Pertronix-Is it worth it?
 

I've been having some difficulty recently with my engine running roughly and missing under a load, all of the symptoms I have experienced before with bad points. The current set looks all right, and the plugs are relatively new and I just cleaned them. I pretty much have to problem tracked down to the points because the wear block had worn down enough on my points that I had to reset the gap. Dwell reads in line with a set of used points, but it's still not running quite right.

My question is to anyone who has installed a Pertronix Ignitor system in their 6 cylinder 280. First of all, did you have to make any modifications to the distributor other than removing the points. Somewhere I read that the vacuum bracket might have to be removed and ground down to make room for the magnet assembly, but I believe this was in an article about the older Pagoda models. I have a 1970 280SEL, 6 cyl FI, which originally had a transistorized ignition that was reverted to standard ignition after the transistor switchbox apparently failed.

Also, does the ignitor kit go right in, or do you still have to set dwell angle on initial setup?

Finally, I'm considering purchasing the Flamethrower coil as well. Will this in fact give me a better spark, allowing me to open the spark gap a little to increase performance?

The price on the pertronix module looks reasonable, and I'm looking forward to not having to fool with points again. One issue I'm interested in is reliability. How long have you had yours and have you ever had a problem. My car is a daily driver, and it has to run or I'm stuck.

Thanks!

I have not done a Pertronix, but I know a number of people who have. I have not heard of a single reliability issue and the system worked as advertised. There support is supposed to be very good.

If you have a stock ignition with the tranistor box removed, the spark is going to be very feeble and either the Crane or the Pertronix will help.

Good luck

I installed the Crane on my 4.5 and I think it has made a big difference. The Pertronix is easy to install and just as good if not better than the Crane. I have the high capasity coil which I think makes a bigger difference letting you gap the plugs a bit more for better combustion. Either is simply an upgrade, I do not think you could go wrong.

I've also installed the Pertronix on my '72 280SE 4.5 and have had excellent results. I know others who have the Crane setup and have heard only good things as well. I went with the Pertronix because I already had two other cars ('52 Hudson Hornet - '70 Beetle) set up that way and was pleased with the results.

I have a Pertronix on my 6-cylinder 280 and think it's a great mod. My idle is much smoother and engine much more responsive than before. I got one of their coils as well -- inexpensive and a much stronger spark. No problems here.

Thumbs up on the Pertonix. I also have the Flamethrower coil and spark plug fouling is a thing of the past. Also, a very easy install.

Well, you've all convinced me. I just ordered an Ignitor and coil. So this thing ought to scream when I get it installed.

One question, though, is how do you set the dwell initially?

No Dwell setting
 

I have a petronix in my M127.984 and all you do to install it is, do a little grinding on the new base, add some gasket sealer where the wire enters the distributer housing and check/set the timing. There is no dwell setting concern. Be careful when pushing the new rotor on that you have it aligned properly. It is a tight fit.

I guess that the dwell should be fixed in place. Makes sense. When you mention grinding on the new bracket, are you referring to the one that the pertronix sensor mounts on or the vacuum advance arm. I read an article by Randy Durrance that mentioned having to grind down the advance arm, which I would like to avoid considering that it is held in place by a snap ring, and I'm not good at getting those off in one piece.

On second thought, I rebuilt the shift indicator, and it had a whole bunch of those snap rings, so it couldn't be that bad.

Here's that Durrance Pertronix install article:

http://www.mbzponton.org/valueadded/maintenance/ignitionpert/ignitionpert.htm

Pertronix 1864A fits the 220Sb (Bosch Dist VJUR 6 BR 47T)
 

This article was very helpful. I installed the Pertronix 1864A in my '64 220Sb today and had to grind down the advance bracket just like the one in the Ponton distributor. Mine seemed a little closer to start with so even after grinding there is just a hair of clearance but it worked and fired right up the first time! So no excuses for you fintail owners!