslipMinor** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:32 pm

Very high compression > 10:1 and using > 6000 rpm ???

Oh, yes and yes! And the Ignitor unit works very well in it.

Being picky, it's not a fully 'electronic ignition' though. It is electronic triggering of the standard ignition, and completely maintenance-free - for any engine there is no wear, no pitted points, no condenser to malfunction, and for a higher revving engine no chance of 'points bounce'. Works best with a high output coil such as the Lucas 'Sports' or the Pertronix 'Flamethrower'.

I do seem to remember that there were claims of a longer 'dwell' period, so that the coil could discharge at a higher voltage and a suggestion that the plug gaps can be opened up to around 0.035" to give a fatter spark. All helps to make the engine run smoother and more reliably.