Ignition upgrade in restoration

nuch_ss396 · #1 03-30-2006, 12:25 AM

Hi,

Have any members here ever used one of the ignition upgrade
kits on their restorations?

I'm considering the Breakerless SE kit because it uses only
one wire ( vs. two for Pertronix ) and as such would be
stealthy. It's not original, but it has to be more
dependable - wouldn't you think? Just wondering what you
all think about the use of this in an L/78 restoration.

Steve

**WILMASBOYL78** · #2 03-30-2006, 05:46 AM

I have the Crane Fireball in the 68 427 car....you can set the redline and it works great. Can't comment on other systems, though I'm sure they all perform well.

wilma

**SMGCO** · #3 03-30-2006, 05:35 PM

I've used the Pertronix. In my opinion it's junk.

Chevy454 · #4 03-30-2006, 06:17 PM

You could easily build a small body HEI with just a couple of parts from your local parts store, for 1/3 of that price...I'm not a fan of the Pertronix pieces either...they've left me high & dry beside the road before.

tirebird · #5 03-30-2006, 06:31 PM

Oh, you guys are scaring me. I've run Pertronix in my 63 Vette for years and have it in my 71 TransAm for the past two years. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. Now, I'm wondering what happened to make you say don't buy a Pertronix?

**ANDY M** · #6 03-30-2006, 07:06 PM

I have the Crane unit in my car with the rev limiter set at 6500.

Also have the Crane ignition coil as well.
No problems, works great.

Chevy454 · #7 03-30-2006, 07:11 PM

John: we had an original style Pertronix unit crap out on the cruise home from the track at SCR3, and then another one not long after that...had a newer style unit in my LS6 for a while, thing was hard starting, ran terrible, then ended up crapping out as well, went to points & fixed it. That was probably 4 years or so ago, so they might have their act together since then...but I'm gunshy...

**SmallHurst** · #8 03-30-2006, 07:31 PM

Mine has worked great, but like Rob said, it is a little hard to start when cold. When it is warmed up, just hit the key! I had the original style in my car for 6-7 years and I did rack up some miles on it. The reason it was replaced... long story short, playing around, did not have the battery cable on tight, cable came off and the coil unloaded through the small wires!!! Can we say "baked plastic"!

I have the Ignitor II with matching coil under the hood of mine. So far, I have traveled to SCR6 and back (racing as well) to Stanton, MI (800+ miles) raced 2 days and back, and Detroit, MI (750 miles) and raced 2 days with no issues. So far, the new version has bee good to me. Have Casey chime in on how they are "The tool of the Devil!"

**MosportGreen66** · #9 03-30-2006, 07:31 PM

I have an HEI unit in the '70 Camaro ... works fine ... no issues

CamarosRus · #10 03-30-2006, 07:43 PM

My only experience with PERTRONIX (Ignitor & Coil) is with my 69 "COPO" recreation. Drove three cities last summer on power tour and to Fred Gibb from Springfield,IL. Started cold and hot first crank, along with Eric's restored 4346 !!!!!
My .02